Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-05-10
MIR. VAN BUREN's LETTER ON AN
MEX RATION.

MIR. VAN BUREN's LETTER ON AN
NEXATION.
On the 9th of March, Mr.. w. A. Hammet, M
C.) wrote to know the opinions of Mr.. Van Buren,
" as to the consttutionolity and expediency of i'm
mediately annexing Texas to the United States, so
soon as the assent of Texas may be had" and in
forms him that ga full and frank declarations favor
able to this great object, will be of great service to
the cause, at moment so critical of its destiny,"-
and distinctly ntimotes, by referring to the course
of Messrs. Webster and Clay, that favorable an
swer will strengthen his own chances for election
to the Presidency.
On the goth of April Mr.. Van Buren, answered
in letter of six columns in length full, surely,
and very frank for him--but so very full of words
and suggestions of varying circumstances that both
sides find little difficulty in drawing differences to
suit themselves. 1t is too much Of q task for us to
give the letter. but we will try to state fairly the
substance.
HiSto,y-In 1920 Mr.. Van Buren, says that he,
as Secretary of State, by direction of President
Jackson, endeavored to open negotiation for the
purchase of Texas and its admission to the Union
AN object which he says had also been sought by
the preceding Administration, differing not essen
tally in details In 1887 he being Presidency Tex
as proposed for admission, but the proposition was
not entertained, not however account of the con-
stitutiona question or of the manner of annexation
Is .4,neration Constitutional Mr. Van answers
plainly Yes, and argues the affirmative at much
length.
Is ii erpedient 10 dnner Teras notc ?-Mr. Van
Buren, quotes his answer of 1887 (given to our read
ers some weeks ago) and abides by it now.-it is
not expedient to annex Texas nor Mexico
claims her and is prosecuting the war; we should
thus justify Mexico in making war upon us, and
could not justify ourselves in the eyes of the world
and this ground is defended at great length.
May 1t be erpedient IN future ?-Mr. Van saws
YES. If Texas is menaced by Great Britain, we
should take her. IF the present relations between
Texas and Mexico should be changed, the obiec-
tons to annexation might be removed. If annex
ation should be deemed necessary by majority of
Congress- and he should be President he ,coud agree
10 Il! And even should Mexico persist unreason-
ably, Texas may be annexed without her consent
On the whole, we think it perfectly clear that
Mr. Van Buren, is in favor Of the annexation of
Texas, and would promote it with all his power the
moment Mexico can either be brought to agree, or
plausible excuse can be found for disregardng
Mexico. We quote from the letter the following
paragraphs, which, coupled with the distinct aflir-
nance of the constitutonality of annexation, rem
der it conclusive that nothing is in the way of an
nexation NOW, in his opinion except Mexico:
If the time comes when the question itself
ony or constitutional portion of this Unon the great prnci
pie of sefdeience applicable well Nations iudvidu
ais, WOULD without doubt produce great unanm amongst
us in favor of the latter ALTERNATIVES be expected
any great question of foreign or domestic policy"
"Whon the period Tor definite shall have arrived the
considerations taken into view have lost the weight
they present possess the estimation public and 9TH
nat cd agnfn ia
arise to affect materially If not 10 change the whole aspect
Mexico and Texa, be far changed weaken and
perhaps obyae entirely the objections against the immediate
annexation the latter to the United States which have
set FORTH and place the question different grounds should
such state of things arise and be found charge
ponsibe duties OF pesdcn you be that
meet the question, then presented to with sincere desire
promote the result which believed best calculated
the welfare of tho whole country In tho dcha
,hi the common duty Of all our public nnclionqre would
need hardly you, untried respect to
my disposition ability to disregard feeling of that charac
have therefore least grounds which form
an opinion as to the probable fidelity with which these
shall add few words another aspect the question:
and then dismiss the subject Mexico carry her
in refusing acknowledge the independence Texas and in
destructive but ffuoss efforts reconquer that State so far
as produce in connection with other circumstances decided
conviction on tho part Of majority of the people OF the United
States, that the permanent welfare, safety ALL
makes necessary that the proposed xation should be Ell
ected be the consequences what they The question nuy
be asked what under such circumstances would be the
Would it be welded to defeat carry into effect
that conceive of public question: respect which
ii emneny that the opinions and wishes tho
people of the different Staes should be consulted being
certaned treated with greater than those which
either 10 the admission OF member into the conleeracy,
the acquisition of nd tioal territory, with such
result aud that, il application for annexaon under
circumstances made to me, would feel TO be my duty
to submit the to Congress for public OF their
opinion, well upon the proprey of regard
to the terms upon which should take place IT. after whole
subject had been brought before the country aud fully
ed will he, the Senate and House Of
large portion of the former and the whole tho hay
lug been chosen BY the People after the question of
had been brought before the for its
should express opinion favor of would hold
be my further duty employ the Executive power to cary
into full and fair effect the wishes of majority People
of the existing States thus consutionay socmny ex