The motto of the war party of 1846, with reference to the Oregon question. See quot. 1854. On March 21, 1846, Punch had a cartoon relating to the matter.
1846. The popularity of the President depended not on his 54° 40′, but upon his moderation and wisdom.—Mr. Wood of N.Y. in the House of Repr., Jan. 31: Cong. Globe, p. 290.
1846. He thinks, when all are united, and so very desirous for 54° 40′, if we only wake up we will astonish ourselves.—Mr. Dayton of N.J. in the U.S. Senate: id., p. 453.
1846. See JAM UP.
1854. During the year 1846, the country went crazy for about six months in favor of the Baltimore platform, “54° 40′ or fight.”… That same declaration was thundered here by the press from day to day. It was very popular, and the canal-boats, and even some of the babies, it was said, were christened 54° 40′.—Mr. Clayton of Delaware in the U.S. Senate, June 15: id., p. 1000, App.
