Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 20.pdf/219

 THE FEDERAL RELATIONS

OF OREGON

209

people of the U. S. would not willingly permit California to pass into the possession of any new colony planted by Great Britain or any foreign monarchy, and that in reasserting Mr. Monroe's doctrine, I had California and the fine bay of San Fracisco [sic]as much in view as Oregon. Colonel Benton agreed that no foreign power ought to be permitted to colonize Cuba. As long as Cuba remained in the possession of the present government we would not object, but if a powerful foreign power was about to possess it, we would not permit it. On the same footing we would place California."

This conversation took place, it is to be noted, in October, nearly a year before hostilities with Mexico began and while the belief was growing that Mexico was going to acquiesce Texas. Folk's plan was to prevent Great Britain's securing a foothold in California, which the Hudson's Bay Company coveted. But so long as California was a part of Mexico there was always danger that this province would in the loss of

pass into the possession of some strong power, and its possession by the United States would be the only real security

against such a contingency. Mexico, however, would not cede California to the United States, therefore California must be taken.

In order to do this the United States must fight Mexico,

the people of the country must be brought to a proper warlike pitch, and Great Britain must be kept busy so that there

would be no temptation to create a diversion to the south, for was no likelihood that Great Britain would risk the Northwest, where the Hudson's Bay Company had valuable interests, in reaching south to California which was as yet only longed for. In the United States there was no strong

there

with Mexico, even in the which would South, presumably gain most from such a move, we have as was a decidedly belligerent tone there but, seen, when Great Britain was under discussion. All through the summer the war talk had been increasing in both England and America this Polk knew very well. For disposition to provoke hostilities



called

26 with shortly after his interview

Benton, he was upon by Mr. Ward, Boston representative of Baring

instance,

26 Diary,

I. 73-5-