IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 // 
 
 
 
 1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 1.25 
 
 I: 1^ III 2.0 
 
 11= 
 
 1-4 III 1.6 
 
 % 
 
 <^ 
 
 /a 
 
 ^l 
 
 '^A 
 
 e". 
 
 
 9 
 
 Photographic 
 
 Sciences 
 
 Corporation 
 
 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, N.Y. 145B0 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 
% 
 
 L^ 
 
 
 CIHM/ICMH 
 
 Microfiche 
 
 Series. 
 
 CIHM/ICMH 
 Collection de 
 microfiches. 
 
 Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut canadien de microreproductions historiques 
 
Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques 
 
 The Institute has attempted to obtain the best 
 original copy available for filming. Features of this 
 copy which may be bibliographically unique, 
 which may alter any of the images in the 
 reproduction, or which may significantly change 
 the usual method of filming, are checked below. 
 
 n 
 
 sy 
 
 D 
 
 Coloured covers/ 
 Couverture de couleur 
 
 I I Covers damaged/ 
 
 D 
 
 Couverture endommag^e 
 
 Covers restored and/or laminated/ 
 Couverture restaur6e et/ou pelliculde 
 
 Cover title missing/ 
 
 Le titre de couverture manque 
 
 Coloured maps/ 
 
 Cartes g^ographiques en couleur 
 
 Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ 
 Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) 
 
 Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ 
 Planches et/ou illustrations b,^ couleur 
 
 Bound with other material/ 
 Reli6 avec d'autres documents 
 
 Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion 
 along interior margin/ 
 
 La reliure serr6e peut causer de I'ombre ou de la 
 distortion le long de la marge intirieure 
 
 Blank leaves added during restoration may 
 appear within the text. Whenever possible, these 
 have been omitted from filming/ 
 II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajout^es 
 lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, 
 mais, iorsqua ceia 6tait possible, ces pages n'ont 
 pas 6ti film^es. 
 
 Additional comments:/ 
 Commentaires suppl6mentaires: 
 
 L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire 
 qu'il lui a 6td possible de se procurer. Les details 
 de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-dtre uniques du 
 point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier 
 une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une 
 modification dans la mdthode normale de filmage 
 sont indiquis ci-dessous. 
 
 I I Coloured pages/ 
 
 Pages de couleur 
 
 Pages damaged/ 
 Pages endommag^es 
 
 □ Pages restored and/or laminated/ 
 Pages restaur6es et/ou pellicul^es 
 
 Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ 
 Pages ddcoior6es, tachetdes ou piqudes 
 
 I I Pages detached/ 
 
 Pages d6tach6es 
 
 Showthrough/ 
 Transparence 
 
 Quality of prin 
 
 Quality indgale de I'impression 
 
 Includes supplementary materic 
 Comprend du materiel supplimentaire 
 
 Only edition available/ 
 Seule Edition disponibia 
 
 I I Showthrough/ 
 
 I I Quality of print varies/ 
 
 I I Includes supplementary material/ 
 
 I I Only edition available/ 
 
 D 
 
 Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata 
 slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to 
 ensure the best possible image/ 
 Les pages totalement ou partiellement 
 obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, 
 etc., ont 6t6 film^es d nouveau de faqon 6 
 obtenir la meilleure image possible. 
 
 This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ 
 
 Ce document «.«i . film* au taux de reduction indiqu^ ci-dessous. 
 
 mt 14X 
 
 18X 
 
 22X 
 
 26X 
 
 30X 
 
 12X 
 
 3 
 
 16X 
 
 20X 
 
 24X 
 
 28X 
 
 32X 
 
Stalls 
 s du 
 lodifisr 
 r une 
 Image 
 
 The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks 
 to the generosity of: 
 
 Library Division 
 
 Provincial Archives of British Columbia 
 
 The images appearing hbre are the best quality 
 possible considering the condition and legibility 
 of the original copy and in keeping with the 
 filming contract specifications. 
 
 Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed 
 beginning with the front cover and ending on 
 the last page with a printed or illustrated impres 
 sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All 
 other original copies are filmed beginning on the 
 first page with a printed or illustrated impres 
 sion, and ending on the last page with a printed 
 or illustrated impression. 
 
 The last recorded frame on each microfiche 
 shall contain the symbol — »• (meaning "CON- 
 TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), 
 whichever applies. 
 
 Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at 
 different reduction ratios. Those too large to be 
 enti.-ely included in one exposure are filmed 
 beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to 
 right and top to bottom, as many frames as 
 required. The following diagrams illustrate the 
 method: 
 
 L'exemplaire filmA fut reproduit grAce A la 
 gAnArositA de: 
 
 Library Divi. "^n 
 
 Provincial Archives of British Columbia 
 
 Les images suivantes ont M reproduites avec le 
 plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et 
 de la nettetA de l'exemplaire film*, et en 
 conformity avec les conditions du contrat de 
 filmage. 
 
 Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en 
 papier est imprim^e sont film«s en commen^ant 
 par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la 
 derniire page qui comporte une empreinte 
 d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second 
 plat, salon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires 
 originaux sont filmAs en commenpant par la 
 premidre page qui comporte une empreinte 
 d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par 
 la dernidre page qui comporte une telle 
 empreinte. 
 
 Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la 
 dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le 
 cas: le symbole •— »• signifie "A SUIVRE ", le 
 symbole V signifie "FIN ". 
 
 Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre 
 filmAs A des taux de reduction diff^rents. 
 Lorsque 'e document est trop grand pour dtre 
 reproduii en un seul clich6, il est film* d partir 
 de I'angle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, 
 et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre 
 d'images n^cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants 
 illustrent la m^thode. 
 
 rrata 
 o 
 
 selure, 
 1 d 
 
 3 
 
 32X 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
I^f 
 
 MR. 
 
 Delivered 
 

 SPEECH 
 
 OP 
 
 MR. L. B. CHASE, OF TENNESSEE, 
 
 ON THE 
 
 OREGON QUESTION. 
 
 X 
 
 DcUvtredin the House of Representatives ^ U. S., A^ibruary i, 1846. 
 
 WASHINGTON: 
 PRINTED BY J. fc O. S. GIDEON. 
 1846. 
 

 m 
 
 The House 1 
 Foreign Affair! 
 will terminati^ 
 trade in Oregvi 
 
 Mr. CW 
 
 I regret,. ] 
 compelled fi 
 position I o( 
 ziiade to tho 
 my duty to 
 nate if this 
 country is tc 
 opinion in tl 
 sunender of 
 our land . 
 should desc( 
 
 Th« defei 
 gentlemen, 
 rally in the 
 more dangei 
 em line, fro 
 the mouth o 
 of the BritisI 
 terrible in ci 
 ed, or will t 
 fence of the 
 of the gentl 
 ner to the bi 
 Oregon or n 
 sition he has 
 Jiave to drea 
 fury than th 
 upon the coi 
 this floor, bii 
 has been sail 
 part, if I lei 
 
SPEECH. 
 
 The House having under consideration the joint resolution reported by the Committee on 
 Foreign Affairs, directing the President to give notice to Great Britain that the United States 
 will tcrmin?.t(» the convention between the two Governments, providing for the joint ri^ht of 
 •trade in Oregvin territory, at the expiration of twelve months — 
 
 Mr. CHASE, of Tennessee, being entitled to floor, said — 
 I regr«t, jtfr. Chairman, at tlie present stage of tliis discussion, that I am 
 compelled (o occupy the time or tlie attention of the committee. But the 
 position I occupy before my conslituent«,and the allusions which have been 
 made to tho South, by members from the North, upon this floor, makes it 
 my duty to forbear giving a silent vote. I shall deem it peculiarly unfortu- 
 nate if this should become a wtfiono/ question . When the honor of the 
 coimtry is lo be defended , there should be but one voice in this hall , but one 
 opinion in this country. If our national escutcheon is to be tarnished bv' a 
 surrender of our soil, the blight should fall equally upon every portion of 
 our land. But, if the national faith is to be nobly vindicated, the glory 
 should descend upon all. 
 
