^>. A^«>o. ^ ^. .^'v:^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 b^lH |2.5 «£ 1^ III 2.2 ? '^ IE lllim 1.4 III ,.6 I.I 1.25 ,11 ^ ^ o V] ' 1\ > < www U f r^i ♦ ,^i .■■■i'l i.i'< *L-! V\7. ) ailT 'lu;.; i ' / f 'I'! .ruT 10 ^{>n-^-jrMTfH « ■: .^Koru'ia,' rni7/ ■' ! !r : lUni s fa /.H )^ .Kj;;! .:il:'' In tlio ] iiiglaiid, M >regoii, wo ipp of our tllJlt cou Jission botv Ii;i8 throat ilitios. A treaty i itified, will by tlio abaiu oliiirn, and w Jtii'iit of mor iSontomplatoi of ti)is di()l( |ut it HOt^ms filioiiiilly upi [|overiinioiit, spilt to an i omos to us, as heeti salt 10 (lotting ol lul as to tlic 10 course it Iroady jrivoii siiall reti s terms our This is tlu) fcis convunti( lared in Engl Iter and a J le Jiritish m xecutive, tli fii iin(|ue8tioi ihmitted it t( .s|)octing the |l:itions, and ilh an uneqi millions on t /lis annitul le present sn 'inngcd." romptly give ' referring tli ..^,..*., Mil <• itn nii'.i'.'.i.'ii iti- ' •■ tl'ci'- proposition, and the President, by tho abandonment of a large portion of our "*• ^^ ''»y France, and her hond is all we shall have, if we yield to her present pretensions, and sub- stitute a treaty of Washington for a treaty of Utrecht with its " iiiarvvllomhi prn/u:!- lint." If this assumption be true, the two jrfivennnents have been playinir a most unwortiiy part be- fctre the world for half a century. Unworthy of the one, which in eflcct denies its own sol- emn compact and disrcpfards it ; coolly do- mandinjT a large slice of the territory, it has acknowledged to be ours ; and of the other, which receives the demand, with equal cool- ness, and prepares to yield to it. But, sir, bad as this claim is, it is not so bad as that. The country now knows, that no line west of tlio Rocky Mountains was established under the treaty of I'trecht, and that hi fact, no such line could have been established. It knows, that the stipulations of that treaty extended oidy to the French and English colo- nies. It knows, that the countiy on the North West Coast was then in effect, unknown and unclaimed, or if claimed at all, it was by Spnin. It knows, that in the statement of the Jhi- tish claim by the JSritish negotiators, this trea- ty of Utrjcht was never once alluded to, and that the voyage of Capt. Cook, in 1778, was urged by them as the origin of their title. It knows, that the recognition of the Spanish title in 1790, by Great Britain, under the Noot- ka Sound Convention, was utterly inconsistent with the notion of a division of that region between France and England, three-fourths of a century before. It knows, that if such aline had been thus established, better evidence of the fact ought to be produced, than loose and contradictory assertions of obscure authors ; not one of whom wrote contemporaneously with the al- leged transaction, and not otic of whom, when carefidly examined, assorts that a line was es- tablished, under the treaty of Utrecht, as a boundary between the English and French possessions from the Atlantic to the North 1 West Ocean, upon the parallel of 49^. Better jevidence, than is furnished by the collections of Mr. Kennedy, the recollections of Mr. Pitkin, Ithe communications of Col. Pickering, or post jprandium conversationa at the table of Mr. Jefferson. it knows and finds, that the task of proving the establishment of this line devolves upon those, who would limit their country's clauns by it; and that nothing but an authenticated copy of the proceedings of the commissioners, from the archives at London or i'aris. should be received as evidence, or entitled even to the slighest consideration. So much for the treaty of Utrecht and for the line, which was nut established under it. Ihit unfortunately the terms of this treaty do not give us the parallel of 49" for a bound- ary. And thertjfore it cannot give us whatthe Senator from Missouri says was a line of right; offvird hi/ nil pncrdiiiif (idminintnitiom. A lini-. of rialit ojl'crcd o.t suc.'i liif all prefvdiiin admin- ixt/alioHx ! " In its whole extent by Mr. .lef- ferson." Of this fact, as lu) proof is furnished, I may be permitted to remove it out of tlie way. 1 know of no document nor even ron- rvrmliitn, vvhicii shows, that such an ofi'er was (!ver ma»le. Ihit we have an autlu^ntic paper, which proves that Mr. Jellerson did not and would not make such an offer, and that he re- jected a Convention formed with England, be- (;auso it alluded to rights of the United States and of that country west of the Rocky Moun- tains, and seem«;d to assert their existence by necessary implication. " However reasona- ble," said Mr. Madison in a despatch to Messrs. Monroe and i'inckney, dated July, 1807, "our claims may be," (that is, " our" claims " on the continent of America, beyond the Stony Mountains," in the words of the rejected Con- vention) " compared with those of others," (evidently meaning England) " it is impolitic, especially at the present moment, to strengthen Spanish jealousy of the United States, which it is probably an object of England to excite by the clause in question." Ho much fur ike offer of this line in its whole ext-enl hi/ Mr. JtJfWxon. But whatever offer was made, it was not only an offer east of the Rocky Mountains, but it was made, as is now perfectly under- stood, when some obscure authorities had in- duced the presumption, not the belief, for Mr. Madison clearly expressed his doubts of their authenticity, that a boundary line had been established, between the English and Fiench possessions on the parallel of 49", under the Treaty of Utrecht. And it was made some years before our title to the whole of Oregon was strengthened and perfected by the cession of Spain. So muc .Jefferson, the positio line of rig cepted us but of the tains. But the Missouri, h tions succe liave condt «!xcept tha "By Mr. before our Yherefiire Kut, howe\ pffer was ir judged by I jVlossrs. Ua I'oe's direct Hpanish cef of the Coh und " the ft in the coun citizens." that the Un ^this countrj but good t i III 1823 I tovernmont boundary t fitates. ] Mr. Rush t" f Mr. Moil Hi whole c flip as the />] assoited liki States, aa C)ther nation fnents upoi coast." He said a Paris in 170 -pf (rroat Bi |i^rississippi. ! Mr. (iallii ^on of Mr. Itent had re promise ma ovenimont Dleased fro a precedi bcrfi/ to CO} Istinctly sh •this couni iVlaim,) bi least goo( In 182; ; of provinpf olves upon itry'H cluiinn itheiitirat»(i imiaHiuiiei-H, iiris, Hliiiuhi oven t(> the H'.ht and for under it. r tliia treaty ar a buund- us what the ino of rijflit; ■>iu. A line li/iS admin- hyMr. .lef- n furnislied, out of llio r oven nm- n oftor was 'Mtic paper, lid not and tliat lie rc- !n)rland, be- lited i^tates icky Moun- tistenro by ,'r reasona- 1 to Messrs. 