The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-11-27

q IsE1t0Nu-Mr. Wnlte. itiH l.ts 0l.af talEt..
New York-Mr. Moseley.
Observation-Disclosures. Adams and Grin
nell. nar+ ,lga
Missouri-Messrs. Jameson and Brewer
South Caroliaa-Mr. Rheu.
ANNExATION-A DEFENSIVE MEASURE.
There are several important considerations
likely tore commend the proposed annexation oil
Texas 10 the support Of that class Of citizt ms
who do not regard patriotism as the first Of du-
Ties. but as one to be postponed to their con-
structon ofihe precepts Of morality and religion.
One OF these is that it would be purely de-
fensive measure. The intention of the British
Government to interfere in cur domestic con-
Germs, was avowed on the floor OF the House OF
Lords in language too explicit 10 be misunder-
stood; and the source Of the avowal-one of her
Msjes,y's principal Ministers of State-gives il
all the force of formal declaration Of the Coy
eminent The mode Of interference is matter
OF little importance TO us, and is merely chosen
as the one likely 10 prove most effectual. and
least dangerous to Great Britain herself It is
sufficient for US that the views Of the British
gotiations with neighboring nation carried on
with design, to the accomplishment OF the ex-
tinciion Of slavery within our borders
This recent demonstration Of TIL British Go
vernmcnt is in perfect conformity and cohe-
renee with previous acts, eviucing It's de,ermi-
nation 10 prosecute its schemes Of abolition
without the slightest regard TO the feelings or
interests of the People of this country, and, if
necessary, in defiance of the law of nations.
The case of the "Cieole" is still fresh
in the minds of the American People. The con-
due, of the British Government in that matter,
if not indisputably in violation Of the law
of nations was certainly well calculated to in
terrupt thai harmony which it is the sole object
Of the law of nations to preserve, and it was,
therefore, violation of the spirit of that law
II was, TO say the least, gross departure from
national comfy, such if met in like spirit
and retaliated would necessarily have led 10
war.
But another act of a more haguant character,
and having the same settled design in view, was
the passage Of the Act of Parliament of the
24lh August, 1889, authorizing British cruisers
on the coas, of Africa. TO search vessels Of any
nation suspecledoi being engaged in the slave
trade. This act was passed with full know
ledge, and indeed without any attempt what.
ever at The lime to deny, that it was in direct
violation Of the law of nations, as expoundet
and most clearly set forth by the Admiralty
Courts of Great Britain itself And il was
also Known and stated at me rime, IN farifa-
ment that the act would be likely 10 bring the
British Government into conf CT with our own
Nevertheless, the Ministry persevered in their
purpose, and the result was the seizure of our
vessels on the coast of Africa, and the subse-
quent attempt OF the British Government 10
justify itself by claiming the right of search
during peace-a right not thought Of during the
animated debate on the bill, nor until il became
necessary TO advance ii as pretext.
We extract the following remarks from
speech of the Duke Of Wellington in opposition
to the bill, in order TO show what was thought of
the character Of this high handed measure of
the British Government, by one not likely 10 I'M
derrate the rights Of his own nation, nor 10
overrate those of our Republican Government, ::
"There nations one grea, nation in
particular, the United States with which this coun
try Lad made no treaties for putting down the slave
trade was true that there were engagements
made by diplomatic notes, in which the United States
had express her readiness TO co operate with This
country in putting the savetrade down by declaripo
1T piracy Documents, however, which had lately
been laid before their Lordships 81 owed thar the
slave trade still carried on by vessels bearing the
flag of the United States. II, then there was one
point more TO be avoided than another il was that
relating 10 the searching vessels belonging to the
United States. He slluded particularly to the cor
rcspondence which had passed between the Commits
soncrs at the Havana and he perceived. that not
only was inclination shown on the part of the
United States to permit this detention and visitation
for papers, for the purpose Of discovering whether
the vessel had right to claim the protection of an
other State but on The contrary, If might Judge
from the correspondence of their Consul at the RI.
vana, the very mention tina, such thing was done
although proof was offered Of the fact was resented
as an insult Now, if the Government were 10 act
under the authority OF the act Of Parliament, that
would not relieve them from the consequences of in
terferng in this with the rights of other Ms
lions. For his own part, he coull not Judge of The
consequences that might follow--nor could he form
an opinion OF what our means were for the purposes
of carrying this me assure into execution surprising
the United States should think proper as he ihougbi
we bad every reason to believe from these documents
they would, to resist the operation of the act This
another reason, in his opinion for desiring tina,
the measure should originate with her MAJESTY,
Government, who had all this knowledge. and no,
with Pari ,mept But there another view of this
question, which he thought rather low view OF
IT in comparison with those which he had aIre.,dy
drawn under their Lordship's attention. All these
officers, whoever they might be- acting under the
provisions Of this bill, were TO be Undermined from
all consequences but the State would not be indem-
Mined Under oil the treaties, indemnities were ia
BILE TO be paid and there was a positive epeagemen,
pay very large demurrage, and f So we m,sh,
be certain that no vessel Of the United States ,ii
be detained even for a visitation which nigh, lat
only few hours, for which this country nit, 90,
be liable. Under all these circumstances he thonh,
that this measure was one 10 which their I,o,ds5;,
could not with propr'ety agree, If they entertaned
that respect for the rights of other nations which
had been the uniform practice Of this country TO oh