 Thn defenceless condition of cities upon the coast has been alluded to by 
 gentlemen. Have their inhabitants become so enervated that they cannot 
 rally in the defence of their altars and their firesides? Where can there be 
 more danger than upon our northern and western border? The entire north- 
 ern line, from the mouth of the St. John's to the Pacific, the frontier from 
 the mouth of the Columbia to the Rio del Norte, is exposed to the attacks 
 of the British and then- allies, the savages. Sir, are the pangs of death more 
 terrible in cities than in the country; is the loss of property more to be dread- 
 ed, or will they alike "pledge life, fortune, and Kicred honor," in the de- 
 fence of their country's rights? I was nuich pleased with the fearlessness 
 of the gentleman from Missouri, (Mr. Simms.) He boldly flings his ban- 
 ner to the breeze , upon which he has inscribed his motto, "the whole of 
 Oregon or none, now or never." That gentleman stakes his all in the po- 
 sition he has assumed. His home is ujwn the frontier, where his ftxmily 
 liave to dread the tomahawk of the merciless savages, wore terrible in their 
 fury than their civilized employers, whose attacks are so much dreaded 
 upon the coast. Not only will that gentleman maintain his position upon 
 this floor, but, if necessary, he will back it with a western rifle. So much 
 has been said about the eagle, it may be considered in bad taste, upon my 
 part, if I let tl- 2 poor bird rest. So often has he been compelled to dash 
 
 .f 
 
through the air, now bleeding the lion, at the reipiest of the gentleman from 
 Indiana, (Mr. Kennkoy,) and anun al the sohcitation of the eloquent gen- 
 tleman from Virginia, (Mr. BKDiN(iKn,) atten.pling, but without success, to 
 dash through dari\ clouds charged with eiwcli ioity . again and iigain making the 
 effort, as he wheeled and soared aloft, as if determined to l»rave the fire and' 
 artillery of heaven, and "pass on to the trackless regions of the West." 
 The gentleman siuiuld have required another bold and triuiiiplmnt effort, en- 
 abling the eagle, as the emblem of our power and our institutions, to soar 
 above the cloud , or to pass through it, rather than to suffer him to pause until 
 xhc daii!scr\\VL<\ passed. I will first, Mr. Cliairman,alludeto the position taken 
 by my colleague, (Mr. Ewinc;.) I could hardly resist the conclusion, that 
 the gentleman had made Ciireat liritain his client, such a striking similarity 
 is there between a part of his arguments and those advanced by Mr. Packcn- 
 ham. 
 
 Sfetch nfMr. Ewing, January 29, 184fi. 
 
 " Now the first obsiervalion that is to be 
 inndf ill regard to our title is, tlml we cannot 
 rely upon both that arising from our own dis- 
 coveries and tiiat derived from Snain, and in 
 one event we aliall be preoUidea altof»etlier 
 from relying on tlie former at all. If our title 
 by discovery and settlement be better than that 
 both of England and Spain, or even better than 
 that of Spain, we may disregard the Spanish 
 title altogether, and meet England upon tlmt 
 ground; l)Ul if the Spanish title be belter than 
 that wliif-h we possesj!ed in 1818, we may not 
 be at liberty to disregard the Spanish title, for 
 in that title England may have an interest un- 
 der the Nootka convention. 
 
 It is sufficient answer to the arguments of these gendenjen to state the 
 fact, that we own both these titles, and can use them separately or together 
 as we please. 
 
 Letter of Mr. Packrnham, Jtily^, 1845. 
 
 "The United States can found no claim on 
 discovery, exploration, and settlement, cfTected 
 previously to the Florida treaty, without ad- 
 mitting the principles of the Nooika conven- 
 tion, and the conseouent validity of the paral- 
 lel claims of Great Britain, founded on like 
 acts ; nor can they appeal 'o any exclusive 
 right, as acquired by the Florida treaty, with- 
 out upsetting all claims adduced in their own 
 proper right, by reason of discovery, explora- 
 tion, and settlement, antecedent to Uiut arrange- 
 ment. " 
 
 Jdr. Packrnham, July 24, 184f>. 
 
 •Mr. Eving. 
 
 " In the first place, as relates to the discov- 
 ery of Gray, it must be remarked that he was 
 a privute nuviijalor, sailing jiriiicijially for tlie 
 purposes of trade." 
 
 " First. It is doubtful whether Gray's dis- 
 covery can enure to the benefit of the United 
 Suites, he not acting under Government au- 
 thority." 
 
 Neither of the gentlemen have given reasons or authority to show the 
 distinction between a Government vessel and a merchantman, with the flag 
 of her country at her mast-head, so far a.s discoveries are concerned. 
 
 My colleague proceeds to take another jiosilion, which appears to me to 
 be untenable. He says: 
 
 " What, then, is the true constniction of the Nooikn treaty ? The text of that convention cer- 
 tainly gives to England the right of settlement of Nootka Sound, and within the parallels, there- 
 fore, of 42° and 54° 40V " 
 
 I will notice the right of the English to make settlements north of Nootks 
 soimd hereafter. I have been unable to find any authority to sustain the 
 gentleman's position, that there was a line established at 54° 40' as early as 
 1790, the date of the Nootka treaty. On the contrary, it was not until the 
 convention of 1824, between the United States and Russia, that the bounda- 
 ry of 54° 40' was established — nearly thirty years subsequent to the Nootka 
 convention. , 
 
 My col 
 and it is > 
 their com 
 minds of 
 fresh fron 
 tempting 
 the count 
 as a man 
 that after 
 will go rif 
 the whole 
 
 First. It i; 
 he not actint 
 mouth of tin 
 crnnient auti 
 such a clain 
 Clarke's exp 
 and its subsi 
 lishment at I 
 which IS unt| 
 to be prefer 
 though, are ( 
 doubtt'iil one 
 
 "Take it, 
 tl is, I say, ;i 
 :xn interest in 
 it; or, if we i 
 the convtntii 
 
 These i 
 tieman fro 
 
 "Sir, I de 
 that does not 
 
 will, I ho 
 oiM- rights 
 
 I was 
 make the 
 
 "Theresv 
 is not " Cle;i 
 much Ijettei 
 it better to 
 treaty of Un 
 ty to 49°, a 
 ceitainly no 
 tcrmineil as 
 »ude." 
 
 He thii 
 ritory. 
 examine, 
 occurs to 
 mind as 
 belona: to 
 terminatic 
 title bette 
 he intent 
 as I am r 
 noith lati 
 
man from 
 
 [iieiil gen- 
 
 jiicccss, to 
 
 lakiiigthe 
 
 le fire and 
 
 e West." 
 
 efTortjCn- 
 
 ns, (0 soar 
 
 )aupe until 
 
 ilion taken 
 
 usion , that 
 
 similarity 
 
 . Packcii- 
 
 29, 1846. 
 
 ihal is to be 
 lilt M-e cnniiot 
 our own dis- 
 Snain, and in 
 lea aliopethcr 
 . If our title 
 otter than that 
 •en better than 
 i the Spanish 
 ind upon tJiat 
 be better than 
 ), we may not 
 Kinish title, for 
 an interest un- 
 
 Lo Slate the 
 ' or together 
 
 er Gray's dis- 
 t of the United 
 overnment au- 
 to show the 
 ,vith the flag 
 ned. 
 irs to nie to 
 
 convention ce^ 
 parallels, there 
 
 th of Nootks 
 } sustain the 
 0* as early as 
 not until the 
 the bounda- 
 the Nootka 
 
 My colleague is somewhat celebrated in Tennes.see as a criminal lawyer; 
 and it is well known by all who have witnessed the trial of criminals, that 
 their counsel have often to resort to ingenious argument, to create in the 
 minds of the jiny "rpasonnble doxibts^'' as to their guilt. My colleague is 
 fresh from the courts, and I was not much surprised, that he is fnund at- 
 tempting to create ''reasonable doubts" in the minds of this commiltee and 
 the country ,as to our title to Oregon. I have great respect for my colleague 
 as a man of learning, and as a patriot, and I am inclined to the opinion, 
 that after he has abstained from the defence of criminals for a short time, all 
 will go right with him, and we shall have his cordial assist >.icc in obtaining 
 the whole of Oregon. I tpiote from the gciulcman's s])eech: 
 
 Fir.st. It is doubtful wiicther Gr,-iy"< discovery can inure to the licncfit of the United States, 
 he niu octiiii; un<l('r govoriiiiunt luithoriiy- .Sfcoud. It is pretty cprtiiin dial his i.iiterii.:; the 
 mouth of the river is not better thiui Heceta'n discovery in 17"."). Tliinl. Hi-iiUi went hy 'j;ov- 
 crinnent authority, and cluinied the whole const for his tjovcriiinciit, but it is douijtful liow far 
 sucli a claim was of use without .sul)sc(|ueiit sctllcnicni. Fouilh. The cllect of Lewis and 
 Clarke's exploration without snilemem is of doul)tt"iil import. I"if:h. Tlit scitleiu'.'iit of Astoria 
 and its subsif|ucnt abandonment, what is this to avail' Dxxbitatur. Sixth. The Spanisli tstab- 
 hslimeiit at Noolka, of what ftl'cct was that- It is not ai^reed. Then it earinul be determined 
 whicii IS untiuestioiiably the ln'iier title, the Aiucrieaii or the Spani.^h. The .Spanish title seems 
 to be preferred by our American diplomatists, not that tliey \va\v the choice: the En;rlish, 
 thoiijrh, arc certainly at lilirrty to arsjiie that this is our belter till'-; and, if the point is really a 
 doubtt'iil one, we cannot arbitrarily a»sume it to he either the one way tu' the other. 
 
