Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1844-12-12

invasion Of Texas were about to be a.
dopted by Mexico, and that these were
brought about because Texas had ads
opted the suggestions of the Executive
upon the subject of annexation, ii could
not passively haze folded its arms and
| permitted war, threatened to be ac-
companied by every act that could
mark a bar5arous age, 10 be waged az
gainst her, because she had done so.
Other considerations of a controlling
character Influenced the course of the
Executive. The treaty which had
thus been negotiated, had failed to re-
ceive the ratification of the Senate
One of the chief objections which was
urged against it, was found to consist
in the fact, that the question of annex
alton had not been submitted to the or
deal of public opinion in the U. States.
However untenabie such an objection
was esteemed to be, in view Of the I'M
questionable power ofthe Executive to
negotiate the treaty, ard the great and
lasting interests involved in the CUES
ton, l felt it TO be my duty to submit
the whole subject TO Congress as the
best expounders of popular sentiment.
No definite action having been taken
on the subject by Congress, tie cues
ton referred itself directly to the decis-
ion of the States and the People. The
great popular election which has Just
terminated, afforded the best opportu-
nifty of ascertaining The will of the
States, and the People upon it. PEN
ding that issue, it became the imperi-
tive duty Of the Executive to inform
Mexico that the question Of annexation
was Still before the American People,
and that until their decision was pro-
nounced, any serious invasion of Texas
would be regarded lis an attempt 10
forestalI their judgment, and could not
be looked with indifference. | am
happy to inform you that no such inva-
sion has taken place; and trust, that
whatever may be your action upon it,
Mexico will see the Importance of de-
Gliding the matter by resort to peace
full expedients, in preference to those of
arms. The decision of the People and
the States, on this great and interesting
subject, has been decisively manifest
ed. The question of annexation has
been presented markedly 10 their consi-
deration. BY the treaty itself, all col
lateral ard incidental issues, which
were calculated to divide and distract
the public councils, were carefully a.
voided. 1t presented, repeat, the is
olated question Of annexation; and in
that form it has been submitted to the
odeal of public sentiment A control.
ling majority of the People, and large
majority Of the States, have declared
in favor of Immediate annexation. In.
structions must come up to both bran
ches of Congress, from their respective
constituents, In terms the most empha
tic. 1t is the will of both the People
and the States, that Texas shall be an
nexed to the Union promptly and i'm
mediately. 1t may be hoped that in
carrying into execution the public will,
thus declared, all collateral issues may
be avoided. Future Legislatures can
best decide as to the number of States
which shall be formed out of the terri
tory, when the time has arrived for de-
Gliding that question. SO with all 9TH
ers. BY the treaty, the United States
has assumed the payment Of the debts
of Texas, 10 an amount not exceeding
$l0,000,000, to be paid, with the ex-
ception of a sum falling short of $780,
600, exclusively out Of the proceeds of
the sales of her public lands. We
could not, with honor, take the lands,
without assuming the full payment of
all membranes upon them.
Nothing has occurred since yourlaSt
session, 10 induce doubt that the dis
position of Texas remain unaltered.
No intimation of an alternated determi-
nation, on the part of her Government
and people, has been furnished to the
Executive. She still desires to throw
herself under the protection of our laws, 1
and to partake of the blessings of our
tederatlve system; while every Ameri-
can interest would seem TO require it.
The extension of our coast-wise and
foreign trade, TO an amount almost in.
calculable-the enlargement ofthemar-
ket for our manufactures constantly
growing market for our agricultural
production safety TO our frontiers, and
additional strength and stability to the
Union-these are the results which
would rapidly develop themselves upon
the consummation of the measure of
annexation. In such event, will not
doubt but that Mexico would find her
true interest TO consist in meeting the
advances Of this Government in spir-
~ Of