330 LESTER BURRELL SHIPPER one comes to the conclusion that the agitation served to inform the British public that a settlement could not be long post- poned. Add to this fact the further fact that the existing min- istry (Sir Robert Peel's) was not pursuing a policy of imperi- alism, such as characterized the Tory ministries of Lord Pal- merston, and the willingness of the Foreign Office to resume negotiations can be understood. In December, 1844, after the election had shown in some degree the trend of public opinion, the attention of Congress was again called to Oregon by Tyler's last Annual Message; he expressed his conviction that the influence of "our political system" was destined to be as "actively and beneficially felt on the distant shores of the Pacific as it is now on those of the Atlantic ocean;" he said that negotiations were at the moment being carried on with the representative of the British government and that he would transmit the results promptly when they were brought to a definite conclusion. He renewed his recommendation for extending the laws of the United States over the territory and for erecting a line of military posts which would "enable our citizens to migrate in compara- tive safety to the fertile region below the falls of the Colum- bia, and make the provision of the existing convention for the joint occupation of the Territory . . . more available than hitherto" for the citizens of the United States. 35 In both houses of Congress bills for providing a territorial government for Oregon were introduced, on much the same lines as at previous sessions, but it was not until the Texas annexation was completed, so far as the Resolution of Con- gress could bring it about, that either branch was able to con- sider them. In the House the bill came up toward the end of January 36 and Democratic Representatives urged its passage on the same grounds which had forwarded the Texas Resolu- tions ; namely, that the country had pronounced on the matter and it was the duty of Congress to respond to the mandate. The Whigs opposed immediate action on the ground that it 35 Richardson, Messages, IV, 336, 337-8. 36 Globe, XIV, 197. Debated from Jan. 27 to Feb. i. Passed Feb. 3. Ibid., 236-