 "Take it, tlien, that the S| aiilsh is our better title, (and liiii^hind has a ri^'ht so to ar2;ue, for 
 It is, I say, a debatiible matter,) then our title hy our own discoveries is troiie; for Eng'and has 
 an interest in per)>etuo derived under this .Spanish title by convention, and we caiinoi repudiate 
 it; or, if wc do, Enijland may set it up as outstanding, and assert licr rights derived under it and 
 the conventiuii with .Spain." 
 
 These doubts, taken in connection with the positive assertion of the gen- 
 tleman from South Carolina, (Mr. Holmes,) that — 
 
 "Sir, I deny in Mn iuiy riijht. any claim to that territory, or to any part or parcel thereof, 
 that does not tippertain with equtd lorco and etficieiiey to the power of Great Britain." 
 
 will, I hope, be a sufficient excuse, upon my part, for an examination of 
 otu' rights in Oregon. 
 
 I was surprised, Mr, Chairman, to hetir my collt^-igue, (Mr. EwtNt;,) 
 make the admission contained ii» the following language: 
 
 "The result, then, with me, of the examination of our title to the Oregon territory is, that it 
 IS not ''clear and uinincstionable." I have not examined, nor <lo 1 iitend to examine, how 
 much belter it maybe to the 49th parallel than to the iiarallc 1 of j4° 40', thousli I do ihiiik 
 it belter to the former than the latter; and, inilced, if the line of \\P was really marked by the 
 treaty of Utrecht, of which, however, I have no sutiii'ient evidence, wc ini;,'hl claim With i-crtain- 
 ty to 49°, and could not ^o beyond it. The questionin; our title to any part of this territory \3 
 certainly no pleasino' uusk to 'ne, uiiwilliii:^ as I am to yield any nurtioii of the territory, and de- 
 terinineil as 1 ain never, nt any hazard, to yield anytiiiiio' below tiio 49th degree of north lati- 
 <iide." 
 
 He thinks our title is not "clear and unquestionable to the Oregon" ter- 
 ritory. The gentleman .says he has not examined, nor does he intend to 
 €.\amine, how much belter it is to the 49ih parallel than to 54^ 40'. Tt 
 occurs to me, sir, that as the genlloman has so many doubts in his own 
 mind as to our title, atid is so scrnpidous about taking that which does not 
 belong to us, he shoultl be well satisfied of oin- rights before he iisserts a de- 
 termination not to yield the territory. He does stale, that he thinks our 
 title better to 49*^ than to 51° 40 , although he lias not exantined, nor does 
 he intend to examine, how iniicli better; and yet he concludes, ''determined 
 as I am never, at any hazard, to yield anything below the 4yth degree of 
 noith latitude." 
 
It cannot be, that my colleague is resolved to difler, right or wrong, with 
 the executive, as to our title to Oregon; and yet I rnnnoi reconcile his con- 
 clusions. Wliy this resohuion expressed, not to yield anything below the 
 49th degree of north latitude, at the sonic time that he declares our title to 
 Oregon is hot "clear and unquestionable?" If we have no right to the 
 territory he ought not to claim it; on the contrary, if we have tights there 
 they should be enforced. If we have a tide to die 4'.Uh, and no further, 
 there should he go and stop. If our title is good to 54° 40', every principle 
 of honor and duty prompts us to enforce it. 
 
 I will first, Mr. Chairman, briefly allude to our title by our own discove- 
 riss, explorations, and ^etUements. In May, 1792, Capt. Gray, in the 
 ship Columbia, from Boston , entered the mouth of the Columbia river, 
 sailed up die river for several miles, and gave it the name which it hau 
 since borne. It is true that the British commissioners, in 1826, in thestate- 
 ment annexed lo the protocol of the sixth conference, held at London, as- 
 sert that "Mr. Meaics, a lieutenant of the royal navy, in 17S8,had actually 
 entered the bay of the Columbia, to the northern headland of which he 
 gfive llie name of Cape Disappointment, a name which it bears to Uiis day." 
 If this assertion of the British commissioners was sustiiined l)y iUc facts, the 
 English could not reap the beuelils of his discoveries, as will appear from 
 the following extract from Greenhow's history of Oregon, page 172: 
 
 "For the exnedilioii in question, two vcsstls were fitted out at the Portuguese port of Ma- 
 CAo, near Cnnion, in China, from wliieli, as already mentioned, several voyiiges had been pre- 
 viously made to the nortliwest coas'ts of America, in senn^li of furs. They were both placed 
 under the direction of .lohn Meares, a lieulennnt in the Uritish navy, on hulf pay, who sailed 
 in the ship Felice, as supercari;o; (he other vessel, the hriir Ipliigeiiin, also carried a British sub- 
 ject, William Doui;la:is, in the same capacity; both vessels were, however, commanded, osten- 
 sibly, at least, by Portuiinese captains; they were both furnished with passports, and other pa- 
 pers, in the Portuguese lunjiuage, fjranted by the Porluguese authoritieB of Macao, and show- 
 ine them to be the property of Juan Cavallo, a Portuguese merchant of that jilace. The instruc- 
 tions tor the conduct of the voyasje were wrillcn only in the Portuguese languaire, and <'(mtained 
 nothitig whatsoever eulculated lo afford the slightest grounds for suspiciini that other than Por- 
 tuguese subjccls were interested in the enterprise. I-'iniilly, the vessels sailed from MaCAo on 
 the 1st of January, 1786, under the Portugutse flag, and there is no sulficienl proof that luiy 
 Other was displayed by them during the expedition.'' 
 
 If any nation is entitled to the benefit of his discoveries, it is certainly 
 Portugal. 
 
 Lieutenant Meares, it is true, sought for the mouth of the Columbia in 
 the latitude where tradition had located it, but he states in his journal that 
 "he can now safely assert that there is no such river as that of St. Roc ex- 
 isting, as laid down in the Spanish charts." As evidence of the sincerity of 
 this assertion, he gave the name of Cap'' Disappointment to the promon- 
 tory, and the bay obtained the name of Dixcption Bay. 
 
 The next question is, whether we followed up our discovery soon enough , 
 by exploration and settlement, to perfect our title. Coming to a conclusion 
 upon this subject, we nmst lake into consideration the vast distance to that 
 country, and the difriculties which nature has thrown in our way. There 
 is a material diirerence between perfecting a title under such circumstances, 
 and where no such obstacles prevail. Reason and common sense would 
 lead us readily lo the conclusion that, in the exploration and setUement of 
 Oregon, it w^as done in a reasonable iitiie from the discovery of the mouth 
 of the St. Roc by Capt. Gray. 
 
 In May, 1804, Lewis and Clarke, commissioned by the Government of 
 
 the United 
 November, 
 dence to th( 
 to the territt 
 by John Jai 
 
 The nexi 
 at the treat) 
 
 Mr. Pacil 
 In his con 
 discoveries 
 cated, it wi 
 important , ] 
 of the disco 
 
 1.592, Ju 
 
 1774, Ju 
 and discovc 
 
 1775, Hi 
 of his lieut 
 examined i 
 
 The Spa 
 latitude 6P 
 the followii 
 the Secreta 
 tiary, in an 
 of America 
 plele as nc 
 They had 1 
 since the di 
 by all Eurt 
 minister. ' 
 Spimish elf 
 by the pow 
 comes our 
 convention 
 
 The foil 
 
 "An. 3. Ill 
 
 harmony and 
 spectivc si'bje 
 fisherieii in tin 
 places not alrt 
 ilic country, r 
 specified in th 
 
 It is con 
 right of nii! 
 be seen thi 
 
 " Art. 4. t 
 
 navigation an 
 made a pretc? 
 expressly Rti| 
 seas, within t 
 "Art. .-S. A 
 the first artici 
 i stands ad Jact 
 whtrcvcr the 
 
oiig , with 
 e his con- 
 )elow the 
 iir title to 
 jht to the 
 jhls there 
 
 further, 
 ' principle 
 
 II diacove- 
 y, ill the 
 iliiu river, 
 ch it hM 
 
 1 thestate- 
 jiidoii , as- 
 d actually 
 
 which he 
 this day." 
 /f/c/.v, the 
 )pear from 
 T2: 
 
 port of Ma- 
 md l)C<'ii prc- 
 j botti plnced 
 Y, who sailed 
 I Ui'itiali sub- 
 uiideil, oslcn- 
 ind otlicr pa- 
 I, and show- 
 Tlie iiislruc- 
 iiid contained 
 i(:r tliiin Por- 
 ini MiiCAo on 
 roof that any 
 
 certainly 
 
 unibia in 
 )urnal that 
 t. Roc ex- 
 incerity of 
 e promon- 
 
 in enough , 
 conclusion 
 nee to that 
 There 
 .nnstances, 
 use would 
 itlenient of 
 the mouth 
 
 eminent of 
 
 the United Statcg, began the ascent of the Missouri, and on the 15th of 
 November, 1805, arrived at the mouth of the Columbia. This was evi- 
 dence to the nations of the earth that our Government had asserted her title 
 to the territory. In March, 1611 , Astoria was settled by a colony sent out 
 by John Jacob Astor, from New York. 
 
