The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1844-12-12

Texas, at no distant day, if she continues
separate and detached from the United
States, will inevitably seek to consolidate
her strength by adding 10 her domain the
contiguous provinces OF Mexico. Inc
spirit OF revolt from the control OF the Cen
trail Government has, heretofore, mans
tested itself in some of those provinces
and it is fair to infer that they would be
inclined to take he first favorable opporlu,
nifty 10 proclaim their Independence, and
to form close alliances with Texas. The
war would thus be endless; or, il cessations
of hosliities should occur, they would on
Nv endure for season.
The interests Of Mexico, therefore,
could in nothing be better consulted Than
in a peace with her neighbors, which
would result 10 the establishment of per
maneal boundary. Upon the ratification
OF the treaty. the Executive was prepared
10 treat with her on the most liberal basis.
Hence the boundaries Of Texas were left
nndefned by the treaty. The Executive
proposed to settle these upon terms that
all The world should have pronounced just
and reasonable. No negotiation upon
that noin, could have been undertaken be-
tween the United States and Mexico, IN
advance OF the ratification of the treaty.
We should have no rlght-no poWer-no
authority, TO have conducted such nego-
citation; aud to have undertaken II, would
have been M assumption equal revolving
to he pride of Mexico and Texas. and sub
obnr nj
while 10 have proposed in advance of an
nexalion, to satisfy Mexico for any con.
liGgent interest she might have in Texas,
would have been TO have treated Texas,
not as an independent power, but as mere
dependency OF Mexico. This assumption
could not have been acted on by the Ex-
ecutive, without setting at defiance your
own solemn declaration thai that Repub-
lie was an independent Stale. Mexico
had, il is true, threatened war against the
United States, in the event the Treaty. Of
Annexation was ra,ifi"d. The Eyecu i've
could not permit itself TO be Influenced by
TINS threat. 1t Represented in this, the
spirit of our People, who are ready TO sac
rhce much for peace, but no ming 10 in-
tlmldalion. A war, under any circum.
stances, Is greatly to be deplored, and the
United States is The last nation 10 desire
it; but if, as the condition OF peace, II be
required Of US TO torego the uuquesliona>
BILE right of treating with an independent
power, of our own Continent, upon mat
!ers highly interesting 10 both, and that up
on naked and unsuslained preension OF
claim by third power, to control the free
will of the power with whom we treat
devoted as we may be 10 peace, and anx>
ious to cultivate frieadly relations with the
whole world, the Executive does not hes
itate 10 say that, the People of the Uated
States would be willing TO brave ali con-
sooner than submit o such con-
dillons. But no apprehension of war was
entertained by the Executive and must
express frank v the opinion thar, had the
Treaty been ratified by the Senate, it would
have been followed by d prompt settle.
ment, 10 the entire satisfaction Of Mexico,
Of every matter in difference between the
two countries. Seeing then tina! new pre-
parations for hostile invasion Of Texas
were about to be adopted by Mexico, and
that these were brought about because
Texas has adopted the suggestions Of the
Executive upon the subject Of Annexation,
it could not paSsively have folded lis arms
and permitted war, threatened to b. &C.
by every act that could mark
a barbarous age. TO be waged against her,
because she had done So.
O.her considerations of controlling
character Influenced the course of the Elk
ecuive. The treaty which had thus been
had failed 10 receive the rats
ifcuiion of the Seuate. One of the chief
objections which were urged against it,
was found TO exist in the fact that the qIes
ton OF annexation had not been submitted
TO the ordeal of public opinion in The Unl-
ted States. However un,enable sucn az
objection was esteemed 10 be, in view of
the nnquestlonabe power OF the Executive
70 negotiate the treaty, and The great and
lasting interess involved in the question:
felt 1t to BE- my doly to submi, the whole
subject 10 Congress as the best expounGers
o. popular sentiment. No definite action
having been taxed on the subject bv Goa
gress, the question referred itself directly
20 the decision OF ME States ard the Peo-
Qle, The great popular election whcb
has just terminated, afforded the best OPS
portunily of ascertaInlng the will of the
States aud People upon it. Peudlng tina
issue, it became the imperative dupy of
the Executive to inform Nj xco that the
question Of annexation was still before the
American r, o?le, aud thai until their de-
,son was pronounced, any ser|ous inva-
sion of Texas would be REGARDED as ~ t
at'etnpl to i'Tes'a'l Their JHd'mtn', s''
ence. | am mos, happy To inform you
bat no such Invasion has Iaken place. and
trust that, whatever your acllon may lie
npHn II. Mexico VIII see the importance o.
deciding the mater by resort to peaceful