Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 19.djvu/340

 322 LESTER BURRELL SHIPPEE One of the most important of these gatherings, at the same time typical of that force which the Democrats saw and used, was held in Cincinnati in July, 1843. The resolutions framed by this convention and signed by "Col. R. M. Johnson, 18 Presi- dent, and 90 citizens of six states in the Mississippi valley," gave voice to the usual sentiments that "the right of the United States to the Oregon Territory, from 42 to 54 40 north latitude is unquestionable, and that it is the imperative duty of the general government, forthwith, to extend the laws of the United States over said territory," establish forts and provide a naval force for the protection of the territory and the citizens of the United States living there. To make this declar- ation more impressive there was drawn up to be presented to the legislatures of the states from which delegates to the con- vention came and to Congress a formal statement headed as follows : "A declaration of citizens of the Mississippi valley, as- sembled at Cincinnati, July $th, 1843, f or the purpose of adopting such measures as may induce the immediate oc- cupation of the Oregon Territory, by the arms and laws of the United States of America!' Following this came the customary credo as to title and the necessity of checking the Indians, and the need of stopping Great Britain "in her career of aggression with impunity, dominion without right!' General Cass, in a speech at the opening of the Wabash and Erie Canal, July 4, 1843, gave a good illustration of western sentiments tinged with that bellicose tone which east- erners so deplored. 19 "Perhaps, while I address you, measures are in prog- ress to wrest from us our territory west of the Rocky Mountains. Island after island, country after country is falling before the ambition of England. . . . Our claim to the country west of the Rocky Mountains is as undeniable as our right to Bunker Hill or New Orleans ; and who will call in question our right to those blood- 18 Richard M. Johnson; U. S. Senator, 1819-29; Vice President of the United States, 1837 to 1841. Niles' Register, 64:327. 19 Ibid., 29 July, 1843.