 The next subject of in(|uiry is, what were the rights of Spain in Oregon, 
 at the treaty of 1S19. 
 
 Mr. Packenham does not date the English discoveries earlier than 1788. 
 In his comnumication of July 29, 1845, he says; "Rejecting previous 
 discoveries north of the 43d parallel of latitude as not siifficicntly authenti- 
 cated, it will be seen, on the side of Great Britain," A-c. It will now be 
 important, Mr. Chairman, to a.scertain what were the extent and importance 
 of the discoveries made by Spain, ^/•eyioi/s to 1788. 
 
 1592, Juan de Fuca discovered the straits bearing his name. 
 
 1774, Juan Perez explored the coast, from 54^ north latitude to 49J°, 
 and discovered Nootka sound . 
 
 1775, Heceta sailed along the shore, from 50° north latitude to 41°; one 
 of his lieutenants explored the coast , from 58° to 54° north latitude, and 
 examined it carefully fron» 45° to 42°. 
 
 The Spaniards always claimed the country north to mount St. Elias, in 
 latitude 61°. As condus'we evidence of this fact, I lel'er the committee to 
 the following admissions made by Mr. Packenham, in his ronnnunication to 
 the Secietaiy of State, July, 1845: "Hut, says the American plenipoten- 
 tiary, in another part of his statement, the rights of Spain to the west coast 
 of America, as far north as the sixty-first ilegiec of latitude, were so com- 
 plete as never to have been seriously questioned by any European nation. 
 They had been maintained by Spain with the most vigilant jealousy ever 
 since the discovery of the American continent, and had been acquiesced in 
 by all European powers." This position is not controverted by the British 
 minister. Then , Mr. Chairniau , we must consider it clearly settled, that the 
 Sptmish claim to the territory of Oregon, north to Gl°, was acquiesced in 
 by the powers of Europe, down to the Nootka convention, in 1790. It be- 
 comes our duty, therefore, to inquire what was the force and effect of that 
 convention. 
 
 The following is the 3d article of that convention: 
 
 " Art. 3. In order to strengthen the bonds of tViendship, iind to preserve in future a perfect 
 iiarniony and a,<Vid understanding between the two conirai'.ting parties, it is agreed that their re- 
 Kl)ectivc sHbjects slmil not l)e disturl)e.d or inolcNled, either in navi^'ating or earrying on their 
 fisiicrieii in the Pacific oeean, or in the South seas, or in huuiing on tiie coasts of tliose seas in 
 places not already ooi'.upied, for the purpose of carrying on then- eoinnicrce wilii the natives of 
 the country, or of making settlements there; the whole subject, nevertheless, to the restrictiona 
 specified in the tliree following wticles.'' 
 
 It is contended that, by the provisions of this article, the English had the 
 right of making permanent selllemeiils u])on (lie northwest coast; but it will 
 be seen this right was restricted by the following articles: 
 
 " Art. 4. His Britannic Majesty engages to take the most eifcctual measures to j>revent the 
 navigation and the fishing of his subjects in tlic I'aciti" oceuu, or in the South seas, from being 
 made a pretext for illicit trade with the Spanish sci(lcment-s ; and with this view, it is moreover 
 expressly stipulated, that British subjerts shall not navigate or carry mi their fishery in the said 
 seas, within the space often sea leasrues tVom any part coast ah-iady occupied by St)ain." 
 
 "Art. 5. As well in the places wlmh arc to ic restored to the Foil ish sulijects, by virtue of 
 the lirst article, as in all other [>arts of the northwestern coasts of .\i>rtli America, or of the 
 islands adjacent, situate to the north of the piu'ts of the said cqast ainady occupied by Spain, 
 whircver the :?'.ibjcct;i of cither I'f the two pcwtrL' shall have niaii" ^'.tilcmcnts since tile month 
 
8 
 
 of April, 1789, or »ihall her<'ftft<!r mako any, the sulyecta of the other shall liavc free accew, and 
 ahall carry un their traile without uiiy diaturbance or niolcalation." 
 
 At the time lliis iroaJy was made between England and Spain, tlie former 
 power was only anxious to enable her subiecls to trade with the Indians, 
 and engage in the fisheries; there is not the slighleat evidence, to be gathered 
 from the terms of the convention, that she was anxious to secure for her 
 subjects the ^^7vnrtw//< nossejjsion of the country. This is apparent from 
 the fa^;, that the principle object of the convention apjiears to be, lo place 
 restrictions upon tlie right of trade mid Jishiiiff, so that the subjects of the 
 two nations might not interfere with each oilier, and the limits of these 
 rights were defined l)y the setllemeiUs of the two powers. T/iis convention 
 contained no provision impairing the sovcrn.igntij of Spain. If I can. 
 Mr. Chairman, establish this projMJsition , the claim of England to soil upon 
 the northwest coast is wholly unsustained. 1 shall rely ujmju the admissions 
 and acts of England to pio e my position. 
 
 First. When the negotiations m 181S were in progress between this 
 country and England, no claim was urged by the latter power tq the terri- 
 tory of Oregon, under the Nootka convention. As eoger a.s the Englisb ; : " 
 to seize upon every pretext to extend their lenitorial right.«i, it is not to be 
 supposed that they would suller any opportunity to pass without unjiressing 
 upon the nalion.s of the earth the rights they possess. 
 
 Second. Astoria was surrendered under the first article of the treaty of 
 Ghent. The act of delivery is in the following language: 
 
 " In obedience to the rommnnds of liis Royal Hijjhnfss, the Prince Rci^pnt, .si'jjnificd in a 
 dispatch from the rislil homirnble tlie liarl Bu'thurst, uddrisscd to the partners or ugents of the 
 Nordiwcst Ciiinpnny, bcnrinj; duic the •21i\i of .Iiuuuiry, 181S, nnd in oijcdience to u subsequent 
 order, dated the iJ6th of July, i'vnw W. A. Sherifl", esc]., captain of IiIh Majesty's ship Andro- 
 mache, we, the undcr.sigiied, di>, in conforniity lo the first article of the treaty of Ghent, restore 
 to the Government of the United .States, through its agent, J. B. I'revost, esq., the settlement 
 of Fort Gcortfe, on the Coliiniljia river. 
 
 " Given under our hands, in triplicate, at Fort George, (Columbia river,) this 6th day of 
 October, \^\H. 
 
 Signed, " F. HK'KEY, ('apt. of hisMajrsUfs ship Blossom. 
 
 " J. KEITH, 0/ till- AbrtAiOMt Vmitpany." 
 
 The act of acceptance, on the part of the American Commissioner, is in 
 these words: 
 
 " I dc hereby acknowledge to have this day received, in l)ehalf of the Government of the 
 United States, the iiossession of the settlement designated above, in conformity to the first arti- 
 cle of the treaty ot Ghent. • 
 
 "Given under my hand, in triplicate, at Fort George, (Columbia river,) this 6th Novem- 
 ber, 1818. 
 
 Signed, "J. B. PREVOST, JJgent for the United Stales:'' 
 
 Third. In 1819, we acquired all the rights of Spain to the northwest 
 coast, north of the 42d degree of north latitude, and again England stood 
 silent. l"he boundary between the United States and Spain was settled as 
 follows: 
 
 " The two high contracting portics agree to code and renounce oil their rights, claims, and pre- 
 tensions to the territories described by the said line: ihat is to say, the United States hereby 
 cede to his Catholic Majesty, and renounce forever, all their rights, claims, and pretensions to 
 the territory lying west aim south of the above described line, (42^;) and in like manner his 
 Catholic Majesty cedes to the United States all his rights, claims, and [ji-clensidns to any terri- 
 tory east and north of the .said line, and for himself, his heirs, and successors, renounces all claim 
 to the said territories forever." 
 