1807, "our claims " on the Stony ected Con- )f others," i impolitic, strengthen ites, which I to excite 1 its wJiole was not VIomitains, ;tly under- E38 liad in- ef, for Mr. )t8 of their had been d French under tlie ade some )f Oregon le cession iSo much fortho value of tliis otter of Mr. JeHersfin, even if it were made, as eHtablishing the position, that the parallel of 4!)" is now u line of right, iHicuuse it would have been ac- cepted as a boundary in 1807, not of Oregon, but of the country east of the Rocky Moun- tains. Hut the same offer, says the Senator from IMIssouri, has been made by all the administra- tions succeeding that of Mr, Jeflerson, which have conducted this negotiation, and by .all, except that of Mr. Polk, as "a lino of right." "i{y Mr. Monroe in 1818." And this too was before our purchase of the Spanish claim, and \herefore has no bearing upon our (inment title. Kut, however this may be, the assertitm that the tt'er was made as a " line of right," may be udged by this fact, that our negotiators in 1818 iossrs. Gallatin and Rush, under Mr. Mon- (je's direction, and this too was yet before the 'Spanish cession, asserted the first exploration of the Columbia river by the United States, und "the formation of the first establishment in the country, through which it flows by their citizens." They added, " They did not assert that the United States had a perfect right to tiiis country, (evidently alluding to the Spanish A^laim,) but "insisted that their claim was at least good against Great Britain." ^ In 1823 Mr. Monroe proposed to tiie British tovenimont the latitude of /il", as the nortlieni poundary of the possessiims of the United estates. ■ Mr, Rush, in 1824, acting under the orders f Mr. Monroe, claimed for the United States le whole country from 42" " to at. Iiant as far flip as the .Olst degree of north latitude." Ho assoited likewise, that the claim of the United Btates, as high up as 60", wouhl " preclude J>ther nations from forming colonial establish- fnents upon any portion of the American coast." He said also, " It won clear by the treaty of Paris in 1763, that her territorial rights, (those 'pf Groat Britain) were bounded west by the Idississippi." 1 Mr, Gallatin in 1827, under the admitdstra- t|on of Mr. Adams, after the British govern- tient had refused to accept the otter of com- pfomise made to them, announced, that the )venjmont of the United States were now leased from any obligation imposed by that a preceding offer, und wovM henaforth he at erty to contend for their whole claim, which stinctly shows, that the offer of 49° was an offer of concession, and not of rigid. 'J'ho Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Cal- houn) who conducted the negotiation under Mr. Tyler, claimed for the United States "the territory drained by the Columbia river," which extends probably to the fifVy-third par- allel. He says, " he thinks he has shown a clear title on the part of the I 'nited States to the whole region dniined by the C(dumbia." And these are the claims of the administra- tions of Mr. Monroe, of Mr. Adams, and of Mr. Tyler, t'ac// if which offered 49" a» a line of riffht, as is now asserted; but each of which, as is here shown, caniod our title far north of that limit, and agreed to accept it in a spirit of compromise. The hearomiftv (not in lines of right) or war." *' I also saw, that if we romimnni.sed, it must be on the parallel of 49"" "I go im' cinnj>roiniae." And the honorable Senator from Missouri himself, speaking of the parallel of 49", de- clared in 1842, that "without giving us what wo were entitled to by the right of discovery, and as the successors of Spain, it would still take from Great Britain all she wanted." That "as claiming from Spain, our title is good against England, throughout the whole coast." " The British are excluded from the Noitli West coast of America, for all the purposes of settlement and of c>-. i sation," "Our title is clear, that of the British null. She sets up none.; that is, she states no derivation of it. There is not a paper, upon the face of the earth, in which a British Minister has stated a title or even a claim. They have endeavored to obtain the country by the arts of diplomacy, but have never stated a title, nor ever can state one." " Her title is her will and her arms." Ami liorn, Imt llio ntlior dny, fhe Sonalor vn (Juf ofi/nipl'' dhfriif, andi/.ii/ivnluah/r irufnt. saiJ, ' 1 tliink tho I'rcsidont did right to reiniw tho offer of cuinproiniic, liis predocessorH hud made." " Thoso are groat points gained by the re- newal of the lihmd offor of cnmpromm, and 1 rejoice that we have gained them." rirer and rullii) of tlw. I'ltaiTIMi LINK op Tilt: and xerurm to tt.t the ( ^nlumhui. It is tlie Unitki) Statkh." Tiiis line, tht» honorable Senator tells us now, " /'# a murvrllnufily proper line, and rr and sions south of that lino, and is prepared to ob- nnhirhij, that it will cost us one of tho proudest tain them, peaeeahly if she eon, forrihlii if she attributes of our independence — the control mvst, these demands are " substantial" advan- of one of our great rivers, within our own ter- lages, worth their consequences to us, if to her. ritory, which we are to yield, in order that the The honorable Senator from South Carolina counti-y alienated may find ingress and egress (Mr. Calhoun,) has assumed this parallel as a to and from the ocean, through that portion, proper conventional boundary ,and the Senator which ve retain. from Massachusetts (Mr. Webster) remarked l^ut, I repeat, unfortunately for our honor emphatically in answer to some observations and our interest, the boundary, fixed by this ot the Senator from Ohio, (Mr. Allen,) " Byt treaty, is not the parallel of 49 degrees. The the gentleman from Ohio, and the Henate will Senator from Missouri says it is, hating the. dome thejusliec to allow, that I said as plainly " nonsense of every inch and every acre vp to as I could sjieak, or jmt doirn vordsin vtriting, 49", and tho stipulations, as I shall show, say that England must not expect anything south of that it is not. This saving expression, " the 49o. / said so in so many words. nonsense of every inch and every acre," means, I And what said the Senator from Missouri suppose, when translated into plain Engli?V on this point? "Senators may now see why we shmdd have had 49, had not England .< for twenty years I have adhered to this line of manded territorial jurisdiction, and free na^jg'c- Utrecht. It is the line of right, which gives to lion, and grants of land south of tJiat lin., and these We ii the SciiiUo lie siiys, " Ikivc ii.ird, mi to dm II Tim pi- SI II XV," ill a party goes It, will go this, it bee national in I lor must t( sinsr iind h tiiUHt bo cl on the sunt Tlu! hdii rtwo month wrrr.s.s-iiri/, I '■/.y the line o) second, half thing wioni ' ENCKOACIIA j I repeat ^treaty is ik ])(irt!uit air our ])art, ^granted to land territo iinothor, ad puage, and 'body, we \i\.\i arm of t '«f the eartl l>y virtue o .right and ol the line of J ratified, he claims, and VVe cede 1 Vancouver' jwhich has \ nion betwet it comes wi or an acre,' !