452
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1846
Consequences may grO\v out of it ·which, at this time, we do not anticipate; but that it is a war measure, or one likely to pro- duce war, I cannot believe. Honorable and distinguished senators think differently on this subject. If we were disposed to admit the opinions of gentlemen who have spoken on this question, war, with all .its calamities, is inevitable, if this measure is adopted. But this does not seem to me to be the question. Is it wise policy in this government to pursue this course? Is it necessary for the preservation of our rights that the notice should be given? This seems to me to be the question properly presented; but not whether war is likely to result. Were we to be restrained from action in a crisis like the present by any considerations as to the possibility of war, or the reverse, the public interest would be liable to suffer deeply. If we never dare to adventure action, we can achieve nothing. It is true I am not in favor of precipitate action, but for a calm, deliberate, and firm course of procedure. No less than twenty-eight years have rolled round without producing a satisfactory result. Negotiations, though often attempted, have failed in effecting a settlement of the con- troversy. Repeated overtures to England, direct and favorable as the United States supposed, from a strong desire to preserve peace between the two countries, have been made, yet they have not been met in a corresponding spirit on the part of that gov- ernment. They have been declined or rejected, again and again. The last proposition made by our Executive, it appears, was, according to the representations of the English premier, decided upon by the minister resident here as inadmissible, and not transmitted to his government. This, to my mind, is conclusive evidence that his government would not have considered it more favorably than he did himself. No minister to a foreign court would as- sume so important a decision, unless well aware that it was in harmony and keeping with the policy and opinions of those who had delegated a trust to him. Nor have we any intimation from the government of England that it would have been otherwise considered by the ministry. I think it is idle to anticipate an agreeable termination to our negotiations with England upon the subject of Oregon, unless it is brought about by giving this notice.
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