 Spain, at that time, claimed the sovereign^' ?^ the soil between 42° and 
 61° north latitude. 
 
 Fhurth. 
 1824, the b 
 We tluifl ce 
 of three hu 
 would she 
 by one pow 
 between th 
 
 " It ,M, mor 
 ted Slates, c 
 riiast of Anie 
 minutes of nn 
 jccis, or uiide: 
 
 i 
 
 Bfth 
 
 tween the 
 consequent 
 from Spaii 
 ing tite pi 
 tained fron 
 length, wl 
 pover holi 
 (iovernme 
 the commi 
 and (ireal 
 
 " Ahtici.k 
 
 ties u])on the 
 in the inonnc 
 of Wales' is' 
 and 133d (hi. 
 north along t 
 strikes the 5( 
 tion shall fol 
 intersection ( 
 the said poii 
 far us the F 
 c,oiitii;ent of 
 
 Sixth. 
 with the 1 
 the Stony 
 
 1818: 
 
 "It isagr 
 America, w^ 
 and the nav 
 from the da 
 the two Po\ 
 judice of ail 
 "the said con 
 part of the s 
 to ^irevcnt i 
 
 The c( 
 conventic 
 the right 
 tice. 
 
 Wliat 
 ticularlv 
 
CO acceM, and 
 
 tlie former 
 i« Indians, 
 l)e gntliered 
 ure for her 
 parent from 
 be, (o pinre 
 eels of the 
 its of these 
 convention 
 If I can. 
 lo soil upon 
 admissions 
 
 etween ihis 
 tq tlje lerri- 
 Mnfjiisli ;,;" 
 is not to he 
 impressing 
 
 !ic treaty of 
 
 siicnificd in a 
 r ugeniM of the 
 o u .subfcqiicnl 
 'm tiliip Amlro- 
 Cilu'iil, restore 
 
 the settlement 
 
 lis 6th day of 
 Mp Blossom. 
 
 sioner, is in 
 
 rnment of th>> 
 9 the first arti- 
 
 1 6th Novem- 
 
 ited States.'' 
 
 northwest 
 jland stood 
 s settled as 
 
 inis, and pre- 
 3tates hereby 
 retcnsions to 
 I manner his 
 I to any terri- 
 nces all claim 
 
 n 42° and 
 
 Fhurth. By the convention between the United States and Russia, in 
 1824, the boundary between the two powers was f'xed in latitude, 54'' 40'. 
 We thus cede toRussia C^ and 20', or an extent of country alon<^ the coast 
 of three hundred and sixty miles. If Knijland had possessed tide to this soil, 
 would she have calndy and quietly looked on, suH'oring it to 'je traded off 
 by one power to another? The following is the mlicle setting the boundary 
 between the United States and Russia: 
 
 " It .s, moreover, n;;reed, t' ,it, hereafter, llierc shall not Im formed, l)y the e.itizcnn of the Uni- 
 ted Slaten, o iiidcr iho authority of the IJiiiled States, any irslublishinenl upon the rjorthwflsl 
 roast of Aniiriea, nor in any of iIir i.slands adjacent /o Me nnrth of fifiy-fniir deifree.i and 40 
 niHiutcs of north latitude ; and, in the same manner, there »ludl l>c none mniicd by Russian sub- 
 jects, or under the authority of Russia, sotW/i of the same jiarallel." 
 
 Pifth. So far from objectinij to the Coi.i: li!»hiiient of the boundary be- 
 tween the United States and Russia ujion li .. parallel of .54° 40', and a 
 consequent conveyance to Rusf^iaof 6 de^-fcc. of territory which we obtained 
 from Spain, Hnglaiid, in 1S25, eslab!i::lied A'?' boundary with Russia, mak- 
 ing the parallel of 54° 40' the bat..s. By that convention England ob- 
 tained from Russia an extent of country three hundred anil sixty miles in 
 length, which the Ri'ssians (terired froiii the United States — the fatter 
 pover holding iinder Spain. And yet, 8ir, at I his late day, the English 
 (iovernment dispute the validity of our Spanish tide. I call the attention of 
 the commiltei.' to the following article of the convention between Russia 
 and (iieat Britain; 
 
 " Artici.k 3. The line of demarkation between the possessions of the high contracting par- 
 tics upon the eoast of the eontiiient, and the islands of America to the norlhweot, shall be drawn 
 in the manner following : Comme neins from the northernmost jioiiit of the island called Prince 
 of Wides' island, \vlii<-li point lies in the jmralli. of^Y^ W' ittn-th latitude, and between the 131st 
 and 133d deiTeeof west longitude, (meridian of tireenwich.) The said line siiall ascend to the 
 north along tin; channel called Portland chatuifl, as far BH the point of the continent where it 
 .strikes the 56lh deprec of north latitude. From this last mentioned point the line of demarka- 
 tion shall follow the .-nmmit of the mountains situate paralkl to the eon.'jt a.s far as the point of 
 intersection of the 141st degree of west lon^itudi', (of the same meridian.) And, finally, from 
 the said point ot >nter.section, the said meridian line of the 14l3t desree, in its prolongation as 
 far as the Frozen ocean, shall form the limit l)ctwecn llussian and <3ritish possessions on the 
 eontiiient of America to the northwest." 
 
 Sixth. By the convejition of ISIS, England had a joint right of trade 
 with the United States in the territories pos.-:essed In' both powers west of 
 
 the Stony mountains 
 1818: 
 
 The following is the 3d article of the convention of 
 
 "It is agreed that any country that may be claimed by either party on llic northwest coast of 
 America, westward of the Stony mountains, shall, to;,'cther witn its harbors, bays, and creeks, 
 and the navigation of all rivers within the same, be free and open for the term of ten years, 
 from the date of the signature of the present convention, to the vessels, citizens, and subjects of 
 the two Powers, ii beiiis; well imderstood that this agreement is not to be construed to the pre- 
 judice of any claim which either of the two liif;!i contracting parties may have to any part of 
 the said country ; nor shall it be taken to atlVct the claims of any other Power or State to any 
 part of the said country ; the only oliject of ihc high contracting parties, on that subject, being 
 to.j)revent disputes and ditl'erences among themselves." 
 
 The convention of 1827 indefinitely extended and continued in force the 
 convention of 1818, givinsr, however, to either of the contracting parties, 
 the right to abrogate it upon giving to the other jxirty twelve months' no- 
 tice. 
 
 What I wish, Mr. Chairman, to call the attention of the committee par- 
 ticularly to, is the fact that England, under the convention of 1818, had a 
 
10 
 
 right to trade between the 42d and the 6l8t deffrees of north latitude, as our 
 title embraced the territory between these parallels. But between the con- 
 ventions of 1618 and 1827, the convention of 1824 was adopted between 
 Russia and the United States, by which we transferred our soil north of 54° 
 40' to Russia, and consequently, when the convention of 1827 was adopted, 
 England had not the right of trade even north of 54° 40' . It is not to be 
 supposed , sir , that England , if she had rights in Oregon at that time , would 
 have suffered them to be so grossly infringed upon. 
 
 I think, Mr. Chairman, 1 have now established my position, that the 
 Noolka convention contained no provision impairing the sovereignty of 
 Spain to the territory upon the northwest coast. 
 
 But there is another treaty which precludes Great Britain from setting up 
 a claim to territory west of the Mississippi river. The seventh article of the 
 treaty between Olreat Britain and France, in 17t)3, is in the following 
 words: "The confines between the dominions of His Britannic Majesty 
 in that part of the world (die continent of America) shall be fixed irrevoca- 
 bly by a line drawn along the middle of the river Mississippi, from its source 
 to the river Iberville; and, from thence, by a line drawn along liie middle 
 of this river and the lakes Maurepas and Ponchurtrain, to the sea." The 
 boundary having hccn fixed irrevocably upon a particular line, by England^ 
 she cannot go beyond it. In 1603 France conveyed to the United Slates 
 whatever rights she acquired to territory by the treaty of 1763. 
 
 I think, Mr. Chairman, I have estabhshed that our title is "clear and 
 nnqueslionable" to the whole of the Oregon territory between the 42d and 
 54° 40^ of north latitude. 
 
