The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1844-05-16

A'io iet"lH W tne Oulleu Odl6S, ne INFORM
: ed me, at New Orleans, that his reason
Tor not making it was. that he knew the
purchase was wholly practicable, and
that he was persuaded that, if he made
the overture, it would have no other effect
than to aggravate irritations, already ex-
Istlng, upon matters of difference between
the two countries.
The events which have since tfahspired
in Texas are well known. She revoIted
against the government of Mexico, few to
arms, land final y fought and won the men,
orable battle of San Jacinto, annhiated
Mexican army. and making captive of
the Mexican President. The signal suc4
cess OF that revolution was greatly aided,
If not wholly achieved, by citizens of the
United States who had migrated to Texas.
These succors, if they could not always be
prevented by the government of the Units
ed States, were furnished in manner and
10 an extent which bro't upon us some ma
tional reproach lin the eyes of an impartial
world. And in my opinion, they impose
on US the obligation of scrupulous " avoid
Ing the lmpulalion of having instigated
and aided the revolution; with the ultimate
view Of territorial ggrandzement. Alter
the above named battle the U. States re.
cognized the independence of Texas, in
conformity with the principle and practice
which have always prevailed in their
councils, of recognizing the government
"de tacto," without regarding the ques-
ton de jure' That recognition did not
affect or impair The rights of Mexico, or
change the relation which existed between
her and Texas, she, on the contrary, has
preserved all her rights, and has coutiau.
ed to assert, and, as far as | know, vet as
serts her right 10 reduce Texas 10 obedi-
ence, as part of the republic Of Mexico.
According to late intelli gence, it is proba.
Bile she has agreed upon temporary sus.
pension of hostilties; but, if that has been
done, presume it is with the PURPOSE,
upon The termination of the armislice, of
renewing the war,and enforcing her rights
as she considers them.
This narrative shows the present actual
condition of Texas, so far as have infor.
nation about it. If it be correct, Mexico
has not abandoned, but perseveres in the
assertion of her rights by actual force Of
arms, which, if suspended, are intended to
be renewed. Under these circumstances,
if tine Government of the United States
were 10 acquire Texas, it would acquire
along with it all the membranes which
Texas is under, and among them the &C
tua or suspended war between Mexico &
Texas. Of that consequence, there can.
not be doubt. Annexation and war with
Mexico are identical. Now, for one, |
certainly am not willing to involve this
country in foreign war for the object of
acquiring Texas. know there are those
who regard such war with Indifference
and as lrifling affair, en- account of the
weakness of Mexico and her inability Ito
inflct serious injury upon this country:
But | do not look upon it thus lightly. I
regard all wars as great calamilies, TO be
avoided, ifpossibe, and honorable peace
as the wisest and truest policy of this coun.
try: What the United States most need
are union, peace, and patience. Nor do
| think that the weakness of power
should form motive, in any case, Tor in
ducing US to engage in or TO depreciate the
evils of war. Honor and good faith and
justice are equally due from this country
toward the weak as toward the strong
And ifan act of inj justice were to be per.
petra:ed toward any Power, it would be
more compatible with the dignity of the
nation, and, in my judgment, less dishon.
orable, TO inflict it upon powerful instead
ofa weak foreign nation. But are we
perfectly sure that we should be free from
injury in state of war with Mexico q
Have we any security that countless mum.
bers of foreign vessels, under the authors
ty and flag of Mexico, would not prey up
on our deienceless commerce in the Mex
lean gulf, on The Pacific ocean, and on ev-
cry other sea and ocean2 What COM
merce on the other hand does Mexico Of
fer, as an indemnify for our losses, to The
galantry and enterprise of our country
men?
This view of the subject supposes tina,
the war would be confined 10 the United
States and Mexico as the only billigerents.
But have we any certain guaranty that
Mexico would obtain no allies among the
great European Powers? Suppose any
such Powers jealous of our increasing
greatness g. disposed to check our growth
and cripple us, were to take part in behalf
of Mexico in the war, how would the diff.
ferent belligerents present themselves ID
christendom ard the enlightened world
We have been seriously charged with an
inordinate spirit of territorial aggrandize-
men;; and, without admitting the justice
of the charge, it must be owned that we
have made vast acquisitions of territory
within the last forty years. Suppose g.
Britain and France, or one OF them, were
to take part with Mexico, and by mani
festo, were to proclaim that their objects
were to assist weak and helpless ally, to
check the spirit of encroachment and ana