Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-06-23
TEXAS AND SLAVERY,

The Richmond Wig is one of the most
independent, clear-sighted, franz. speaking
journals in the Union-not prudent, but eve
~ manly and National, above all local pre-
JUDGES and grovelling appeals. In late
number of tina. paper, the Editor thus speaks
Of tho questions agita,ed in this country with
regard to Texas and her institution
We give place willingly to long, animated ar,i-
Gle on the subject Of Texas and Slavery subj o. des.
tined to occupy much Of the public mind and to ava
Ken possibly the most excited passions.
But the reasoning of the author, specious as it is
does not reach our convictions. We care not ,rho,
whether British Philnnthropis,s or American Fana-
tics, or both, are operating in Texas and procuring
the result of the eradication Of Slavery, which be-
lieve about to We care not whether she is to
continue slave holding, or to be made by British Abo-
lliion influence non-save holding. In either case we
are opposed to her annexation 10 this country on
Constitutional grounds and grounds of safety and
sef,deience to those who now from the Union.
we lay down this proposition in the utmost conf
dence that tits conforming to human nature, and that
the en will verify it, Lfsiareryis perpetuated IL.
Itras the North ,rW dissolve the Union, before it
will consent to the annexation: II Slavery is abol-
tshed there as toc feel confident il 1riH BE- then the
South will dissolve the Union rather than 10 submit,
70 such an overwhelming acquisition of strength 10
che non-save-h holding intcres, in the Federal Govern
ment
IL only one way TO escape this most menacing dam
ger and that is to leave Texas to herself and il we
sould have any influence with our countrymen it
shoud be devoted to beseech them to dismiss
ana forever the thought Incorporating her with this
Union! She is an empire in errtory-ss large as
virginia. Pennsylvania and New-York unted-with
most delicious climate and eorously fer,ile--able
10 support population of 80 millions and to defend
her Liberties against world at arms.
Let her take her own stand among the nations of
the earth, in any form and with what Institutions she
peases but let her not sink this Union and the splen
olo experiment II is making for the promotion Of the
happines and liberty of the world Let all the advan.
sages OF our alliance, friendship and trade be
hers, community OF intercourse of common pa
rcntage, and common principles but let us consider
ths Union as something too sacred TO he risked by
the indefinite expansion of territory and incorpora-
Oon OF lncongruous elements.
"For ourselves we regard the annexation of Tex
asas so fraud with disaster to this country that we
had rather the American People had to encounter in
hostile conflict, Bonapart and the army of Italy. The
last mould be but temporary and vanqnshable evil
The first would be one whose unhappy effects no sa.
eacty could foresee, wisdom guard against and nc
valor repel. II would literally be embarkng on
vast ocean ofexperiment, without rudder TO by
or compass to ascertain your position.
I'VE have country enough and too much. Our pa.
triotic affections ale already dlused too wide
eurface.-Spara had not territory so large as the
County of AIbemare! Nor Athens larger than the
notorious County of Madison! Yet these two little
States, by intellectual superiority and discipline moi
merely held the world in awe but are transmitted tc
oil pos,erity as the brightest examples of what mar
can achieve when he is free and enlightened.
"Let England If she cam establish a controlling in
fuence in Texas. As friends of the human race, W,
interests by conferng upon Texas the love of Jus
tee, OF law and liberty which SO Prominently distn
cuished Great Britain"
[aielmmnd Wing May 81.