 I will next proceed, sir, to assign reasons, which appear conclusive to my 
 mind, that this notice should be given now, and the convention abrogated, 
 that we may assert our title to the whole territory. 
 
 The gentleman from Alabama, (Mr. Yancey,) asked if England has act- 
 ed with bad faith, tiiat gentlemen should be so anxious to abrogate this con- 
 vention? I unhesitatingly reply, that she lias acted with bad faith; that 
 she has violated the spirit of the conventions of 181.S and 1827. By the 
 terms of these conventions, the citizens and subjects of the two powers had 
 a right of trade in the countries claimed by either parly on the northwest 
 coast of America, westward of the Stony Moimtains, with the express reser- 
 vation, however, " that this agreement is not to be construed to the preju- 
 dice of any claim which either of the two high contracting partits may have 
 to any part of the said country," «fcc. 
 
 Now, sir, there is manifested upon the part of Great Britain a determina- 
 tion to hold permanent possession of a part of tluit countrJ^ They havr 
 twenty-two forts upon our soil, certainly not to protect themselves against, 
 the Indians, because they are generally the allies of the savages, and there 
 is certaiidy a good unilerstanding l)etwcen them now. No other power save 
 the United States claims the soil. Tlien why the erection of lorts ? Why 
 this state of preparation ? Sir, in my judgment, it would l>e right for this 
 Government to break otl" negotiations with any power making active prei>a- 
 rations for war, while atteiuptiiig to seUle a difficulty amicably. As soon 
 would I pjvrley with a man who was sharpening his knife to take my heart's 
 blood. But I have other evidence of her (leterniiiiation. In 1837, the 
 Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company wrote us follows to the Britisli 
 Secretary Ibr the colonies: ■ ' 
 
 " Wxlh, cart Bt 
 M betn, »o muck 
 'ritish interest a 
 oast of the Pucy 
 
 Sir, mark 
 care and pro 
 country," 
 as paramour 
 
 On the Is 
 jpany in Am 
 
 "TlieposscB 
 itnpoi(«ii<'f, (ind 
 csiiililislimcnt 
 culuirisls." 
 
 Not satisf 
 of iSlSnnc 
 the purpose 
 i«^'- the nuc 
 
 Mr. Cliai 
 
 Oregon, to 
 
 " Whcrtvcr 
 tilfairfd ill inu 
 berot hunurs 
 : wore ofVered U 
 of the Unitcil 
 10 rt tire fri'iii t 
 
 Ag-iin: 
 
 "As ili<^ fui 
 becan to nirn 
 mills for L'rind 
 near Bulfiiu'ii' 
 
 The poli 
 
 settled dete 
 
 ]'ermanent 
 
 lation upon 
 
 citizens inc 
 
 already tin 
 
 company, 
 
 itjcted. B 
 
 a conclusit 
 
 country. 
 
 rally the r 
 
 people is r 
 
 But, Ml 
 
 Slates ten^ 
 
 that, alllii 
 
 the Unite( 
 
 lie liound 
 
 bad been 
 
 was declii 
 
 poi^iiitiii tl 
 
 rcl'iise an 
 
 atrree tha 
 
II 
 
 ude , as our 
 en the con- 
 id between 
 ortl) of 54° 
 as adopted, 
 s not to be 
 iiue, would 
 
 that the 
 ereignty of 
 
 setting up 
 tide of the 
 
 following 
 lie Majesty 
 d irrevoca- 
 n its source 
 liie middle 
 a. I' The 
 1;' England;, 
 ited Stales 
 
 'dear and 
 le iM und 
 
 isive to my 
 abrogated, 
 
 nd has act- 
 [e this con- 
 faith; that 
 ^ By the 
 )owers had 
 nortiiwest 
 press reser- 
 the preju- 
 nrny have 
 
 leterniina- 
 riiey havr 
 -'es against 
 and there 
 •ower save 
 .s? Why 
 iit for this 
 ive prepa- 
 As soon 
 nv heart's 
 1^37,, the 
 he UritisJi 
 
 ' With cart and protection, tkt British dmninion may not otily bt presfrved in thii country, which it 
 has been >o much the wish of Rustia and .liinrica to occupy to the exclusion of British subjects, but 
 British interest and British injlutnce may be maintained oi paramount on this interesting part of tht 
 \coast of the Pacific." 
 
 Sir, mark the pointed and significant language of the Governor: " With 
 care and protection, the British dominion may not only be preserved in this 
 country," " but British interests and British inlhience may be maintained 
 as parainount on this interesting part of the coast of the Pacific." 
 
 On the 1st of February, 1837, (ieorge Simpson, esq., agent of the com- 
 pany in America, writes to Governor Pelby on the same subject. He says: 
 
 "Thfi possession of that country ("Oregon) to Great Britain may become an object of very great 
 importance, and ice art strengthenini; their claim to it h'j forming the nucleus of a colony, through tlie 
 (Ntiiliiishnient of farms and the .settlpineiit of some of our retirinij officers and servants as agri- 
 culturists." 
 
 Not satisfied with complying with the words and spirit of the conventions 
 of 1S18 and 1827, which authorized them to trade upon our soil, and for 
 ilie purpose of strengthening the claim of Great Britain, they were "fortn- 
 iu<f the nucleus of a colony.''^ 
 
 Mr. Chairman, I take the following extracts from Greenhow's History of 
 Oregon, to show the committee the aspect of aflairs upon our own soil: 
 
 " Wherever an Anicrii'nn trading; post las been established, or an American party lias beer» 
 enjraircd in trade on the I'olu.ubia, there a|i])(arcd a Hudson's Ray agent, at the head of a num- 
 ber of hunters, or with a lanrc stock of merchandise, or a large amount of specie in hand, which 
 were offered for skins on terms more favoralije to the Iiidinus than those possessed by citi/.ens 
 iif i!ic United Stiitcs ; and the latter, in consequence, finding their labors vain, were soon obliged 
 10 It tire from the field." 
 
 Ag.iin: 
 
 "As the fur trade in the countries of the Columbia decreased, the Hudson's Bay Company 
 becan to turn its attention to other objects. Farms were laid out on an extensive scale, and 
 mills for grindiiiiT grain and sawing wii,d were erected near the lower part of the great river, 
 near Bulfiiich's Harbor, near I'uget's Sound, and in other places.'' 
 
 The policy of the Engli.^h Government, for several years past, evinres-a 
 settled determination, by '■• formiiii^ the nucleus of a colony,'''' to retain 
 permanent possession of the country. Peihaj)« they have based their calcu- 
 lation upon a continuance of tluit line of jiolicy which withholds from our 
 citizens inducements to settle the Oregon territory, and leaves our people, 
 already there, to struggle with the concentrated power of an incorporated 
 company, without any certainty that their rights will ultimately be pro- 
 tticted. But, Mr. Chairman, if t' '•'iiiglish (iovcrnment has come to such 
 a conclusion, they have again misittken the character of the musses in this 
 country. Although our iiflVclions cling around our family altars, and we 
 rally the more readily to their defence, yet the patriotism of the American 
 people is as broad as the land we inhabit. 
 
 But, .Mr. Cliairman, it is uigetl that the present Executive of the United 
 Slates tendered to England the 4^^^^ of north latitude as the boundary, and 
 iliai. altiiough it was rejected by England, and subsequently wididrawu by 
 tin; United Slates, yet, if it was now tendered by Great Britain, we should 
 be l)ound to accept it. To this conclusion I cannot agree. If the tender 
 had been accepted, we certainly should have been bound by it; but, as it 
 was declined, and then willRliawn , the two Governments occupy the same 
 positiuu they did before it was made. The argument is, that we could not 
 rct'use an oiler which we had boeii liberal enougii to make ourselves. All 
 agree th.it the President could not have made a more liberal oiler, consistent 
 
12 
 
 with the honor of our country; and yet, sir, in 181S and 1826, we tendered 
 to Great Britain the 49° of north latitude, together ivith the fiec naviga- 
 tion of the Columbia river south of that latitude. Now, sir, if we are 
 bound, as gentlemen insist, to accept as liberal an offer from Great Britain 
 as we liave tendered, we should be compelled to accept the parallel of 49°, 
 if oflered, giving to that Power tlie free navigation of the Columbia river, 
 south of that parallel. No member upon this lloor will, I tiust, so far for- 
 get the interests of his country as to surrender the free navigation of a river 
 which flows through our territory. 1 regret, Mr. Chairman, thatgendenien, 
 in their anxiety to compromise upon 49°, should have placed themselves in 
 so false a position . 
 