/|uire. Ju 'Slave exami Its indeiitati Jiuiulred mi r lom'rom lot heard e: lone but th ione volunta r^ield it, an( We gran fcia south oi 'iKihlf u'atnt, Vfll/llf of tltv. .INK or TUB intnr telln \m nr, timl ilorn i/lit.tfrdft; the Hritiflli com- Utrecht, htj rd." tlio Senator ajihy of tlio 1 a reviow of king, that it eivp, how a or a vmrrcl' aptful to tho /hicli follows eitlior ridge, nor prairio ; artificial cir- Titnit of tho at right an- middlo of its lificent basin or from Mis- ,' but line pc(h- d that pcnple. in, nvd that I» AND INPA- I on ALIEN- eil to empire out to he di- it alienated, mjwopir and the proudest -tho control our own ter- rder that the B and egress ;hat portion, ir our honor ixed by this grees. The 8, }tntm!j the. y acre vp to II show, say •ssion, " the. f" means, I lin Engli?'. England jr free nnrigu- at lin., anil r0 ihr^e we will yield to her. So well content in tlio Scinilor with the propositi partition, that lio Hiiyx, " // /.v //; the vrif words I nni.self would hare ii.seil, if the tiro iforernmntt.i hud lej) it to tiu In draw the luiundarij hrlween them." Tiui principU) that more or /»'.« is " nan- .vn.ie," in a i|Ui'Hti()n of bonmlary, wiiero each party goes for itH " ris;ht" and not obtaining It, will go for u "fi(ht," is new tome. If after this, it be('omoH engrafted into the codes of national intenrominunication, some commiinta- tor miiHt tell iiri what divid<^8 the contineH of .\i7i.se and voii-viise, and how much or how little niUHt l»o claimed or yielded to obtain a placo on the Kane Nii, I am willine '<' / iht." " Fartfi-nine i/'.v the line if ri^ht with me, ami artiiia u/ion the Isirioal half of • '• iireat ma.riin, milimit to vo- 'thinii loioni;, J .shall -titltmit to no invasion or KNciioAciiMKNT ///WW. thiitline" ! \ I repciat, unfortunately the lino (jf thin ^treaty is not the parallel of 4i>. In three im- ])(»rtaiit arrangements, or rather coiu;eHsion« on our part, wo have nullifitid tlnit lino, atid (granted to tho JJritisb government jurisdiction iund territory and riglits south of it ; and in 'unothor, adopting tho implication of the lan- f;uage. and the construction given to it in this , »ody, we have abandoned the navigation (,f ^au arm of tho ocean, open to the other nations \)i the earth, and belonging to us, as to them, )iy virtue of our independence. 'J'iie line of ^yiiiht and of f'shf, and which was to become the line of mii^ht, will, if this convention is , ratified, lienceforth exist only in peremptory claims, and elaborate speeches. We cede to England the southern cap of V V^ancouver's Island, an important position, jwhich has been heretofore a subject of discus- sion between tho two (Jovemments. Whether it comes within the saving clause of an " inch or an acre," nunc nr Ic.ix, J shall not stop to in- )f|uire. Judging from the imperfect map, I lavo examined, the extent of coast, following ts indentations, cannot be much less than one uiulred miles. Upon what principle of right r rom;; rnmi.se this cession is to be made, I have ot heard explained. For myself I know of lone but the old rule of might, " .itet pro ra- iom: riilunt/ts." England demands it, and wo '^ield it, and that tells the whole story. ' We grant the free navigation of tlie Colum- 4»ia south pf 49" iiulefinitely, or in other words forever. Tho stipulation reads thus : " From the point, at wliich the 49th parallel shall be found to intersect the great northern branch of the (.'olumbia river, the navigatifm of tho said braiK^h shall be free and open to tho Hud- son Uay Company and to all British subjects, trading with the same, to tho point where tho said branch meets the main stream of tho Co- lumbia, and theiico down tho said main stream to tho ocean," &c. Hero, sir, is a grant of fn'O navigation, hni- ited indt^-d in its use, I ii tilimited in its dura- tion. It is to enduro ao ^'ii^as the Hudson liay (.'ompany shall erulure, and to ascertain the longevity of the onr, we must seek to as- certain the lonuovity of the oiher. The Hudson Hay Company 'aos incor})ora- ted by ('iiarlcs the Second, by a charter dated May 2d, KiVl. Tho third section of that char- ter provides, that "the ])ersons named, &r. shall be oru) body, corporate and politic, &c., in deed and in name, &c., really and fully /w- ei'ir, iVc." Aiul tho twelfth section provides, that the Corporiition shall " 'uijoy &c. all and singular tho premises hereby granted, with their and every f>f tl'^ir rights, members, and jurisdictions, prerogatives, royalties and appur- tenances whatsoever, to them, ^:c. and their successors fohkvkr &c., payi'ig yearly to us for the same, two elks and two black beaver, whensoever &c. wo our heirs ice. shall happen to enter into the said country," &c. Thus wo find tho corporate life perpetual; and aj)plying the charter to the treaty, we have the true measure of the obligation, which this stij)ulation will impose upon us. No one in this body will deny, that the grant is without limitation, and will exist as long as the grantee exists, unless thoro are restraining circum- stances, which will reduce this broad term forerer within naiTower limits. No member does deny it. And he, who seeks elsewhere than in the Treaty, and in the charter, to change this privilege from a perpetual to a temporary one, is bound to state his case fully, and fairly to prove it. The burden is upon him. Well, sir, this effort is made, and it is our duty to investigate it ; to know what we are actually called upon to cede, and how we can make that cession less, if it be found injurious^ in itself, or dishonorable in its character. And this effort is made by two dii'erent hypothesen, if I may bo permitted to divert that word from its true moaning, one of which depends upon I an assumption without proof, and the other upon facts, confusedly and contradictorliy stated here, because imperfectly known, and which, if true in their extent, would not touch our obligations under this Convention. The Senator from Missouri has cut this new gordian knot at a single stroke. " Now," he says, " there happen to be two Hudson Bay Companies, and those, who do not attend to that little fact, may fall into gieat error." He then proceeds to select men) molu. one of these Companies, as the grantee of this privi- lege, and limits its existence to twenty-one years, and thus relieves ua from the embarrass- ment, which is obviously felt within these walls, and which will become a grave source of dissatisfaction out of them. Now, sir, if the honorable Senator be cor- rect, what sort of a spectacle are these two governments exhibiting to the world \ Eng- land sends us a projct, granting on our part one of the most important privileges, which one independent nation can yield to another, and there are two corporate bodies of the same name, which can receive it ; one tempo- rary in its duration, and