Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1844-12-12

scutive without sstting at defiance ewn solemn
declaration that that Republic was an independent
State. Mexico had, Il 10 true. threatened war
neainst the United Sates in the event the treaty Of
Annexation WIS ratified. The Executive could not |
permit itself TO be Influenced BY this threat. II
represented, in this the spirit OF our People, VINO
are ready to sacrifice much for peace, but nothing
to intimidation. t- /
A war, under any circumstances, is greatly tobe |
depored and the United States is the last nation to
deslre il but If, the condition Of peace, il be
required Of Us 70 fOrego the unquestOnable right
own Continent upon matters highly interesting to
both, and that upon naked and unsustained pre-
tension If claim by third power, to control the
free will Of the power with whom we treat-devo-
ted as we may be to peace, and anxious to culti-
vate 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 condi-
ton. But no apprehension Of war was entertained
by the Executive ; and must express frankly the
opinion that, bad the Treaty been ratified by the
Senate, it would have been followed by prompt
settlement to the entire satisfaction of Mexico, OF
every matter in difference between the two cOun-
tries Seeing then that new pts paratons for hos
tile invasion Of Texas were about to be adopted
by Mexico, and that these were brought about be-
cause Texas had adopted the suggestions Of the
Executive upon the subject Of Annexation. il could
not passively have folded its arms and permitted
war, threatened to be accompanied by every act
that could mark barbarous age, to be waged against
her, because she had doneso
Other considerations Of a controlling character
Influenced the course of the Executive. The Trea-
ty which had been thus 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
foh
view Of the unquestionable power Of the Execu.
tive to negotiate the Treaty, and the great and
lasting interests involved in the question, felt it
to be my duty to submit the whole subject to Con-
gress as the best expounders OF popular sentiment.
lNodefnitive action having been taken on the sub.
lly to the decision Of States and the People. The
great popular election which has just terminated,
afforded the best opportunity Of ascertaining the
will Of the States, and the People upon it.
Pending that issue, it became the imperative du.
ty Of the Executive to inform Mexico that the
question Of annexation was still before the Amer
can People, and that until their decision was pro-
nounced, any serious invasion Of Texas would be
regarded an attempt to fo.estall their judgment,
and could not be looked upon with indifference
am most happy to inform you, that no such inva-
sion has taken place and trust that whatever
your action may be upon it, Mexico will see the
importance of deciding the matter by resort to
peaceful expedents, in preference to those of
The decision of the people and the states, on this
great and interesting subject, has been decisively
manifested. The question Of annexation has been
presented markedly to their consideration. By the
treaty ITSELF all collateral and incidental issues,
which were calculated 10 divide and distract the
public councils, were carefully avoided. These
It presented, repeat the insulated question of
nexation and in that form it has been submitted to
the ordeal Of public sentiment.
A controlling majority 0fthe States have declared
in favor of immediate annexation. Instructions have
thus come up to both branches Of Congress, from
their respective constituents in terms the most
phatic. 1t 10 the will Of both the People and the
States, that Texas should be annexed to the Union
promptly and Immediately. II may BIO hoped that,
in carrying into execution the public will thus de-
clared, all collateral issues may be avoided. Fu-
ture Legislatures best decide as to the number
of states which should be formed out of the terri
tory 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 100000 900 !;
to be paid, with the exception of sum falling
short Of $500 900. exclusively out Of the proceeds
Of the sales of her public lands. We could not,
with honor take the lands, without assuming the
full payment Of all membranes upon them.
Nothing has occurred since your last session, to
induce doubt that the dispositions Of Texas re-
manned unaltered No intimation Of an altered de.
! termination, on the part Of her Government and
People, has been furnished to the Executive. She
still desires to throw herself under the protection
of our laws and to partake Of the blessings of our
federative system while every American interest
would seem to require it. The extension of our
coast-wise and foreign trade, to amount almost
incaculable-the enlargement Of the market for
our Manufacturers constantly growing market for
our agricultural productions-safety to our from
tiers, and additional strength and stability to the
! Union-these are the results which would rapidly
dsvelope themselves, upon the consumation Of the
measure Of annexation. In such event, will not
doubt but that Mexico would find her true interest
to consist in meeting the advances of this Govern
ment in spirit Of anlity.
Nor do apprehend any serious complaint from
any other quarter sufficient ground exists for
such complaint We should interfere in no respect
with the rights Of any other nation. There cannot
be gathered from the act, any design on part to
do 90 with their possessions on this Continent We
have interpcsed NO impediments in the way of such
acquisitions of territory, large and extensive as ma
ny Of them are, as the leading Powers Of Europe
have made. from time to time, in every part Of the
world We seek no conquest made by war; No
intrigue will have been resorted to, or acts Of d.
plomacy essayed to accomplish the Annexation Of
Texas. Free and independent herself, she asks to
be received into our Union. 1t is question for
our own decision, whether she shall be received or
not.
The two Governments having already agreed,
through their respective organs, on the terms of
Annexation, would recommend their adoption by
Congress in the form Of joint resolution or acts
to be perfected and made binding on the two coun-
tries, when adopted in like manner by the govern
ment OF Texas.
In order that the subject may be fully presented
in all its bearengs, the correspondence which has
taken place, in reference to it, since the adjourn.
ment Of congress, between the United States, Tex.
az and Mexico il herewith transmitted -