 Sir, I have no hesitation in saying, that it is my deliberate opinion, after 
 the most mature reflection, that, if England fenders the 49° degree of north 
 latitude as the boundary between the two countries, or any other parallel 
 south of 54° 40', it should be promptly and unhcsilatingiy rejected, "and 
 our title to the whole Oregon territory asserted." I beg leave, Mr. Chair- 
 man, in this connexion, to state that England never will, in my opinion, 
 compromise at 49°. The harbors and territory which she desires to possess 
 are between the 49° and the mouth of the Columbia, and we shall be com- 
 pelled to present to tlie world the humiliating spectacle of purciiasing a 
 peace by ofl'ering to surrender still more of our soil. 
 
 It may be well to recollect, Mr. Chairman, that the amount of territory 
 gentlemen propose to surrender between 49° and o4° 40', north latitude, is 
 about 100,600,000 acres, and that the people may regard peace purchased 
 at such a price rather too dear. 
 
 The Executive, in his message, asserts the ///r/, that our title to the 
 whole Oregon territory has been ' >naintaiued by irrefragable facts and ar- 
 ffutnetits." 
 
 In his message, the President sta' ■ the following jon'«''7j/e; 
 
 " Near a quarter of a rentury Rj;n, the prinoi] was distiiirtly annouiKcd to the world, in the 
 -annu.il messiis^c of one of my predeccsRors, thiit the Anierieaii coniin';i.i.->, by the iivf and inde- 
 pendent condition which they had assumed ami maintained, are hencet'urthjnot to l)e considered aa 
 subjects for future colonization by any Euro])ean power.' This principle will ap|)ly with j^reat- 
 ly increased force, should any Luropean power attcmjit to establish any new colony in >forth 
 America. In the existing circumstances of the world, the present is deemed a pro))er occasion 
 to reiterate and reaffirm the principle avowed by Mr. iVIonroe, and to slate my cordial concur- 
 rence in its wisdom and sound polity." 
 
 Now, sir, if it is the settled policy of this country that the American con- 
 tinents are not to be considered as sulijects for future colonization by iiny 
 European power, it applies to territory to which we have no claim, as well 
 as to that which belongs to us; and, if we cannot suffer the powers of Eu- 
 rope to colonize parts of the American continent over which we have no 
 claim, how can we surrender territory to which our title is ''clear and un- 
 questionable," upon whicli a foreign power can form the ''nucleus of a co- 
 lony?" I am decidedly of opinion, Mr. Chairman, that the joint right of 
 trade in Oregon should terminate as soon as possible. The English are 
 erecting forts, and forming the "nucleus of a colony," north of the Colum- 
 bia. Our citizens arc selUing south of that streau). If this is su fie ret I to 
 continue, the Columbia river will become the boundary between the two 
 countries. To extend our laws over the territory, and build forts, will be 
 proper, as long as our citizens and the subjects of England occupy different 
 
 portions of 
 
 forts, where 
 
 contact witl 
 
 can rifle gli 
 
 blasts of th( 
 
 English infi 
 
 sir, let this 
 
 would be si 
 
 I am in i 
 
 zens in Or( 
 
 only means 
 
 lion of our 
 
 A disting 
 
 STEH,) I h 
 
 should be 1 
 
 establish ai 
 
 be allowed 
 
 ator, I can 
 
 induced th 
 
 grounded 1 
 
 si ana were 
 
 soluble bo! 
 
 means of j 
 
 ous foes. 
 
 fraternal l( 
 
 us that it 1 
 
 when inte 
 
 of the pec 
 
 ments wh 
 
 The ob 
 
 the policy 
 
 tended , b; 
 
 ment, au( 
 
 ble , or in 
 
 land may 
 
 The ht 
 
 lights of 1 
 
 has sprea( 
 
 Mississipi 
 
 equality ( 
 
 the Pacif 
 
 Sir, 1 
 
 might dv 
 
 from the 
 
 pheres, ' 
 
 other. I 
 
 it will af 
 
 and live 
 
 his flock 
 
ve tendered 
 / ce naviga- 
 if we are 
 real Britain 
 iIlelof49°, 
 inl)ia river, 
 , so far for- 
 m of a river 
 gentlemen, 
 eniseives in 
 
 linion , after 
 ree of north 
 ler parallel 
 clod, "and 
 Mr. Cliair- 
 ny opinion, 
 s to possess 
 all be I'oni- 
 urcliasing a 
 
 of territory 
 
 latitude, is 
 
 3 purchased 
 
 title to the 
 lets and ar- 
 
 e world, in the 
 fret and indc- 
 ? I'Diisidered as 
 ily witli grciit- 
 I'liiy in North 
 ro|)('r occasion 
 :ordial concur- 
 
 lerican con- 
 ion by any 
 ini, as well 
 ers of Eu- 
 ■e have no 
 ar and nn- 
 us of a co- 
 inl right of 
 'Inglish are 
 he Colinii- 
 suHereii to 
 n the two 
 tS; will be 
 y different 
 
 13 
 
 portions of the territory. But, once let our people pass the river, and erect 
 ibrts, where the crocs of St. George, floating upon the breeze, conies irk 
 contact with the stars and stripes — let the English bayonet and the Ameri- 
 can rifle glitter upon opposite hills — while upon the same plains, to the 
 blasts of the bugle dash the American cavalry, and the serried ranks of the 
 English infantry move to the notes of th^ tife and tlie rolling of the drum — 
 sir, let this state of affairs exist for two weeks, and insults will pass, blood 
 would be shed, and the English or American flag would trail in the dust. 
 
 I am in favor of erecting forts and extending our laws to protect our citi- 
 zens in Oregon . But with it I think we should now give the notice , as the 
 only means to prevent a rupture with England, or the si<rrender of a por- 
 tion of our territory. 
 
 A distinguished Senator, in the oilier end of the Capitol, (Mr. Web- 
 STEii,) I believe, has expressed the opinion, that the people in Oregon 
 should be left to select their own government, and if they think proper, to 
 establish an independent republic, west of the Rocky mountains, they should 
 be allowed to do so. Notwithstanding the ability of that distinguised Sen- 
 ator, I cannot bring myself to agree to his conclusions. The policy which 
 induced the union of these States was no doubt partially based upon well 
 grounded fears of their becoming rival republics. The Floriias and Loui- 
 siana were purchased, and Texas was annexed , to attach to us, by the indis- 
 soluble bonds of " the Union ," territories that might have possessed the 
 means of annoyance, if not the inducement, of becoming open and danger- 
 ous foes. The germ of s'rife and bloodshed have thus been converted into 
 fraternal love. The history of all republics, Mr. Chairman, should learn 
 us that it IS far belter for contigut us territory to be under one government, 
 when interests are merged , and the welfare of all become the end and aim 
 of the people, than to run the hazard of a collision, by creating the ele- 
 ments which will produce it. 
 
 The objections of that distinguished Senator may perhaps be founded in 
 the policy of the Federal party, that our territorial limits should not be ex- 
 tended , based upon a disbelief in the capacity of the people for self govern- 
 ment, and therefore a determination to confide the right to as few as possi- 
 ble, or in opposition to the acquisition of more territory, that the price of 
 land may increase. 
 
 The hopes of ihe advocates for free government have been realized. The 
 tights of man have been secured. The spirit of our Constitution and la'vs 
 lias spread from the Atlantic shores, fiir west throughout the valley of the 
 Mississippi; the Rocky mountains have been surmounted, and liberty and 
 equality cover, as with a shield, the American citizen upon the shores of 
 the Pacific. 
 
 Sir, I might allude to the value of that country to the United States. I 
 might dwell upon its excellent harbors, where oiu- shipping can rest secure 
 from the attacks of our enemies, in its passage between the two hemis- 
 pheres, while exchanging the necessaries of one for the luxuries of the 
 other. I could bring to the attention of the committee, the facilities which 
 it will afford us for shipbuilding— the vast amoiuit of fir, white oak, pine, 
 and live oak which cover the land. Upon her hills, the shepherd an tend 
 his flocksj upon the plains, rich and fertile farms, covered with waving grain,, 
 
14 
 
 will reward the labor. of the husbandman; her valleys, teeming with 
 manufactories, will diifuse comforts throughout the territory; her lovely 
 glens and beautiful cascades will be the admiration of travellers, while the 
 soft breezes from the Pacific will waft to her lap all that can contribute to 
 the health or happiness of her citizens. But all this affords me no greater 
 inducement to assert our right to territory which unquestionably belongs 
 to us. 
 
