Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1844-05-10

coct than TO aggravatc IrrItatlons. already exist
ing. upon matters of difference between the two
countries
The events which have since transpred in Tex.
as arc we'll known. Sho revoltcd against the
Government of Mexico flew to arms. and tinally
fought and won the memorable battle OF San ia.
cinto, anniliiatino Mexican army and making
a captive OF the Mexican President. The signal
success of that Revolution greatly aided. il
not wholly achieved, by citizens of the United
States who had migrated to Texas. These sue
cors, if they could not always be prevented by the
Government of the United States. were furnished
in manner and to extent which brought upon
some national rcproach III tho eyes of an impair
tial world. And, in my opinion, they impose on
tho obligation of scrupulously avoiding the I'M
putatIon of having instigated and aided the Rovo-
luton with tho ultimate view of territorial aggran-
dizeinont. Ater the battle of San Jacinto, the
United States recognised the Independence of
Texas, in conformity with tho principle and prac-
ticc which have always prevailed in their coun-
ellis of recognising tho Government '.DE FACTo,''
without regarding the question DE JURE. That
recognition did not affect or impair the ghts OF
Mexico or change tho relations which existed be-
tween her and Texas. She, on the contrary, has
preserved all her rights, and has continued TO
scr and SO far as know yet asserts. her right to
reduce Texas to obedience, part of tho Rcpub-
lie of Mexico. According to late intelligence, it
is probable that she has agreed upon temporary
suspension of hostllItiCs but, If that has been
done presume 1t Is with the purpose, upon the
termination Of the armistlcc of renewing tho war
and enforcing her rights. sho considers them.
/ This narrative shows the present actual con-
dition of Texas SO far as | have information n
bout it. III be correct, Mexico has not atan-
doned, but porsovcrcs in the assertion of her
rights by actual force of arms, which, if sus-
pended arc intended to b. renewed.-J-ndor
these circumstances, if the Government of
the Cnitcd States were TO acquire Texas,
it would acqnrcalong with it all the IN
cumbcrances which Texas is under, and among
them tho actual suspended war botwcon Mcx-
co and Texas. OF that consequence there can
not be q doubt. Annexation and war with Mex
leo arc Identical. Now, for one, | certainly am
not willing TO ivovc this country in n foreign war
for the object Of acquiring Texas. | know there
are those who regard snch with ndtlcr-
cnco and as trlng affair, account of the,
Weakness ,af s'Gns. and JGE, van ,qIf .tolp4i6t
look upon it thus lightly. | regard all wars as
great calamtlcs, to be avoided, If possible. and
honorable peace the wiscst and truost policy of
this country. What the United States most need
arc union. peace, and patience. Nor do think
that tho weakness ola Power should form n mo-
tive. i'll any case. for inducing TO engage in or
+! 10 deproclato the evils of war. Honor and good
faith and Justice equally duc from this coun-
try towards tho weak as towards the strong. And.
II an act OF injustice were TO be pcrpotrateI to-
wards any Power it would be more compatible
with tho dignity Of the naton and, in my ludg-
mont less dishonorable, to inflict it upon a powor-
ful instead Of u weak foreign nation But arc
we perfectly suro that should b free from IN
jury in state of war with Mexico! Have we
any security that countless numbers of foreign
vessels, undtr tho authority and flag of Mexico.
would not prey upon our dcfcnccloss commerce
III the Mexican gulf on the Pacific ocean. and on
every other and occanl What commerce.
81, ~,
domnty Tor our losses, to tho gallantrv and enter
prise of ccuntrymcn! This wow of the
subject supposcs that the would be confined
To the mted Stats and Mexico as tho only bel
hgcrcnts. But lave we any certain guaranty
that NeXlco won't. obtain no allies among the
great European Powers! Suppose any such Pow
crs, jealous OF our Increasing greatness. and dis
posed 10 check our growth and cripple u.s. were
TO take part III behalf of Mexico in the war how
would tho different boIiigerents present thom-
selves TO Chrlstcndcm and tho enlightened world ,
We have boon seriously charged with an inordi-
nate spirit OF territorial aggranlizcmont: and ,
without admitting the justice Of the charge it
must be owned that have made vast aculi-
sltlonS OF territory within the last forty-fiyc yoara
suppose Great Britain and France, or ono of them.
wore to take part with Mexico. and. by q mani
fcsto, were to proclaim that their objects were to
assist weak and hclp css ally to check the spirit
of cncroachmont and ambition of an already over
grown Republic. seeking still further acquisitions
OF territory. to ma ntaln the independence of
Texas. disconnected with the United States. and
to Prevent the further propagation of Slavery
from tho United States. what would be the effect
of such allegations upon the judgment of an i'm
partial and enlightened world!
Assuming that the annexation of Texas is war
with Mexico. is II competent to tho treaty-makinr
power TO plunge this country into war not only
without the concurrence of. but without derninr
TO consult Congress. TO which. BY the Constitutions
belongs exclusively the power of declaring war;
| have hitherto considered the question upon
tho supposltion that tho annexation Is attempted
without the assent of Mexico. If she Yields her
consent. that would materially affect the foreign
aspect Of the question. if did not remove all for
cgn ditfi!cuitics.-on tho assumption Of that as
the question would be confined to the domcs-
tic considerations which belong 10 il embracing
the tl,rrl1s and conditions lnon which the anno.a