Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 2.djvu/213

Rh crossing the Rocky Mountains, and new expeditions are preparing 1 for another season. The time for extending- the absolute occupation and jurisdiction of our government over that country has arrived.

"It will greatly assist the British policy of delay if congress, under the idea that the question is in a fair train of negotiation, should neglect to put an end to the convention of 1827, which has already endured too long. In making bargains by diplomacy, the recent history of our country has proved that we are not a match for our British rival. To put an end to the convention and assert our title at once in its full extent is the most effectual method, we are convinced, of procuring its early acknowledgment by Great Britain. If we leave the matter to mere negotiation we may see ourselves manoeuvred out of the northern portion of a territory to the whole of which we have the fairest title in the world."

Mr. Hughes offered the following resolution (January twentieth): " Resolved, That the Committee on the Territories inquire into the expediency at as early a day as practicable of reporting a joint resolution requesting the President of the United States to give notice, of twelve months, to the government of Great Britain that after the expiration of said term, the government of the United States will annul and abrogate the convention of the sixth of September, 1827, continuing in force the provisions of the third article of the convention of the twentieth of October, 1818."

Objections were made to the reception of the resolution.

Mr. Hughes moved a suspension of the rules to enable him to offer it.

The motion was negatived.

The house brought the debate on referring that portion of the President's message relative to the "Western Waters" to a close by referring the subject to the Committee on Commerce.

"The emigrants to Oregon," says a Western paper, "have a long route to travel, much of the way over mountains and barren deserts, and but few resting places. The distance is set down as follows: From Independence, on the frontier of Missouri, to Fort Laramie, seven hundred and fifty miles; from Fort Laramie to Fort Hall, five hundred and fifty miles; from Fort Hall to Fort Wallah Wallah, four hundred and fifty miles; from Fort Wallah Wallah to Fort Vancouver, three hundred and fifty miles."