Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1844-08-07

a
| II he gets possession Of the place, or ac-
Iquires an interest it, he will harbor AS
runaway slaves; his laborers and mana
{ gers may incite them TO rebellion. Under
such circumstances, ought A to wait until
BIS antagonist consent to the partnership?
Or, is not too plain to admit OF doubt, that
a just regard 10 his interest and safety
should induce him promptly to close with
the offer, and thus anticipate the threat
ened danger? would in all candor ask
/ in what the supposed case differs from tho
lreal one? Are we not bound by proper
REGARD for our property--by the still high
er obligations Of duty 10 the objects of our
affection, 10 prevent dangerous and
subtle foe TO our peace and safety, from
obtaining commanding position from
whence he can hurl the instruments of
death and destruction amongst us? Orare
we to fold our arms in silence--in silence
watch the approach of this appalling dan
ger, until foreign despot, (himself the
dependent Of England Ian execrable ty-
rant, on whose soul rests the blood Of our
slaughtered counlrymen, shall kindly con-
sent that we may look 10 our safety? p
England herself furnishes cases in point
to justify this measure. During her last
war with France, and whilst at peace with
Denmark, after batiering down the forts
& walls of Copenhagen, she took iorcible
possession of the Danish fleet, on. the
ground that it might beseized by the en-
envy g. employed against herself. When
revolutionary France, under her. system of
lpropagandism, offered fraternity and as
sistance 10 all people who wish to recover
their liberty" England declared war
against her, on the ground of self-preser-
lyation that these revolutionary principles
must be put down or the British monarchy
be subverted. And if England could be
Justified in engaging in and continuing a
war,of upwards Of twenty years, at an
enormous expenditure Of blood and treas
lure, TO prevent the spread Of principles
which would endanger, not her national
existence, but merely the forms of her go.
vernment, how much more would we be
Justified in the adoption of this measure,
and thereby prevent that "consummation
which would spread ruin and desoatiou
over the whole South? Now, i believe.
is the golden moment which, if lost, may
never return. We are informed, on high
4 authority, that instructions are forwarded
to the Texan minister at Washington that
lon our rejection of the treaty, he should
propose to the British minister. 1t is
however hoped aud believed, that recent
events in the United States-the strong
manifestations of public sentiment in their
i favor-may induce the authorities and
people of Texas 10 await the verdict OF
public opinion on this momentous question.
Ilf, however, they should now enter into
arrangements with England, we may not
I complain Twice have they been reject
cd; and although it seems to be conceded
on all hands that England should not be
/ permitted to acquire controlling influence
in the councils Of Texas, after our rejec-
ton Of her offer Of annexation, know
not what right we would have to assume a
guardianship over her, and prevent her
from entering into such arrangements with
other powers as she may deem conducive
TO her welfare. We may counsel and ad.
vise--nol interdict-and Texas, unless she
choose to await the chapter Of events, is
irrevocably lost.
II have now, fellow citizens, performed
the task assigned me by the partiality Of
friends--imperfectly, no doubt, but never
theless honestly. | have endeavored to
i obviate the objections to this great meas.
ure--to point out its advantages, and 20
show the necessity for its immediate adop-
ton, in regard to the general in ter
ests of the whole Union, and particular
lily as itaffects your rights and safety. |
i pretend to no originality in these views
i they have often before been presented in
forms much more imposing; they may,
however, induce you to set about investi-
eating the subject for. yourselves, and TO
form Your own unbiased opinions. Would
that the dangers | have feebly depicted
may prove to be illusions. But even ex-
|cessve Jealousy on this subject ismuch
more commemorate than apathy Re-
member the influences at work from every
quarter against us. Bear in mind that the
institution of slavery, at once our weak
] ness and our strength, cannot be over
thrown without crushing ia its fall the
whole fabric of civil society. Remember
the past scenes Of st. Domingo, and be
admonshed Of the fate that may await you.
/ ff you would avert these horrors, if you
would give safety to your affairs and your
sides-it you would advanceihe march
of your country in her career OF national
greatness--if you. would promote The cause
of humanity und. of civilization, unite with.
Iusiii this great measure--to you, emphat-
ically, measure OF deliverance and of
safety. Twas a noble sentiment of Pre-: