Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1836-05-20

attention-and about which every man who |
! Is worth any thing must be thinkng-the
war in Texas, and our relations with Mex
| ico-wore, however, soon after brought Up
by n petition from Philadelphia, praying
Congress TO recognize the independence oil
| Texas, and to inierpose for the purpose OF
arresting the barbarous warfare now car.
ried on against the inhabitants OF that pro-
vince, in the manner which they may deem
most expedient, and conducive to the peace
and happiness of all parties, and the liber
ties of Texas.
This petition was presented by Mr. Pres.
ton, who briefly stated it's objects, and mo-
we'd to lay it on the table. | understand,
for had not the good fortune 10 hear his
| Introductory remarks, that he expressed
himself opposed to any action Of the kind
proposed BY the petitioners, at present
but he thought the time might soon arrive
when it would be necessary for this govern
ment to interfere for the maintenance gifts
own dignity and neutrality, and the preser
walton Of The lives and property of our cli.
zens. He also took occasion TO comment
in severe and indignant terms upon the
character of the warfare waged by the
Mexicans; and particularly applied some
strong cpithets to the conduct OF Santa
Anna himself
Mr.. Webster followed. By this time
the Senate chamber was crowded in every
part. The most earnest and serious atten.
ton was expressed in every countenance
when the great northern statesman arose,
and began to give his counsels in words
tina, came slowly and dispassionately-- if
? the speaker felt the subject was one of the
most momenlous concern-us If the best
interests of the country were depending on
the deliberations Of the hour, aud might be
irretrievaby injured by bas,y suggestion,
| or unguurded language. There was some
thing so noble, SO commanding, so truly
statesmanlike in the bearing, the manner,
and the remarks of Mr. Webster, that few
unprejudiccd persons could have listened
to him without feeling ready to place en-
tire confidence in his opinion, as TO what
the honor of the nation, the safety of our
citizens, and the relation in which we stand
TO other countries, particularly as the lead
ing republic of the world, required us TO do.
He expressed his concurrence in the gener
al views which had been expressed by Mr..
Preston. He thought we were not at pre-
sent called upon TO interfere in any way in
the Texan struggle. He also expressed
his regret at hearing the expressions Mr..
Preston had INDUCED in toward the leader
of the Mexicans. He thought all such
epilhets wrong and out of place. With
respect to what it might become the duty
of this country TO do in certain contingent.
cy, he was willing that all necessary mea-
sures should now be taken for the defence
of the frontier. Mr.. w. concluded with an
earnest and emphatic declaration of his
desire 10 preserve The peace of the country.
Mr. Preston again rose and spoke with
great weight and impressiv He said
he had endeavored to chastise the feelings
which so naturally arose from the contem-
plation of the posture of offairs in Texas,
but he found il almost impossible to moder-
ate his language TO the decorrm suitable to
a diplomatic character. He, as well as Nj
Webster, was for peace SO long as consist
ent with the honor and safety of The nation,
but while he would forbear 10 disturb the
harmony of cur relations with a foreign
power while lie felt what was due to his
character as a member of that body which
exercised O par, of the treaty making pow
er--he still could not forget that he was n
member Of the legislature also and, above |
all, a citizen Of a republic. He hoped that
if his feelings had been expressed in warm
anguage-if he had dashed from his tongue
a strong eplhet-the country would find |
some excuse in the circumstances which |
excited these feelings.
Mr. Preston referred to the fact that our
policy hitherto had always been to recog.
Mise whatever was the government de facto.
Our present relations with Mexico were
based on this principle, and though the gov
eminent of Santa Anna is neither consti,u.
tonal in its character, nor long established,
nor founded in the will and affections of the
people, yet he was disposed to preserve re-
lations with him as the head Of the govern.
ment.
The state of the western frontier, how
ever. rendered it necessary, in the opinion
of Mr.. Preston, 10 contemplate with ex
IRENE care the next step of Santa Anna
He urged this point with great vigor and
success, and introduced powerful picture
OF the defenceless condition of the people in
that region. surrounded by warlike tribes,
and assailed by mighty and ferocious
force, commanded by man OF such militia
ry genius, and inhuman nature, as Santa
Anna.
This passage alone would be sufficient to
give Mr. Preston q distinguished rank a.
mong orators. He concluded with expires
sing his willingness 10 60 any length for the |
defence Of the frontier and appealing to
The Senate to exercise high and forbea-
ing energy themselves, in order 10 keep q
sautary check on the honest and patriotic
feelings Of the nation.
Mr. Porter next addressed the Senate
He is always listened to with respectful
attention but the interest which his con
slltuents feel in the present question, gave
an additional importance to his observa-
tons. He strongly deprecated the tone in !
which Mr. Preston had INDUCED, ard ex
pressly objected 10 the epilhets he had
heaped on the Mexican general. Refer. |
ring to a declaration which | understood
Mr. Preston to have put in the mouth of
Santa Anna, he asked what authority there
was for believing it well founded1
| Mr. Preston said he had referred 10 a