American Republican And Baltimore Daily Clipper

The Notice.

We gave to our readers yesterday, the vote of the Senate on the Notice to England in relation to the joint occupancy of Oregon, and we congratulate the country upon the adoption of the substitute offered by Mr. Johnson, of Maryland, for the resolutions passed in the House of Representatives. The substitute is as follows:

Joint Resolution Concerning the Oregon Territory.

Whereas, by the convention concluded the twentieth day of October, eighteen hundred and eighteen, between the United States of America and the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, for the period of ten years, and afterwards indefinitely extended and continued in force by another convention of the same parties, concluded the sixth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven, it was agreed that any country that may be claimed by either party on the northwest coast of America westward of the Stony or Rocky Mountains, now commonly called the Oregon territory, should, together with its harbors, bays and creeks, and the navigation of all rivers within the same, be "free and open" to the vessels, citizens, and subjects of the two Powers, but without prejudice to any claim which either of the parties might have to any part of said country; and with this further provision, in the second article of the said convention of the sixth of August, eighteen hundred and twenty-seven, that either party might abrogate and annul said convention, on giving due notice of twelve months to the other contracting party—

And whereas it has now become desirable that the respective claims of the United States and Great Britain should be definitely settled, and that said territory may no longer than need be remain subject to the evil consequences of the divided allegiance of its American and British population, and of the confusion and conflict of national peace and good understanding of the two countries.

With a view, therefore, that steps be taken for the abrogation of the said convention of the sixth of August, eighteen hundred and twenty-seven, in the mode prescribed in its second article, and that the attention of both countries may be the more earnestly and immediately directed to renewed efforts for the settlement of all their differences and disputes in respect to said territory—

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby authorised, at his discretion, to give to the British Government the notice required by the said second article for the abrogation of the said convention of the sixth of August, eighteen hundred and twenty-seven.

The preamble places the object of the notice in a clear, distinct and satisfactory light. It bears nothing of a belligerent aspect, but on the contrary breathes peace and good will. It is in precisely the language which is suited to the occasion. There can be no doubt that, under present circumstances, it is advisable to discontinue the joint occupancy; for, were it to be continued, controversies, and perhaps conflicts might arise between the subjects of England and the citizens of the United States, and thus lead the two countries into acts of hostility, which would result in war. Great Britain will see in this proceeding, that the Senate of the United States, at least, desires to preserve honorable peace, and to do no act incompatible with strict justice. We have no doubt that the passage of this preamble and resolution by the Senate, will greatly restore confidence in both countries, as to the continuance of the friendly relations, whilst it will sadly disappoint the war-spirits, who have gloated in imagination, upon the blood and carnage which they have sought to produce.

The preamble and resolution will be sent to the House for its concurrence; and we may anticipate an outburst of passion upon the occasion, similar to that which was exhibited by Mr. Allen, in the Senate. It is possible that the House will not concur, and that thus there may be a failure to give notice. This we should regret, for reasons already assigned. But,

whatever may be the course pursued by the House, we think that the country may rely, with the most implicit confidence, that the Senate will continue to act with firmness and independence, and never sanction any rash act by which the peace of the country may be improperly jeoparded.