Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1844-08-21

iirmiy hxed as the boundaries of the coun-
try themselves.
(. The map will also show him how widely
different her fate and relative strength
would have permanently been, but for the
loss of Texas. Yes; twill tell him that,
but for that loss, the South, in the Federal
Legislature, would always have been strong
enough--not, indeed, to be an oppressor,
4 but full strong enough for selfprotection
against the wrongful and oppressive legis-
lation of the North.
So far, then, as the balance of power
between the two great sections is involved
in the question of Texan annexation, all
that the South asks is, that the Government
shall not let slip the present fransitory OPP
portunity of reinsiating us in those boun-
daries which Jefferson gave, which Monroe
lost, and which Adams and Clay sought TO
restore. 10 this most reasonable and Just
demand of the South, the Norih--particu-
iarly the wing party of the Norh--has
answered peremptorily, NO! And so pc
remptory was the temper in which the an
swer was given, that Mr.. Clay, who had
thrown himself into the arms of that party
for his election, found himself obliged 10
echo the response, or compromise all his
prospects for the Presidency; for, bear in
mind, Mr.. Clay had no hand in forming
or directing Northern wing sentiment upon
the subject Of annexation. Ii was per-
tectly formed, and inexorab!y settled, as it
now stands, long time in advance of the
publication of his sentiments.
Now, gentlemen, | appeal to you TO say
whether there is any circumstance, in the
present situation of our country, to render
the possession of Texas less polite or de.
sirable than in 1920 and 1927 ? Mr.. Clay
has not attempted to point out any such
circumstance. No man can point out any
such. What, then, has changed the OPT.
Mons and course Of Mr.. Clay? What
has caused him to declare himself against
the policy of annexation, present or future2
The cause is to be found in The necessity
under which he lay, Of bowling TO the be.
hcss Of the Northern wing parry, in order
to retain their favor and receive their suf-
irages. In no other way can we account
for the gross contradiction between his late
Instrumentation bulletin, and his opinions
of the policy and importance of our pos,
sessing Texas, as expressed in 1920, ana
afterwards still more solemnly repeated
and acted on 1927. In no other way
can We explain the extraordinary fact,
that such man as Henry Clay should sue
for the Presidency by assurances and de.
claratons, which, IN the event of his cleo
ton, will completely tic up his hands from
ever endeavoring TO render his country
vastly the most valuable and glorious SER
vice that any Chief Magistrate has had
the opportunity Of attempting, with proba.
biity of success, since the purchase Of
louisiana by Mr.. Jefferson. And, gen.
temen, it does seem to me that, by SO ty-
ing up his hands, he has disqualified him.
sell for the high office to which he aspires.
AT all events, it deserves TO be so viewed
and treated by all but those sectionalists
of the North, who, with words of liberal
and enlarged Americanism continually on
their lips, reject a noble acquisition Of
territory, lest its Incorporation into the
Union might make permanent Southern
counterpoise to their present Northern
preponderance.
Gentlemen, have detained you longer
than intended on the Texan question:
My apology you will find in the fact, that
it is not only the most important, but new
element, in the great political contests Of
the country--one in regard to which Mr..
Clay has taken, since my late address to
the people Of Georgia. most decided and
stand against US; and which
stand constitutes one most strong ground
on which, as a Southern man and as an
American patriot, feel bound 10 withhold
from him my support for the Presidency.
The loss OF Texas to the country is
absolutely certain, if Mr.. Clay is elected,
unless We suppose he will depart from the
views announced in his late publication.
Should his competitor be elected, lie &C
QUESTION is certain, so far as it can be
rendered certain by the action and exer-
lions oil our Federal Executive. But,
gentlemen, were the Texan question out
OF the way, should still think Mr.. Clay
not entitled 10 Southern snffrages. Ihayc
already announced to the people of Geor-
gia my dislike Of the position he seemed
to occupy on the subject Of the tariff. He
had been taken up as candidate b. us,
on account Of his authorship of the COM
promise, and his pledged adherence TO lis
principles; and at the time OF my making
the ANNOUNCEMENT just adverted TO, there
We're but too many reasons to fear thar
the compromise was no longer a sacred
and respected thing with him, but that he
had renowned it, and gone back to tho
eull indulgence Of his early love for the old
American system, as il was called. For
1 u