Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 20.pdf/193

 THE FEDERAL RELATIONS

OF OREGON

183

the convention of 1827, accompanied their decision with conTherefore the British government diciliatory sentiments.

minister in Washington to propose to the American government terms which had been drawn up in the form of a rected

its

treaty which accompanied the instructions. The relative concessions involved in the proposal were reviewed and compared

by Lord Aberdeen, but, said he, "I am not disposed to weigh minutely the precise amount of compensation or equivalent which may be received by either party but am con.

tent to

leave such estimiate to be

.

made by

.

reference to a

higher consideration than the mere balance of territorial loss or gain. We have sought peace in the spirit of peace." 23

Even more

conciliatory

was the

letter of private instructions

which accompanied the document intended to be shown the American Secretary of State. 24 Pakenham was told to conclude a treaty on the terms outlined, if possible, "since the present constitution of the Senate appears to offer a greater chance of acquiescence than might be present at any.

1

.

.

'

future period. However, if the President declined to accept the proposal, and made a counter-proposition, "you will express regret that you possess no power to admit any such modification, and, without absolutely rejecting whatever proposal may be submitted on the part of the United States, you

whole matter to your government."

will refer the

there

was

This time

to be no opportunity for a slip on the part of the

minister.

Before information reached America of the steps taken by the British government, men of the conciliation party felt that it was for the United States to show by some sign a disposition to settle the controversy and preserve peace, for, not being altogether in the confidence of the President they had not his conviction that an offer would be made from the other side.

Senator McDuffie thought that a renewal of the offer of 49 Richard Rush, who had accompany the notice.

should 23

3d Ss. 24

Aberden

to

Ibid., 228-9.

Pakenham, 18 May, S. Ex. Doc.,

I,

pt.

6,

226-8,

42d Cong.