WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1846
462
proclaimed by members in both houses of Congress, scarcely one ground or provocation can be urged by the American government. In the history of mankind it would be impossible to point out a nation more anxious than the English are at the present moment to remain at peace, and more especially with America. If the last resort, then, must be assented to, we have here, as on the banks of the Sutlej, right on our side." Mr. President, it has been a fortunate thing with England always to act as though she had right on her side. A nation acting on this principle will seldom fail of success. If we will now act on the same principle, we cannot fail to maintain our rights. Union of sentiment and co-operation with the Executive, by the co-ordinate departments of government, will vindicate our national character and preserve our interests. Their preserva- tion will not lead to war, if England is not more desirous of dispossessing us of what is ours than a nation should be professing such moderation. I sincerely hope she may never attempt, on this continent, to enact the scenes of the Sutlej, or give a similar exhibiton of her political moderation. I cannot concur with a distinguished senator in the opinion, that the public sentiment is changing, and becoming day by day more favorable to the establishment of the 49th parallel as the boundary between the two countries. I entertain no such ap- prehension; but if I did, I would vote for this resolution, because it would more readily enable us to arrive at an adjustment of the difficulties. So long as the treaty of 1818· 1 continues in force we have no reason to suppose that the controversy will be termi- nated; and it is proper that our citizens in the Oregon territory should be protected. Numbers have already migrated there, and numbers more have it in contemplation to follow there. Until something is done, as an evidence of our regard for these pioneers, their situation must be exceedingly infelicitious, as well as insecure. We should not predicate our measures in relation to them upon the expectation of British inactivity, or the hope of negotiation, with the belief that England will slumber while our people are to occupy the territory. England never slumbers, more especially when her colonial interest is at stake; and her whole history warrants the conclusion that she never will, so long as the power remains with her to extend or establish her dominion: What sort of policy would it be, as suggested, to encourage our people to remove to Oregon, and remain there without assurance
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