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.
