The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-12-20

only endure for season. The interests OF Mexi-
CO, therefore, could in nothing be better consulted
than in peace with her neighbors, which would
result in the establishment Of permanent bounda-
ry Upon the ratification of the treaty the execu-
liberal basis. Hence the boundaries of Texas
were left underlined by the treaty. The executive
proposed to settle these upon terms that were
just and reasonable. No negotiation upon that
point could have been undertaken between the
United States and Mexico in advance of the Iat-
ication of the treaty. We should have had no
right, no power, no authority, to have conducted
such negotiation; and to have undertaken il,
would have been an assumption equally revolving
to the pride Of Mexico and Texas, and subjecting
us to the charge Of arrogance: while to have pro-
posed in advance of annexation, to satisfy Mexico
for any contingent interest she might have in
Texas, would have been to have treated Texas not
as an independent power, but az mere dependen-
cy OF Mexico. This assumption could not have
been acted on by the executive, without setting at
defiance your own solemn declaration that that
republic was an independent state. Mexico had,
it is true threatened against the United States,
in the event the treaty of annexation was ratified.
The executive could not permit itself to be influ-
enced by this threat 1t represented in this, the
spirit OF oue people, who are ready to sacrifice
much for peace but nothing to intimidation. A
war, under any circumstances is greatly to be
deplored, and the United States is the last nation
to desire il; but if, as the condition of peace, it be
required Of Us to forego the unquestionabe right
of treating with an independent power, of our
own continent, upon matters highly interesting to
both and that upon naked and unsustaned pre-
tension of claim by third power, to control the
free viii of the power with whom we treat-de-
voted as they may be to peace, and anxious to
cultivate friendly relations with the whole world,
the executive does not hesitate to say that the
people of the United States would be ready to
brave all consequences sooner than submit to such
condition. But no apprehension of war was
entertained by the executive; and must express
frankly the opinion that had the treaty been ratfi-
ed by the Senate, it would have been followed by
a prompt settlement to the entire satisfaction of
Mexico, of every matter in difference between the
two countries. Seeing then that new preparations
for hostile invasion of Texas were about to be
adopted by Mexico. and that these we've brought
about because Texas had adopted the suggestions
of the executive on the subject of annexation, it
could not passively have folded It's arms and per-
mtted war, threatened to be accompanied by
every act that could mark barbarous age, to be
waged against her because she had done SO.
Other considerations of controlling character
influenced the course of The executive. The
treaty which had thus been negotiated, had failed
to receive 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 annexation had not been submitted to the ordeal
of public opinion in the United States. However
untenable such an objection was esteemed to be,
in view Of the unquestionable power Of the execu-
tive TO negotiate the treaty, and the great and
lasting interests involved in the question, felt
to be my duty to submit the whole subject to
Congress as the best expounders of popular senti-
ment. No definitive action having been taken on
the subject by Congress- the question referred itself
directly to the decision of the states and the peo
pie. The great popular election which has Just
terminated, afforded the best opportunity of
taining the will of The states and the people upon
il. Pending that issue, it became the imperative
duty of the executive to inform Mexico that the
question of annexation was, still before the Amer
lean people, aud that until their decision was pro-
nounced, any serious invasion Of Texas would be
regarded as an attempt to foresta their judgment,
and could not be looked upon with indiffei ence,
| am most happy to inform you that no invasion
has taken place; and trust that whatever your
actisn may be upon it, Mexico will see the mpor-
tance of deciding the matter by resort to peace
ful expedients in preference to those OF arms
The decision Of the people and the states on this
great and interesting subject, has been decsively
manifested. The question of annexation has been
presented nakedly to their consideration, By the
treaty itself, all collateral and incidental issues.
which were calculated to divide and distract the
public councils, were carefully avoided These
1t presented, | repeat, the isolated question of
annexation; and in that form il has been submitted
to the ordeal of public sentiment. A controlling
majority of the people and large majority of the
states, have declared IN favor of immediate annex
alton. Instructions have thus come up to both
branches of Congress, from their respective con-
stituents, in terms the most emphatic. 1t is the
will Of both the people and the states that Texes
shall be annexed to the Union promptly and imme-
dateiy. 1t may be hoped that, 10 carrying into
execution the public will thus declared, all collat-
eral issues may be avoided, Future Legislatures
can best decide as to the number of states which
should be formed out of the territory, when the
time has arrived for deciding that question. So
with all others. BY the treaty, the United States
assumed the payment Of the debts of Texas, to an
amount not exceeding $4,000 900; TO be paid,
with the exception Of 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 tho full na,,mant of