the other perpetual ; and the grant is temporary or perpetual, as it enures to the one or to the other. And yet this Convention, purporting to terminate pre- sent difficulties, and to prevent future ones, does not designate, which of these two corpo- rations is the recipient of this great conces- sion ; which is the true Dromeo ; and we, with a full knowledge of all this, instead of applying the proper remedy, and identifying, by a resolution, the Company, which is to pro- fit by our concession, are gravely employing ourselves in determining, if the phrase stands as it is, to whom we are granting it. Ten words written in the Convention, while it is now in our power, would settle this question, and leave us at the end of thirteen years in full possession of our sovereignty. ]}ut these words we have refused to insert, and the Sen- ator from Connecticut (Mr. Niles) found but ten votes in favor of his proposition, " That the right of navigating the Columbia river, secured to the Hudsftn liay Company and to all Bri- tish subjects tradinu: with the same, be limited to the year A. D. 18(53, when it shall cease and determine ;" although we have a full know- ledge of the expectations of the British go- vernment, and of the construction, they put upon their own words, and of the sentiments and warnings of the American Minister, in his despatch of May 18th, Mr. McLane, after stating, that in consequence, (among other things) of an expectation that in the United States this point " may not be absolutely in- sisted on." tells us, that the British Goveni- ment " could not be induced in the first in- stance to make an offer with such a qualifica- tion ; yet if the adjustment of the cjuestion should be found to depend iipon this point only, they would yield the demand to the per- manent navigation of the river," &c. But, sir, neither is the British nor the American government obnoxious to this charge of double dealing, by proposing and ratifying a conven- tion granting this privilege to one of the com- panies, without identifying which ; and with the knowledge, that one party intends to apply the stipulations to one company, and the other to another. The Senator from Missouri says there are two Hudson May Companies, and warns us of the i;rrnt error, into which we shall fall, if we do not attend to this Uttle fact. ]?ut I say the honorable Senator has himsclffallen into error. He will find there is but one company. He produces no proof of this fact, be it littlr or grent — none whatever. It rests upon state- ment. I now call for the authority, personal, political or historical. The necessary proof devolves upon the Senator, who has the affirm- ative of the question. And before the fact can be assumed, with a view to influence our ])ro- ceedings, its existence must be established. I have already quoted extracts frr-m a charter, incorporating one Hudson liay Company fiir- nrr. Let a charter be produced, which in- corporates another, for a limited period, and then the /iftfr fact may prevent the great error. Till then I adhere to the law ami to t/ie testi- mony. The Senator likewise states, that the old company as he calls it, the only one as I call it, " has no rights under its charter west of the Rocky Mountains." The second companj/, he says, exiHtx vndcr n license. " It bears the nan^e of the Hudson Ray ('ompany ; but it is so dis- tinct from the chartered company of King (Charles, that it can carry on no trade on the waters of Hudson's Bay, as the old Hudson Bay (/ompany can carry on none on the waters of the Pacific ocean." All this, sir, is in my view erroneous, wholly ro ; resulting from some misapprehension, 1 knnw not what. No corporation can be created in England by license. It must bo done by charter, with or without a trade will special pe ti> i)reven liable. If ed by Mi (.'(ingress, Vork, wit Indians ii States, it blance to virtue of i I tive to issv similar in existing ai with the I V 8ued to t \ other terri ,1 for a term I English an sufficiently English la \ not be a c f Company dividual ni tliat privile would exii 3 isted befoi But, sir, who do no ^ Bay Comj ; navigation H'ompany ;1SG.'J, bec) .for an exc west of th that time, case. If the 1 the Iluda i franchise ft done much ratify this I ' grant that without lit J ence upon \ can be no U leaver up( >hunt tigen ifrce navigi i Company they shall not for us. itreaty abo dians, nor 11 [cLane, after imong other 1 the United ibsolutely in- Itish Goveni- I the first iii- ;h a qualifica- the (|UC6tion on this point id to the per- ■," &c. But, he American "ge of double ng a conven- ! of the com- ;h ; and witli jnds to apply ind the other lys there are 1 warns us of all fall, if we iut I say the Ion into error, mpany. He )e it little or ;8 upon state- ity, personal, essary proof as the affirm- 3 the fact can nee our jiro- tablished. I ■n a charter, ompany for- which in- period, and le great error, d to the tenli- that the old one as I call r wei5t of the amipdvi/, he ars the nan"? ut it is so dis- iny of Kinpf trade on the old Hudson )n the waters sir, is in my suiting from ot what. No England by rter, with or ] without an act of Parliament. A license to trade with tlie Indians there, as here, is but a special permission, granted by the (Tovernment to prevent the abuses, to which this traffic is liable. If the American Fur Company, found- ed by Mr. Astor, had been incorporated by Congress, instead of the Legislature of New Vork, with a right of exclusive trade with the Irulians in one of the territories of the United States, it would have borne not a little resem- blance to the Hudson ]Jay Company. If by virtue of another act, authorizing the Execu- tive to issue licenses to trade with the Indians, similar in some of its general principles to the ■ existing act, regulating trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, a license bad been is- , sued to this Fur Company to trade in some I other territory, than that named in its charter, A for a term of years, the analogy between the I English andthe American Con"'>anies wouldbe ■ sufficiently close to test the operation of the English law by our own. This license would not be a charter. During its existence the \ Company would trade under it, just as an in- ' dividual might do, and upon its termination, that privilege would cease, but the corporation would exist, with all its other rights, as it ex- J isted before. But, sir, it has been said by other Senators, who do not assert the existence of two Hudson May ('ompanies, that this stipulation of free ; navigation, though granted to the Hudson Uay ■U'ompany without limitation, will yet expire in llSG.'i, because their license from the crown, lor an exclusive right to trade with the Indians west of the Rocky Mountains, will expire at that time. I do not see the sequitur in this case. If the British Government have granted to . the Hudson Bay CJompuny an additional ifhiiirhise for a temporary period, they have done much more wisely tliaii we shall do if we ratify this treaty ; for in that event we shall * grant that company an additional fraiuhise without limitation. The one has no depend- ., ence upon the other. The grant in this treaty \ can be no more controlled by a right to hunt ■beaver upon the (.