CHAPTER IX

OREGON AND CONGRESS While the

attitude of Congress

1845-1846

toward Oregon has been

brought out in the discussion of the "notice" resolutions, it would be leaving the matter inadequately treated if reference

were not made to other lines on which the whole question was attacked during the session. The Message recommended other action than that alone: the protection of emigrants, by military posts and forces; extension of the laws of the United States over its citizens in Oregon, in default of which they had been obliged to organize themselves provisionally; establishment of an overland mail route; provision for an Indian

agency and laws regulating intercourse with the Indians. Protection of American citizens both in the territory and on the Oregon Trail necessitated, the President thought, an adequate force of mounted riflemen. This recommendation, together with the Message's information on the negotiation, caused Senator Cass to introduce resolutions directing the respective committees on Military Affairs, Militia and Naval Affairs to inquire into the condition of the defensive forces of the United States and to recommend such changes as seemed

necessary.

Cass definitely stated that there was

little

doubt

of the United States being in danger of war over Oregon; the notice would be given, the United States would have to recede from the position taken by the President or war would follow at the expiration of the year. Thus the war party first

sounded

its

trumpet, and drew from the peace party a counterwhole Oregon Question was invoked. Rather

blast, for the

than precipitate a debate over a subsidiary point the Senate passed Cass' resolutions unanimously and then took up the 1 question of notice. Just after this discussion the Administration learned of the warlike preparations in England and the question of defence I

debt, XV,

45-60.