The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1837-08-29
Fon TIE CALEpoNIAN.

{. Pcsoined5 That tho DELEGATION in Congress,
from this State be requested to oppose any urro'p
that may be made 10 annex leAus ~ w
States"
Critical ne is the situation of the country IN rela-
lion n the currencv and the state of business
Alarming as are the strides of Executive power and
Executive usui paions upon the rights of the peo
pIe. there exists not, Mr. Editor, subject so mo-
mentions, so ominous of tho fate of the union, as
tbot which stands ut the head Of this article. The
political history of Texas, and tho present econo
nv of its Government, revolving to every friend
of humanity.
A band of feckless adventures daring, unprin-
cped renegades from the United States, take pos
session of this fertile, but uninhabited, province of
tho Government of Mexico, owning at first,
allegiance TO that Government. Finding the soil
emnenty adapted to the growing of cotton, and the
laws of Mexico prohibiting the introduction of slav-
cry, these desperadoes find occasion to quarrel with
the government, and under the specious pretence
that their rights invaded by tyrannical opera
ton of its laws, they revolt from their allegiance,
and declare themselves Independent. A sanguin-
nary campa gn ensues, and the United States are
visited with agents, and the Slave holding Press is
enlisted in animated appeals to the American public
for aid in sustaining the liberty Of Texas against the
tyranny of Santa Anna. Forutous circumstances
combine in placing in their power the Mexican
General. A form of Government is organized, and
a Constitution adopted which prohibits the importa-
ton Of SlaUes, EXCEPT FROM THE UNITED STATES.
Negotiations opened for admission inte-
grail part of the United States. Our Government
hastily acknowledges the independence of Texas
an important preliminary to their being recognized
party in such negotiation. correspondence
is kept up between the constituted authorities of
Texas and the United States Government, also
with the Slaveholding States. The subject is dis
cussed in the newspapers and in public Conventions
at the South, and plans maured for bringing the
subject formally before Congress at the approaching
session.
And now for the operation of this splendid
scheme. The territory of Texas is sufficient for at
least four States. AT distant day the balance of
power would be thus secured to the slave holding
States. The rich and extensive cotton lands of
Texas would open an indefinite market for slaves,
at prices which would secure profit to the slaDe
gro11crs and slaoe dealers of the Atlantic States
Thus this horrid system of traffic in human flesh
would be entailed upon in its worst features
beyond the remotest probability of removing it,
Nor let it be supposed that the present admins
tration deeply interested in this plot Is it
to be supposed that Mr. Van Buren, should deem it
necessary in order TO the support of the South
to pledge himself, oppose any attempt on the part
of Congress to abolish slavery in the District of CO.
lumba,' and not pledge himself equally strong to
favor this darling measure Of the South
Sir, the times ominous of evil. The approach
ing session of Congress will be far the most import
ant of any since the adoption of the Constitution.
An important principle was yielded in favor of
Slavery, at tho session of Congress in 15l9--2O-I
Missouri applied for admission to the Union A
stormy debate ensucd, turning principally upon the
admission or rejection of Slavery. Permission was
however given to the people of Missouri to form
Constitution admitting Slavery under certain re-
strictions. 1t justly contended at this time that
while by the Constitution Congress was prohibited
from interfering with the system ofSlnvory in the old
states, they did possess the power of prohibiting
in the territories belonging to the United States
and of debating the condition which these terri
tories should be admitted TO the Union In this
contest the New England members stood shoulder
to shoulder, manfuy .contending for the cause of
humanity. In the Senate the question was sup
posed to be safe. But upon the final vote two of
the New England Senators, Messrs JOHN HOLMES,
ofMaine, and VIM. A. PALMER of Vermont, rec orded
their Games . he affirmative, and thus, BY ma
~""1ecp pfGNClUfG
ded hat the Territories should 1eadaatted soith the
privilege Of holding Slaues.
But, sir, the question now pending is not whether
the territories belonging to the United States shall
be admitted as Slave-hoding States, but whether
Foreign State whose Constitution now allows not
only of Slavery, but of the International Slaue trade
shall be annexed to the Union, and whether by this
operation the balance of representation in Congress
shall be composed of members whose election de-
pends not upon the number of sufrages at the bal
lot box, but upon the number of Slaves their con-
shtuents may possess The question now pending
is not whether Slavery shall exist in the old States
Tor this is constitutionaly fixed, but whether Con-
gress shall be accessory to the opening of a vast
market for the sale of human bengs-a marke tldis-
tant from the land of their BIRTH whence shall be
sent husbands and fathers, torn fiom their wives
and children-children wrested from their agoniz-
.I,oI