^olumb'a, than by a right to Uiunt tigers upon the (Janges. This right of Ifrce navigation is granted to the Hudson Hay iCiimpany eo ?iom,ne. The purposes, to which [they shall apply it, is a question for them and jTiot for us. There is not one word in this meaty about Imnting, nor trading with the In- rdians, nor about an additional license, nor the termination of the privilege, when the trade may become open or unprofitable. All thii. in interpolated in discussion. The Senator from Missouri says indeed that the Treaty " stipu- lates for a company, whoso existence is to ter- minate in 180;}." My copy of that instrument cojitains no such stipulation, and therefore 1 shall not argue the point. But, sir, let us look at this subject a little more narrowly. The charter of the Hudson Bay Company, as we liave seen, is perpetual. More than half a century since, ancther asso- ciation, known as the North West Company, was instituted, which, in the process of time, extended its trade into remote regions, and came into contact with its rival and predeces- sor. Diflerences arose, which ultimately pro- duced hostilities, and an open war was for some time waged, almost under the arctic cir- cle, in which the Indians were arrayed on both sides, and much blood was shed. Peace was at length restored, and the two companies, tired of their antagonist position, united to- gether, and the North West Company, which was an unincorporated associa'cion, was merged in the Hudson Jiay Company. This was in 1819, and in 1821 an act passed the British Parliament, authorizing the crown to grant li- censes to trade with the Indians, west of the Rocky Mountains, wliich region not being in- cluded within the original territorial limits of the Hudson liay Company, would have been otherwise open, for a period of twenty-cme years. The first license was surrendered in 183S, and another granted, which will expire in 1859. At that time, if not renewed, the trade will be open a\\ British subjects. These are the facts, and all the rhaterial <;nes ; and now for their application. In the first place, the Treaty contains no allusion to the licenses, nor to the state of things,they have introduced. The free navigation is granted to the " Hudson Bay Comi)any, and to all British subjects trading with the same ;" whe- ther to be used in a free or exclusive trade, for what posts or purposes, as the Treaty does not decide, neither can we. These are ques- tions for the grantees, and not far the grantor. But in the second place, if the license is re- newed, this //w 7tacigati(m will then be wanted, as it is now, and if not renewed, and the trade be thrown open, the Hudson Bay Company may carry on their operations, Hke other Bri- tish subjects, or other British subjects there, may trade with them. In either erent, these is cures the existence of many errors, as well as corrects them, and falsifies many predictions. But it is wiser to avert difficulties, than to meet them. Let us not depend upon thui', but upon ourselves. I^et us make this in.striiment what we all say it ought to be, and thus leave to the domain of the future one cause the less of controversy.* I do not at all agree with the Senator from Missouri, in his estimate of the value of this right of free navigation, nor of the limitation of its use or abuse, which circumHtanccs will necessarily impose upon it. Ceitainly, a gen- eral grant to IJritish subjects indiscriminately, would be worse than this, though for many years, and while the Hudson liay ('ompany retain the exclusive trade in the northern regions of Oregon, the effect will be the same, as that great corporation and its de- pendents must be the only traders. This light, freely to navigate the waters of one country, secured by treaty stipulations to ano- ther, is liable to grave objections. ('arefuliy parties may use the navigation of the river, re- strained by no will but their own. But again, what right have we to say, that this company shall not transport their goods to and from their factories, within their orgi- nal territories, by the way of the Columbia river 1 It may be, that some of the most west- ern of these factories may communicate with the ocean moi'e speedily and economically by that route, than by Hudson's l^ay. Can we say, this shall not be done ? And if not, the answer settles the controversy. Indeed, no one can pretend to foretell what may be the state of trade in the extensive regions north of 49", some twenty years hence, nor what inter- ests of the Hudson Bay Company may require them to penetrate there, through one of our rivers, free and unobstructed. What purposes of traffic may be promoted by the tenacious retention of this privilege, nor what " Jkitish subjects" may choose to ti-ade with the Com- pany, that is, buy goods of them, in order to enjoy this privilege of free luiri^iition with the adrantdgts, Icgitiiiutte or il/raitimtifc. it may guarded and used, it is still an encroachment bring with it. In fact it is difficult to argue such a question ns this. It camiotbe render- ed clearer by illustration, nor stronger by analysis. The matter lies within the narrow- est compass. The treaty grants to the Hudson Bay Company the right /«/7iy to navigate the Columbia river, for a period co-extending with its own duration. Its duration is perpetual, and therefore this grant is perpetual. And any inquiry, out of the words of this instru- ment, into the purposes, to which the grantees may apply the privilege, with a view to limit it, is to adopt a mode of construing, or rather of controlling the grant, inconsistent with its language, and incompatible with the condition of the parties. By what process of law or of logic shall we say to the British (rovernment, The Hudson Bay Company is indeed a perpet- ual corporation, and wo have granted to it, without limitation of time, the free navigation of the Columbia river; but you have granted to it another fronclme for twenty-one years, totally independent of this, which you may renew or not at your pleasure, and tJimfnn' our grant of free navigation is limited to the same period, and our obligation shall expire with yours. This would be cool, and if sub- mitted to, decisive. [f the treaty is ratified without alteration, "time," says the Senator from Missouri, " will bring an argument which no one can raisunder eiand." Time, indeed, *'l'lic Senator from Missiniri, in u notn iippimdi'd to hi» iirintcil b|)«.-< til, Ktatr.