This violated a principle which lies at
the foundation of our institutions, and could never be permitted; but,
not being propagandists, we could afford to leave the political opinion
unnoticed, after having taught a lesson which would probably prevent any
future attempt to exercise it to our injury. Let the wisdom of that
policy be judged by subsequent events....
Mr. Davis then proceeded to state and argue at length the historical
questions involved, making copious citations from original authorities.
He continued:
Waiving the consideration of any sinister motive or sectional hate which
may have brought allies to the support of the resolution now before us,
I will treat it as simply aiming at the object which in common we
desire--to secure the whole of Oregon to the United States.
Thus considered, the dissolution of the Oregon convention becomes a mere
question of time. As a friend to the extension of our Union, and
therefore prone to insist upon its territorial claims, I have thought
this movement premature; that we should have put ourselves in the
strongest attitude for the enforcement of our claims before we fixed a
day on which negotiations should be terminated. That nation negotiates
to most advantage which is best prepared for war. Gentlemen have treated
the idea of preparation for war as synonymous with the raising of an
army. It is not so; indeed, that is the last measure, and should only be
resorted to when war has become inevitable; and then a very short time
will always be, I trust, sufficient.
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