 But, it is said, Mr. Chairman, that there is no necessity for urging this 
 question now. Tl)is has been the argument of England; for years she has 
 oojected to (he adjustment of this question. Twenty-eight years, Mr. 
 Chairman, is long enough to be discussing a question of territorial right. 
 We have never gained much by negotiating with our ancient foe . Her 
 statesmen are cautious and far-seeing. They are well aware of the twie to 
 press an unfounded claim, and can well judge of how many difficulties to 
 adjust at once. When the treaty was formed ceding away the mountain 
 boundary of Maine, as an equivalent for that unwarrantable cession, Great 
 Britain ought to have had the magnanimity to relinquish an unfounded 
 claim to any portion of Oregon territory, even if the American negotiator 
 had not the spirit to ask it. Sir, we may sec the artfid policy by which 
 EngUsh diplomatists are governed, b}^ reading the following extract from 
 the communication of Lord Aberdeen, in October, 1842, to Mr. Fox, the 
 British minister at Washington: 
 
 "You are aware that Lord Asliburton \va.s furnished with specific and detailed instructions, 
 ■witli respect to the treatment of this point of differcn''e between the two Governments, in the 
 general negotiations with which he was entrusted, and which he ha.3 brought to a satisfactory 
 issue. 
 
 "For reasons which it is not necessary here to state at length, that point, after having been 
 made the subject of conference with the American Secretary of Staic, was not further pressed. 
 The main ground alleged by his lordship for abstaining from proposing to carry on the discus- 
 sion, with respect to tlie question of the noitliwest boundary, was, the iipprehcusion, Ust, by so 
 doing, the seltkment of the far more important matter of the northeustern boundary should he impeded, 
 or exjwsed to the hazard of a failure.'" 
 
 A bold, prompt, and determined assertion of our rights should at all times 
 be adopted by this country, but more especially at so critical a period in our 
 history as the present. 
 
 I have been much surprised, Mr. Chairman, to hoar sentlpnien upon 
 this floor, in glowing language, talk al)out the power of EngUniu and the 
 weakness of our own country, as if t/iat was to be taken into consideration 
 by members representing portions of this powerful confederacy, when S'.t- 
 ding a question of territorial right. Why, sir, do they forget that we are 
 six times stronger than when the stars and stripes waved in triumph over the 
 flag of England in the first struggle; and that we have grown in strength 
 since American valor proved victorious at the point of the bayonet, and 
 broke the charm of British invincibility upon the sea? Why, Mr. Chair- 
 man, gentlemen might take courage from the spirited language of a young 
 lady, who, from her position upon the northern border, is in as much dan- 
 ger as these geiUlemen or their constituents. In a letter to me she remarks: 
 *■' I cannot say that I wish for war; but still I do not vish one foot of land 
 to be given up that belongs to vs; and if it cannot be done any other way , 
 keep it at the vioitth of your cannon ^ 
 
 During 
 the assistai 
 experience 
 sterner sex 
 A natior 
 respect of t 
 her influer 
 her from t 
 One of 
 same time 
 Frederick 
 France, ar 
 odds were 
 the war cl 
 when wai 
 The Ga 
 the (/apito 
 ^'defenccb 
 were weig 
 scale, dec I 
 moment C 
 selves lUK 
 Mr. Ch 
 buy a pea 
 and patrio 
 A propc 
 give the n 
 gentlemer 
 from the ( 
 sibilily of 
 the odiun 
 notice; ai 
 upon the 
 of the del 
 I do no: 1 
 dined to 
 of the qu 
 I am f 
 merged ii 
 fearfid a 
 of duty, 
 of wire-' 
 territory 
 order thn 
 forward 
 alone nv 
 My pt 
 no rcaso 
 am Willi 
 If w« 
 
15 
 
 craing with 
 her lovely 
 ■3, while the 
 ontribute to 
 e no greater 
 ibly belongs 
 
 urging this 
 ears she has 
 
 years, Mr. 
 itorial right, 
 t foe . Her 
 
 the time to 
 ifliciilties to 
 e mountain 
 ssion , Great 
 
 unfountled 
 1 negotiator 
 y by which 
 xtrac( from 
 r. Fox, the 
 
 instructions, 
 nineiits, in the 
 I a satisfactory 
 
 r Iiaving been 
 irtluT pressed, 
 on the discus- 
 sion, Irst, b<j so 
 uld be impeded, 
 
 at all times 
 !riod in our 
 
 n)en upon 
 lu and the 
 n-sideration 
 , when S'.t- 
 )at we are 
 ah over the 
 in strength 
 Vonet , and 
 Ir. Chair- 
 f a young 
 nuch dan- 
 e remarks: 
 >o/ of land 
 it/ier way , 
 
 During that period of our country's history "which tried men's souls," 
 the assistance and advice of the ladies was received and appreciated , and 
 experience has proved, that in times of peril they are pftener rigtit than the 
 sterner sex. 
 
 A nation which hesitates to defend her rights soon ceai^es to prwaess the 
 respect of the powers of the earth; one encroachment after another narrows 
 her influence and contracts her territory, until ambition or avarice strikes 
 her from the list of nations. 
 
 One of the most brilliant passages in the history of the world , and , at the 
 same time, one of the most instructing, was the glorious stand taken by 
 Frederick the Great, of Prussia, against the combined powera of Ru.ssia, 
 France, and Austria, when they sought to carve up his dominion:). The 
 odds were fearful, but he did not hesitate to defend hii> rights, and before 
 the war closed, he taught his enemies how terrible is the shock of battle 
 when wairiors are defending their homes. 
 
 The Gauls once proving victorious over the anns of Rome, laid siege to 
 the (/'apitol. Struck, with terror at the "j9o?rer" of the Gauls, and their 
 ''dfifettcf'kss^^ condition, they sought to "binjapeacc/^ While the Romans 
 were weighing the gold, the leader of the Gauls caj^t his »word into the 
 scale, declaring that the fate of the conquered was submL%?ion. At this 
 moment Caniillus appeared before the gates, and the Romans placing them- 
 selves mider his command, gained a complete victory over the Gauls. 
 
 Mr. Cliairman, when the American people suffer their representatives to 
 binj a peace, it will be when the deeds of our sires are forgotten, and valor 
 and patriotism cease to meet the approving smiles of American Ujauly. 
 
 A proposition is gravely urged, to extend to the President the power to 
 give the notice whenever, in his discretion, he may think proj>er. Would 
 gentlemen throw all the responsibility upon the Executive? If we shrink 
 from the discharge of a duty, will he feel authorized to at&^'uiiie the respon- 
 sibility of giving the notice? He stands alone, without any one to divide 
 the odium with him, if a disastrous war should be the result of giving the 
 notice; and although I do not distrust his firmness, yet when a JK»ld ?tand 
 upon the part ot this House is so tnuch to be desired, as evidence to England 
 of the determination of the people, it is strange that gentlemen will .«hrink. 
 I do no' know what will be the result of giving notice, but 1 am much in- 
 clined to believe, that it will produce a satisfactory and speedy adjustment 
 of the question. 
 
 I am fearful, Mr. Chairman, that the wishes of the people are sometimes 
 merged in a desire for president-making. They will certainly be held to a 
 fearful accountability by their constituents, if there is faltering in the path 
 of duty. The citizens of this country will promptly condemn any system 
 of wire-working and double-dealing, any nice calculations of how much 
 territory may be surrendered , or how far our rights nmsl Ik; extended, in 
 order that any aspirant may be foisted into the presidential cfiair. A .straight- 
 forward determination to assert the rights and honor of the country will 
 alone njeet the approbation of the American people. 
 
 My position was taken upon this question before my constituents. I see 
 no reason, sir, for changing the opinions I avowed before my election. I 
 am willing to be as explicit here as I was then. 
 
 If we can obtain the whole territory by negotiation, and that speedily, I, 
 
16 
 
 as one individual, am willing that negotiations should be opened again for 
 that purpose. I am opposed to arbitration or compromise. I would vote 
 for a declaration of war sooner than surrender any portion of the Oregon 
 territory. • 
 
 Mr. Chairman, much has been said about the bravery of their constitu- 
 ents, by representatives upon this floor. Tennessee requires no eulogium 
 from me. Her deeds are written upon many a page which adorns our 
 country's history. Although my constituents prefer the quiet happiness 
 "Which peace confers , yet when a haughty power demands a surrender of 
 our soil, or requires us to purchase a peace, I feel authorized to say for 
 them, that their share of the tribute shall not be. paid in gold, but in glit' 
 tering steel and balls of iron. 
 
3d again for 
 would vote 
 the Oregon 
 
 eir constitu- 
 
 eulogium 
 adorns our 
 
 t happiness 
 urrender of 
 
 1 to say for 
 but in glit-