-* !hut, ■■ Hiiiff this 'viirt hpokfii, tlu. hitcr ol'.Mr. liii- cniiiiiiii to Mr. M'.i.iiiu', beforo tlu: rntiticr.tioii ol' tin' 'I'n-iity. I1113 Imm n piiiilii-licil, in wliiti) our Sccrctiiry iiifornis Mr. Mcl.ani' lljiit lie liud given nolire to .Mr. i'ackenhnni, tliitt the ."'ennte hint ;ul- viieed the acceptnnee (jC the liriti^h ])r()p()r'ition, in this limiteit t'en.^e, untl inr^tnii-teil him to inlvi^e i.urii Alterdeen aecoriiinyly. No j)roteHt has he( •! ree(?ive(l from the liritij'h (iovennneiit ayainst this inuier.standinir, .-^o that liie question ii* at an erni.'' I am utVaiil thf (jii,^;icin ha.s nmre vit.Jily, tiitm the Senator inni- idiief, when lie thn^ vummarily dispo.'^eH of it. What etU'et it tormal prolert, iiceomjianyinii the ratification of a treaty, has upon the con.-tniction of the hmmiaue eniployrtl in it, it is n<»t necessa- ry to in(niire at this lime, i'or thai ease is* not before us. 'riiu course of Mr. liuehanan. as indicutej in thia letti r, and with the fact.-* as he t'elieved them to exist, was crinal action oil our i)art, aiui tlie i)recaiition was a prudct-t one. jiut this acti(Ui canu' not. nor does the subject present itself u|Kin the records of the ."'enate in the sub.sequen! stai:e of the [U'oceedlnL's. \N'e tiaik \Uv prnjit, majtir nuA mimir artiiirs, luui fnr mirt^iitiim and all, and did not even atleiujit, directly or indirecllv. to limit this obnoxious pnvilece. What Lord Aberdeen may liave saiil to Mr. Mcl.ane in th'rii' '.■on\"ersatiou, we are not ttild. Uut cer- tainly, prote ts to exjiound treaties, whether exteudiiii; in- re- Ktramini; the mitiiral import of the lam.nini.'e, must be nouU: of s/ir- Hir»(MJ)'tluui the report of a convi-rsatioii. statina what was imder- stood to be the vh'ws of the .'Senate, (not of the Kxecutivc.) on till' (inestiiln, of advisinR that u Treaty .should be formed, and be- fore it was even tlrawn up, antl :itatuiir ulriO.that on its ratilication, thi'ir sentiments would be iiuthentically embodieil, in order, no iloubt, that they might be transmitted with the Treaty itself as our exposition of the extent of our obli^iations. I repeat, the object of the .Secretary was n proper one, hut hi.s expi'ctationa were ilefottttd hy Uw uclion, «r rutht-r by the iiiuctioii of tlio Senate, upon mur easily ma; and the i and injun .•iiise ill iti ihcniselve iiu^nt the arc Itjcal i oil local 1 '•If tht^t wore grai ;i source o tween the tioiis in til almost ill could be t ^ n^sptjctive ] on eitli(!r .' iMxsides the falls ai I's, the usi i mcnt of it ^ IMiis wc / niitaiu wi of the COL evil beyoi I confined ti \ The Bi these(V(Vr.v tion. It w . that the as ! At the ver navigation by Mr. .M( very positi' of the nav - nection wit it were di other, he v iHigfH'iatioi Hesides free navigii ces, which logo. It if I tion, which 1 the light a ; the coiiinm ■ ripids. " Misuid port.i ((that is, tilt open." ' I have here 1 I'.uchannn to M iciauniuiiicated 1 jrcider will [.'am |ii. .Mr. Muchan Jliuaillustj-ulcd t. ■8, as well as predictions, 'ies, than to )(>n tinii% but <, instrument 1 thus leiive luse the less IcMiator from aluc! of this o limitation istaiices will liiily, a frcn- cnminately, tIi for niiuiy ly (/'oinpauy lie nortlieni A-ill he tho ainl its (le- lers. This tcrs of one ions to ano- (..'arefuliy icroachmeut Icil to hiH ))rintiMl li ItiT (if Mr. Itii- r till' 'I'ni.ly. Iiu3 Mr, .M( l.iiii'i' iliHt 1' .-'rlliitr lliiil :iil- I, ill tlii'< liiniti'il rll lircorililiiily. ifli liiiviTiimriit !> lit an f-iut.'' till' Si'iiiitiir iiiui- Whiif ctli'it II tri'iit\, liiif* iipim it i-* not ni'ci'^.-ju. lii'loro ii.'j. Thi; 1 r, mill Willi ilii^ 111 iiniili'iil ; mill I'll mill oliviimnly il it witliuiit liny 111' uriiiit in rlit; lit iiiitDrtuniiti'ly riDL only jiiisfi-il ily trn nu-inlit'rii in \ntin!; ii::,illi.''t ('Mr. lliiL'liiiiiiai'ii II' wriite. ill Mr. Mol.nim ri'ii, mill wliicli riiii^ to tm\n tiiiil t'or sonit' liirniiil llilri't oiii'. Jlllt t it.-i'lt" iipiin the till' proi'i'i-illiiL'H. I frir mtri^'iititni liri'i'llv, to limit II ruHV liiivr hhIiI till, I.' Hut I'l-T- t'\ti'iiilini: or n'- . Im' nuidi' orndr- what Wii-, iiuiii'r- l-'sfrntivr.) on t'oniii'it, iinil l)(>' >)i its ratitloMlion, I'll, in onlrr, no Tri'uty itsrll', iw 1 ri'|ii'nt. till! lii.i fXpi'ctntionH iuuctiuii ul tUu upon municipal jurisdiction. If abused, as it easily may lie, it cxposcm the public revenue and the fiscal system of a coxmtry to losses and injury. And questions must perpetually arise iu its exercise, delicate and dilficult in lliciiiselves, and tjiving to a foreij^n govern- nu-nt the riufht to interfere in concerns, which are local in their nature, and ought to depend iin local law. "If tlu^ free navigation of the ('olumbia river were granti'd to (Ireat Britain, this would be a source of perpetual strife and collision be- tween the citizens and subjects of the two na- tions in these remote regions. It wouhl be almost ini])ossil)le by any vigilance, which could bo exerted, to execute the laws of tho resp(}ctive countries, and prevent smuggling on eiih((r side of the river. Besides, there are several portages around the falls aiid rapids of this river audits l)rancli- es, tiie use of which is necessary to the enjoy- ment of its free navigation. This would introduce the subjects of (ircat iiiitain with their merchandize into the heart of tlu> country, and thus greatly increase the evil beyond what it woidd be, if they were cimfiiu'd to th(! channel of the river."* The British government felt the force of these (v'(vr.v,when its own interests were in (jucs- tion. It was only when ours were involved, that the aspect of the subject was changed. — At the very time, while demanding the free navigation of the Columbia river, we are told by iNlr. .McLane, that " l..ord Ai)erdeen had very positively and explicitly declined to treat f)f the navigation of the St. Lawrence in con- nection with that of the Columbia ; and that if it were desiiablo for us to ofl'er one for the other, he would, on Jio account, enter into a negoeititioii in regard to the St. liawrence." Besides the usual objections to grants of free navigation, there are pecular circumstan- ces, which increase the dangers of this privi- lege. It is not alone the right of frec^ naviga- tion, wliic-ii is granted byllii.s treaty, but it grants the right also to use the -portages, wherever the connnunication is inferrn])ted by falls or ripiils. " it being understood, tiiat all the nsuiii portages along the line thus described, (that is, the line of the river,) shall be free and open." ' I liiivo hell' HUli'^tiluti'il fur my own reinarku llii' woril:< of Mr. 1 lliirliannn to Mr. .Mel.nne.l in n Irttrr of .Inly I'J. IHI.'i. which wan iiiiiniiniiciiti'il to the ."^enati.' Biiire tlii.< ilinciis.-ioii took plai'e. 