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 FEDERAL RELATIONS OF OREGON

39

12 11 Ashburton, in a private letter to Webster, negotiations. said it was well known that he would always strive to pro-

mote peace with America, "but I cannot deny that your Presidential speech made European politicians of all parties and Furthermore he all countries stare with unusual surprise." questioned if it was indeed a good time to negotiate, although if undertaken in good faith he had no doubt of a successful outcome. "It may be doubtful whether it might be possible to satisfy such men as Benton and Linn on the one hand, It is worse than a or your friend Gushing on the other. waste of time to be negotiating when the spirit of the time adverse, for failure necessarily leaves behind much of irrita-

is

tion.

.

.

.

The

best treaty could not satisfy those

who

are

predetermined to find fault."

Something beside Congressional activity, however, was causing the American government to proceed slowly in accepting Lord Aberdeen's "pressing overture." The Texas affair was looming and with Texas there came the possibilities regarding California. To Tyler came the thought that Texas, Oregon and California might be brought together so that what was done with one region would serve to strengthen the other. He talked the matter over with Webster who further matured the project and passed it on to Everett in London. 13 The "political profligacy" which Adams so feared was working out. Webster reminded Everett of the Oregon agitation in Congress, telling him that the bill then under consideration was favored by Benton, Linn, McRoberts and other western gentlemen, while it was opposed by Calhoun, Berrien, Choate, McDuffie and others. "This new outbreak of interest and zeal for Oregon has its origin in motives and objects this side of the Rocky Mountains. The truth is there are lovers of agitation; and when most topics of dispute are settled, those which remain are called on with earnestness and avidity. feel the importance of

We

Aberdeen to Fox, 18 Jan., 1843, Ibid., 52. 12 2 Jan., 1843, Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, II, 163, 565. 13 Webster to Everett, 29 Jan., 1843 (private) Writings and Speeches Daniel Webster, XVI, 393-6. See Chapter VI above. 11

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