Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1844-12-24
BY C. L. SHOLES.

be on THIS! "A war oil deSolatlon, such as
is now threatened by Mexico, cannot be
waged without involving our peace and
tranquility. 1t is idle to believe that such
a war could be looked upon with ndiffer-
ence by our citizens, inhabiting adjoining
States; and our neutrality would be viola
ted, in despite Of all efforts on the part Of
the Government to prevent it. The coun-
try is settled by emigrants from the United
States, under invitations held out to them
bv Spain and Mexico Those emigrants
have left behind them friends and relatives
who would not fail TO sympathise with them
in their difficulties, and who would be led
by those sympaihies to participate in their
struggles, however energetic the action of
Government 10 prevent it. Nor would the
numerous ana formidable bands of Indians,
the mos. warliks 10 be found in any land,
which occnpy the extensive regions CONT
guous 10 the States of Arkansas and Mis-
souri,, and who are in possession of large
tracts of country within the limits Of Texas,
be likely TO remain passive. The molina
ton of those numerous tribes lead them
invariably to war whenever pretexts exist.
Mexico had no just ground of displea-
sure against this government or people for
negotiating the treaty. What interest of
hers was affected by the treaty. She was
despoilsd OF nothing, since Texas was for
ever lost TO her. The independence of
Texas was recognized by several of the
leading Powers of the earth. She was free
to treat-lree to adopt her own line Of poll
icy-free 10 take the course which she be.
Iieved was best calculated to secure TO her
| happiness. Her Government and People
| decided on annexation TO the u. States !;
and the Executive saw, in the acquisition
Of such a territory, the means Of advancing
their permanent happiness and glory
What principle OF good faith then was vio-
lated!-what rule of political morals tram
pied under foot? So far as Mexico herself
was concerned, the measure should have
been regarded by her as highly beneficial
Her inability to reconquer Texas had been
exhibited, repeat, by eight-now nine
years Of fruitess and ruinous contest In
the meantime Texas has been growing In
population and resources. Emigration has
flowed into her territory, from all parts OF
the world, in u current which continues TO
increase in strength. Mexico requires
permanent boundary between that young
republic and herself Texas, az no distant
day, if she continues separate and detached
from the United States, will inevitably seek
10 consolidate her strength by adding 10 her
domain the contiguous provinces Of Mexico.
The spirit of revolt from the control Of the
Central Government has, heretofore, man
fes'ed itself in some of those provinces !;
and it is fair 20 infer that they would be
nifty to proclaim their independence, and
20 form close alliances with Texas. The
war would thus be endless; or, if cessa-
tons of hos,llities should occur, they would
only endure for a season.
The interests Of Mexico, therefore. could
IN nothing be better consulted than in a
peace with her neighbors, which would re-
suit in the establishment of permanent
boundary. Upon the ratification of the
treaty, the Executive was prepared 10 treat
with her on the most liberal basis Hence
Inc boundaries Of Texas were left unds-
fined by the treaty. The Executive pro-
posed TO settle these upon terms that all
the world should have pronounced just and
reasonable. No negotiation upon that point
could have been. undertaken between the
United States and Mexico in advance of
the ratification OF the treaty. We should
/ have had no right, no power, no authority,
| to have conducted such negotiation and
! 10 have undertaken it, would have been an
assumption equally revolving to the pride
of Mexico and Texas, and subiecting US TO
the charge of arrogance while 10 have
proposed in advance Of annexation, TO sa.
tisfy Mexico for any contingent interest
she might have in Texas, would have been
10 have treated Texas, not as an ndcpen
dent power, but rs mere dependency oil
| Mexico. This assumption could not have
been acted upon by the Executive, without
setting at defiance your own solemn declar'
alton that that Republic was an indepen
dent Stale. Mexico had, il is true, threat
ered war against the United States, in the
event that the Treaty of Annexation was
ratified. The Executive could not permits
itself to be influenced by this threat. i
represented in this the spirit of our people
who are ready TO sacrifice much for peace
but nothing for intimidation.
A war under any circumstances, i:
greatly TO be deplored, and the U. States i:
the lasl nation to desire it but if, as the
condition OF peace, it be required of US 10
forego the unquesiionable right of treating
with an independent power, OF our own
Continent, upon matters highly interesting
to both, and tina; upon a naked and unsus.
tanned pretension of claim by third power
10 control the free will OF the power with
whom we treat-devoted as We may be tc
peace, and anxious to cultivate friendly
relations with the whole world, the Execu
tive does not hesitate TO say that the People
of the United States would DO ready to
brave all consequences, sooner than submit
to such condition. Blu, no apprehension
of war was entertained by the Executive
and must express frankly the opinion
that. had the Treaty been ratified by the
Senate, it would have Teen followed by a
prompt settlement, 10 the entire satisfaction
OF Mexico, Of every matter and difference
between the two countries. Seeing then
that new preparations for hostile invasion
oil Texas were about 10 be adopted by
Mexico, and that these were brought about
because Texas mas adopted the suggestions
HAT 81