Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1844-05-17


acquire it.
My opinions OF the inexpediency Of
The treaty OF 1919 did not prevail. The
country and Congress were satisfied
with II, appropriations we're made TO
carry it into effect, the line of the Sa
bne was recognised by Us as our bOun,
dary, in negotiations both with Spain
aud Mexico, after Mexico became inde-
pendent, and measures have been in &C.
tuaI progress TO mark the line, from the
Sabine TO Red river, and thence 10 the
Pacific ocean. We have thus fairly
aienaled our title 10 Texas. by solemn
national compacts, 10 the (ulfilment Of
which we stand bound by good faith and
national honor. 1t is, therefore, per-
(ecly IDLE and ridiculous If not dshon-
orabIe, to talk of resuming our title to
Texas, as if we had never parted with
it. We can no more DO that than Spain
can resume Florida, France Louisiana,
or Great Britain the thirteen colonies,
now composing a part Of the United
States
During the administration Of Mr.. Ad
ANS Mr.. PoiDset, Minister Of the Uni.
ted States al Mexico, was instructed BY
me, with the Presidents authority, to
propose re e'purchase Of Texas; but ne
forbore even to make an overture for
hat purpose Upon his return to the
United States, he informed me, al New
Orleans, that his reason for not skiing
it was, that he knew the purchase was
wholly impractcabIe, and that he was
persuaded that, il no made the overture,
i, would have no other effect than TO
aggraVste irriiations, already existing,
upon matters Of difference between The
TWO countries.
The events which have since trans
pred in Texas are we'll known. She
reVolled against the Government OF
Mexico, flew TO arms, and finally fought
and won lhe memorable battle Of San
JaciDto, anDihilatlng Mexican army
and making a captive Of the Mexican
President. The signal success OF that
Revolution was greatly aided, if not
wholly achieved. by citizens Of the Uni
ted States who had migrated TO Texas.
These succors, if they could not al
ways be prevented by the Government
of the United States, were furnished in
manner and 10 an extent which
brought upon us some national reproach
in the eyes Of an impartial world -,
And in my opinion, they impose on US
the obligation Of scruPuousIy avoiding
the imputaton of having instigaied and
aided the Revolution with the ultimate
view Of territorial Sggrandizement. Al
ter the battle Of San Jacnro, the United
States recognised the independence Of
Texas, in conformity with the principle
and practice which have always prevail
cd in their councils Of recognising the
Government de faCto,' without regard
ing the question de jure. That recog
milton did not affect or impair the rights
of Mexico, or change the relations
which existed between her and Texas
She, on the contrary, has preserved al
her rights, and has continued TO assert
and so fer as ! know yet asserts, hel
right to reduce Texas to obedience, as G
part of the Republic OF Mexico. Ac.
cording to late intelligence, it is proba
Bile tha: she has agreed upon tempora
ry suspension Of hostilities; but, il tha
has been done, presume it is with thu
purpose, upon the termination Of the ar
mislice, Of renewing the war aOd en- fore
ing her rigbts, as she considers them.
This narrative shows the present ac-
iuol condition of Texas, 80 far as have
Information about it, If il be correct
Mexico has not abandoned, but perse
Veres 10 the assertion Of her rights By
actual force of arms, which, if suspended
are intended to be renewed. Unde
these circumstances if the Governmen
Of tho United States were to acquire
Texas, it would acquire along with II al
the ncumbrances which Texas is under
and among them the actual or suspend
ed war between Mexico and Texas. o
that consequence there cannot be
doubt Annexation and war with Mex
leo are identical. Now, Tor one, GER
lainly am not willing TO involve thi
country in foreign war for the objec
of acquiring Texas, know there ar,
those who regard such war with indiC
ference and as trAng affair, on &C.
count of the weakness OF Mexico, and he
inability to iOnict serious injury upol
this country, But | do not look upon i
thus lightly. regard all wars as grea
calamilies, to be avoided, il possible. ant
honorable peace as the wisest and trues
policy Of this country, What the Uni
ted Stales.most need are union, peace
and patience Nor do ! think that tn
weakness OF a Power should form a mo
tive, in any case, for inducing US to en-.
gags ia or TO deprecaie the evils of war