Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1837-01-17

treaties with Foreign Powers, and to
appoint ambassadors and other public
ministers; and in that conferred upon
the President to receive ministers from
foreign nations.
In the preamble to the resolution OF
the House of Representatives, it is dis
tiactly intimated that the expediency OF
recognizing the independence of Texas
should be left to the decision of Con
gCess. In this view, on the ground of
expectancy, am disposed 10 concur;
and do not, therefore, consider it neces-
sary to express any opinion as to the
strict constitutional right of the Execu-
tive, either apart from, or in coniunc-
ton with the Senate, over the subject.
1t Is to be presumed that on no future
occasion will a dispute arise, as none
has heretofore occurred, between the
Executive and the Legislature, III the
exercise of the power of recognition.-
1t VIII always be considered consis-
tent with the spirit of the constitution,
and most safe, that it should be exer-
cised when probably leading to war,
with a previous understanding with
that body by whom war can alone be
declared, and by whom all the provis-
ions for sustaining its perils must be
furnished. Its submission to Congress,
which represents in one of its branch
es the States of the Union, and in the
other the People Of the United States,
where there may be reasonable ground
to apprehend so grave a consequence.
would certainly afford the fullest salts
faction to our own country, and per-
feet guaranty to all other nations, ofthe
justice and prudence of the measures
which might be adopted.
In making these suggestions, it is not
my purpose to relieve myself from the
responsibility of expressing my. own
opinions Of The course the interests OF
our country prescribe, and its honor
permits us.to follow.
II Is scarcely to be imagined that a
i question of this character could be pre-
i scented, in relation to which it would be
more difficult for the United States t.
avoid exciting the suspicion and ieal-
ousy of other Powers, and maintain
their established character for fair and
impartial dealing. But on this, as well as
on every trying occasion, safety is to be
ioandin a rigid adherence to principle.
In the contest between Spain and
her revolted colonies, we stood aloof
and waited not only until tire IbffIty Ul
1.-The new States to protect themselves
was fully established, but until the dan.
ger of their being again subjugated had
entirely passed away. Then, and no
/ till then, were they recognized. Sucl
was our course in regard to Mexico
herself. The same policy was observ
F ed in all the disputes growing out o
the separation into distinct govern
ments Of those Spanish AmericanSta
who began or carried on the contes
with the parent country, united undo
one form of government. We &C
knowledged the separate independence
of New Grenada. of Venezuela, and O
Ecuador, only after their Independent
, existence was no longer a matter c
: dispute, or was actually acquiesced i
4 by those with whom they had bee
2 previously united. 1t is true that, wit
: regard to Texas, the civil authority {
s Mexico has been expelled, its invadin
4 army defeated, and the Chief Ofthe RI
: public himself captured, and all preseI
: power TO control the newly organize
IS Government of Texas annihilated witt
! in It's confines. But, on the other han
d there is, in appearance, at least, an III
} mcnsc disparity of physical force {
Y the side OF Mexico. The Mexican X
IS public, under another Executive, is II
al wing its forces under a new leader, az
l. menacing a fresh invasion to recdV
4 it's lost dominion.
D Upon the issue of this threatened
IF vasion, the independence of Texas m;
re be considered as suspended; and we
D. there nothing peculiar in the relatl
situation of the United States 81
III ;,,xas. cur acknowledgment Of its
oil dependence at such a crisis, cot
r. scarcely be regarded as consistent w
te that prudent reserve with which J
a. have heretofore held ourselves bou
he to treat all similar questions. But the
h are circumstances in the relations
sts the two countries which require us
RI act on this occasion with even nj
RE- than our wonted caution. Texas Y
er- once claimed as part of our proper
Sc and there are those among our cltlz
a. who, always reluctant to abandon
ho' claim, cannot but regard with solicit
of the prospect Of the reunion of the
IDS ritory to this country. A large prof.
by ton of its civilized inhabitants are G
5tic grants from the United States; sp
liG- the same language with ourselves;
in fish the same principles, political
i've religious; and are bound to man,
yer our citizens BY ties of friendship
ate kindred blood; and more than all,
, e known that the people Of that cou
ces have instituted the same form OF
no ernment with our own; and have,
only the close ofop last session. oPenl