'J'lio Irr.iilor will ;;nin hy thi.s aniielironisin. ami will, tlieri Ibri", pnrdon lil. Mr. lliii'haiian, with hin uHiml fr'' ,' of thought anil ilictioii, Iliuii iUui'ralcil tliiii eulijcct I'ur bi'ltor . I did or u/uld du . Now, sir, no one knows the number and e.x- tent of roads, thus laid open to foreigners with- in our territory. I have traveled along portage paths in the north west, some miles in length, and which, from the physicial conformation of of the country, left at considerable distance, the streams, whose interrupted navigation ren- dered necessary this tedious mode of transpor- tation. AVhen a boat rea:lies one of these im- pediments, it is taken from the water, and, to- gether with its lading, is carried upon the shoulders of the crew to a navigable point in the river, and there again committed to tho stream. Tho goods are formed into packages, adapted to this labor, and may thus be conceal- ed or disposed of, with little risk of detection, and in contempt of revenue laws and revenue (jfficers. The Senator from Missouri sees in the kind of vesaels to be used in this naviga- tion u further jestriction of it. For myself, T see the greater danger. Those portages ru'i- ning into the country, and traversed by bands of foreign traders, carrying on their backs the goods destined for an extensive traffic, will fur- nish stations for smuggling, which no vigilance can prevent nor detect. This treaty coiitahis stipulations, which grant an unknown portion of the country, as far down as 42" to ]?ritish subjects, seven degrees south of our line of r/^a^it. The third and fourth articles arc devoted to this object. The practical difficulty, we now experience, is this, that we know nothing of the number, extent, position or value of these claims. — Should we ratify this treaty to-day, and be ask- ed on leaving the capitol, how much of our own territory we had ceded, there is not one of us cou'.d answer, whether five or five mil- lions of a^res. Sensible of this absence of all knowledge, we have, indeed, passed a resolu- tion and directed its immediate transmission to the President, asking such information as may be in his possession, and as will enable us to discharge our duties, with, at any rate, a con- jectural estimate of what we give and what wo retain. But we find fifteen Senators voting against thi.s call, and there are indications, that we shall jjroceed to the final consummation of our labor, without awaiting the answer.* Tho most we know, aiul it is not much, comes from I/ord Aberdeen. Were the source impartial, still the information is too vague for discreet action. But, coming as it does, from the or. "nm treaty was ratitied tin- same day, wiiiioiit any aiiawur to tlie cull, which, iudccd, could uot have bcca given. I 14 , gan of the British government, we may well receive it with ciiution,upon t(eneral principles, and without any offensive imputation. Lord Aberdeen told Mr. McLane that " the British settlements, between the Columbia river and the 49th parallel, are not believed to be nu- merous, consisting, as he supposes, of a few families, and two or three forts and statioriS." South of the Columbia, we have no informa- tion, positive or conjectural, though it is under- stood, that the late or the present governor of the Hudson Bay Company holds in his own right one of the best positions in the country. I presume this lucky example has found or made many followera. Nor does the treaty define the uses, to which these British forts upon our soil may be put, any more than their number. I suppf)se they are hardly designed to jjrotect the American flag. The Senator from Indiana, with one of those flashes of tn'e eloquence, which illuminate, while they .onvince, has happily described the j)osition, ifi which this treaty will leave us. In- stead of being joint occupants of the whole country, as we now are, we shall cede the nor- thern portion of it, and became joint occupants of the southern portion.* The farms, &c., of the "Puget land agricul- tural association" are to be "confirmed." The tenure, therefore, of this property is unques- tionable. " The possessory rights " of the Hudson Bay Company, and of all other British sub- I jects, occupying land, whether north or south of the Columbia river, are to be "respected." In the former class of cases, that of the Puget's land agricultui-al association, the British gov- crment, I presume, had given initiatory titles, \vhich we are to confirm ; while in the latter, the rights are derived from occupation, and thence the difference in the phraseology. What will be effect of this stipulation to "re- I spect" these " possessory rights (" This en- 1 (juiry has been made, and the true answer is I important. AVe know the object of the Bri- tish government, and the construction they wil] *Aii article, which is now passing thrnush the wcptrni ))ri)KMn, I fluiws what may bo cimscqmnci's ol tlicnc iiiipriivideiit ftruiits, iniidp in litter i^niorunci' it' the extent of tlic obliuiitidiis. they iiii- poKe upon us. •Mr. Cieiiuis. with ten < thers, recently urriveil at .St. I.onis from I Oreaon. ie." Tlie Revillee remarks, tlint. •■ on perii'ini; the trea- I tv Mr. Ci. referred to llie clause. securiiiL' to the iiiKhnn liiiy Com- Ipanie^ the sites they have selected, tu a it nuint iiijiiritnis agrffmeftt Jor the ^nt^TeM of thf people of Oregon ; because thi:* company in in posi'e.-sion of the best »ites south of •III*, and by their immense [capital Hud power, break dowu all Anicricuu traders who attempt \ to ccmpete witn them." put upon this obligation. Our minister has told us so much. " A perpetual title" to all British occuj)ant8. Mr. McLane sujiposed that this claim would be limited to tin; country be- tween the Columbia river and the 49th paral- lel ; but if such was at first the intention, it has been abandoned, and the provision now covers the whole " territory." " Possessory rights shall be respected." — This is a treaty between two great nations. We are told by an honorable Senator, that the lan- guage of the article is "technical and precise," and that its object would ■tain to he for the ii>iut of the rompaiiii and other British siihji'ds, till. tliPij ran remove. This presumed motive of the British government is contradicted by the report of our minister ; and the characteristic of techni- cal precision is hardly supported by the words " farms, lands and other property," descri])tive of those class of cases, and the "respect of pos- sessory rights" applied to another. " Posses- sory rights shall be respected," Not for to- day, nor for to-morrow, nor tdl the oiniers can reiiutrc ; but indefinitely, and we, who are im- ])osing the obligation u\nm ourselves, must ex- pect to have it construed most strongly against us. If. at any time, these " possessory rights" are terminated by grants to others, they will be no longer "respected," and we fix the du- ration of an obligation, left without limitation in the treaty. " The first words of the arti- cle," (future appropriation) says the Senator from Missouri, " admit our right to dispose of these possessions, Sr.c." The