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 FEDERAL RELATIONS OF OREGON 117 Robinson's letter. The Intelligencer, looked upon as an ad- ministration paper, commented, 13 "Doubts are entertained by intelligent citizens, with whom we have conversed!, of the policy and propriety of a disclosure, at this time, of the advantages which may probably result to the U. States from the possession of an extent of coast on the Pacific." The Secretary of State, who had just been engaged with a lively altercation with the British minister, Stratford Canning, over the Oregon discussion in Congress, concluded that the latter would think this hint came from official sources as a result of their conversation. 14 Even if this was the editorial opinion of the Intelligencer it did not prevent, a short time after, the statement that "everybody must approve Mr. Floyd's bill to the close of the 4th article; so far it is confined to the occupation of the territory bordering the Columbia." 1 * When the Seventeenth Congress assembled in December, 1822, unofficial information of the Ukase of the Emperor Alexander of September, 1821, had reached the United States. A virtual claim to the American coast as far south as 51 and a declaration that the North Pacific was closed to all but Russians served to give impetus to the activities of those who were interested in the passage of Floyd's Oregon bill and even served to arouse some interest in those who were opposed to the measure. A hint of the situation was contained in the Annual Message where the President said that it had been thought necessary to maintain a naval force in the Pacific for the protection of interests of American citizens. This portion of the message was referred to a special com- mittee in the House. Dr. Floyd opened his campaign by requesting another com- mittee to inquire into the expediency of occupying the Co- lumbia. 16 The committee brought in the bill of 1821 accom- panied by another report asserting the claim of the United 13 30 January, 1821. 14 Memoirs, V, 260. See Chapter III, below. 15 3 Feb. 1821; further notices as found 10 Feb. and 20 Mar. 1 6 10 Dec., Ibid., 529. The committee reported 17 and 18 Jan.