treaty says, " In the future appropriation of the territory, &c., the possessory rights, &c., shall be respected." Certainly, they admit it ; iiut unfortunately for the exposition, which the Senator would give of them, it is precisely in the act of appro])riH- tion, that these rights are to be " respected." The British Government luidonbtedly knew, that before tiie land was sold, ngreeably to our policy, actual settlers would be undi.sturbed. So far, therefore, is this stipulation from seek- ing to provide, a short time, for the oc- cupants to remove oi* the change of govern- ment, that it may not come into operulitin for some years, iiiid <^ainiot for a considerable time. And when we "appropriate" the land, how are we to redeem this obligation to " re- spect" the possessory rights of the occupants, but by converting these rights into actual titles \ We cannot convey their lands to any body else, and ifwe hold them we must hold them indefinite- ly, leaving the occupants in 2)os8e8sion, and with theii policy, at tutions. . years," it souri, and censed coi The assur "Hudson ;' all Britis in both caf and extent But the; to serious first article ■ boundary mountains adds, "pro of the wh( south of til main free < Vancoin continoiit I ilred and fi of which a I part is call Canal of A afourth Qu ofcommun bays, and tl ? broader or jand cannot general pn cular powe ' ])rived of 1 Without tli ted States < I channel, th: nations, upt titled to Its assertion of by a kind Britain is hi where thor cation is cli •jion, given t , Missouri, i ? him, yet [ t • an interpret to a part, i.^ remainder, i oration. T and eijnal." ,arpro])ria- rospertod." illy knew, ibly to our lulisturhi'd. from sfck- for the oc- of goveni- lation for insidcrablo ' the land, (in to " re- occupants, :tual titles \ body else, lindefinite- Bssion, and 15 In &c.. with their rights " respected." A systetn of policy, at war with our practice and our insti- tutions. As to the limitation of ''seventeen years," it is imposed by the Senator from Mis- souri, and not by the treaty. I find no "new li- censed company" there, nor any "old" one. — Tiie assurarce is given, in the one case, to the "Hudson Bay Company," and in the other, to " all British subjects," interested, and equally in both cases, without restriction, as to duration and extent. i>ut there is still another stipulation liable to serious objections. It is the proviso to the first article. That article, after establishing a boundary upon the parallel of 4?>" fiom the mountains to the sea, in the Straits of Fuca, atlds, "provided, however, that the navigation of the whole of the said channel and straits, south of the 49th parallel of north latitude, re- main free and open to both parties." Vancouver's Island is sejiarated from the continent by an arm of the sea, about two hun- dred and fifty miles in extent, different portions of which are known by different names. One part is called the Straits of Fuca, another the Canal of Arro, another the (rulf of fleorgia, and afourth Queen Charlotte's Sound. This channel ofcommunication.sometimcs spreads into broad bays,andthen contracts into narrow straits. But '? broader or narrower, it runs from sea to sea, I" and caimot be taken from the great mass of I general property and appropriated to a parti- *cular power. Nor should one nation be dc- «])rived of its use, but by its own consent. — Without this provision England and the Uni- ted States especially, owning the coast of this channel, through its whole extent, and other nations, upon ^b.^ral principles, would be en- titled to Its free navigation. Why, then, this assertion of a mutual right, south of 49" unless by a kind of crrlmlon of a roncliuiinn, 'Great J?ritain is hereafter to claim that north of 49" •where there is no stipulation, this communi- cation is closed to us. Such is the construct- ion, given to the claim by the Senator from Missouri, and though I do not concur with f him, y^nty of a single power 1 Wliat possi- ble objection can be urged against this course? Would England reject this convention, because wo refuse to accede to this proposition, which even here is construed into a surrender of an essential characteristic of national sovereignty f No; and if she did, she would do ho at th*e risk of encountcringthercproachof the world, and the indignant feelings of this whole coun- Now, sir, what is our position 1 There are serious objections to this treaty. We all agree to that ; every one of us. Doubts exist, as to the extent of some of its stipulations, but none as to their unfavorable character, whether more or less restrained by construction. Nei- ther our own minister, nor the liritish govern- ment expects its ratification, witliout modifica- tion. That is evident. There is an ample re- medy within our reach for some of these evils, *[t will bo pcrmvcd that this pxtract is inirrfcr) hi'ri'. though tint rpixl in the ScimU'. tici'iuisc it fully illustmli"* the r-ulijcct. it hiiil not been couuuiiiiicHtod to (^myiesH wliun this iliscussiuii took phico. if not for all of them. A remedy without ha- zard and without cost. Let us ask, and we shall receive. Let us not accept as an ultima- tum what is not intended as sucii. If we must hasten, let us hasten slowhi. It is a wise old maxim, and none the less wise for its age. The responsibility is upon tho Senate. Wo ha.-o taken it. It becomes us faithfully to meet it. To gain all wo can for our country, without loo great a sacrifice. The whole matter is within our reach. Ourhand is still upon the instrument. Not one obligation is yet imposed upon us. We may, therefore, fully exposes the nature of the duties we shall tnke upon ourselves, if we become a party to this treaty. VV'e ought, searchingly to examine them, in order to reject or modify them, if found too onerous. TJiis is equally the dictate of wisdom and of pa- tnoti.sm. My a conditional ratification, we can assert our own honor and strip these objection- able stipulations of their most obnoxious fea- tures. If imposed upon us witliout an cfibrt to avert them, and with the knowledge, that we cati avert them, or some of them and will not, I am afraid we siiall regret our precipitate action, and the country an arrangement, wliich will give us, neither what we demanded nor what we offered. Neither GO" nor ;j4' 40o, nor rjl", nor 49'>, nor the line of Utrecht, nor tho line of ri^ht, nor the valley of the Columbia, and which creates obligations, not less injurious, than unacceptable. »» ;,. . » .' f" \ . :.-A.f; >■• -,..r w' vitliout lia- c, and we an ultima- f wc muBt a wise old i aa[e. The Wo luivo to meet it. I'ithout too ;iis within nstniment, I upon UH. ! nature of Ivos, if wo A^e oucflit, 31- to reject JUS. This and of pa- in, wo can objection- jxious fea- t an eflort lodjifo, that m and will precipitate ent, which mded nor 4' 40(), nor It, nor the C/olumbiu, 8 injurious, I i