The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-08-20

pdrues ana were looked upon Oy all as Coulpet-
ilors for the Presidency. IL is well known
that, when the negotiation for the ac-
QUESTION Of Texas was commenced, and
up TO a period succeeding the signing
of the Treaty, il was my confident con
viction, expressed to many. that II would,
from the circumstances | have stated
receive the support both oil Mr.. Clay and Mr.
Van Buren,, so that neither would be affected
| by It's negotiation.
| Ii it had been charged that the Admlnlstra-
ZION was prompted by the ambition OF securing
the greatest boon TO the country, and the whole
country, in the acquisition of territory so I'M
porlant in itself and 50 nseparably connected
with the interests of every State IN the Union,
and every interest of the Union, | would have
plead guilty, without a moment of hesitation
confess felt ambitious TO add another bright
star to the American constellation. IL would
have been source Of pride to me, if that mea-
sure had been carried, TO have witnessed from
the retirement that awaits me, the annual ex-
pansion Of our coastwise and foreign trade, and
the increased prosperity of our agriculture and
manufactures, through the rapid growth Of
Texas, which would have followed the rattca-
ton OF the Treaty. Yes, l freely confess that
this would have furnished me an unfailing
source of qualification 10 the end of my life.
should have seen also the Union of the States
becoming stronger and stronger through their
reciprocal affection-local jealousies suppressed,
and fanalica schemes and schemers alike pros
trale. l should have witnessed The blessed re-
finest country in the world, and brought under is
influence people devoted like ourselves TO the
maintenance and preservation OF free govern
ment This was the kind OF ambition which
prompted the negotiation of the Treaty. Its
ratification was the sole honor which coveted,
and all that now desire. What sinister mo-
lipes could have originated the negotiation al
this time, tina, did not exist in 1927 What
was there noio TO have rendered a Treaty infd-
nions which did not exist then II il be
co, ask if, in 1927, we had not also Treaty Of
Limits with Spain We had recognised the
independence of Mexico, and, therefore, vr-
tually claimed that We had perfect right TO
treat with her for the annexation Of Texas, and
ia fact, if we had so pleased, for Mexico entire.
Eight years ago we recognised Texas as indie
pendent, and surely our right 10 negotiate with
her, implied no worse faith than in 1927 to ne.
gotiate with Mexico for her. The idea that
because of the existence Of Treaty Of Limits
with any. nation. we must forever thereafter
deny to all parts Of the territory of such nation
the right Of revolution or change, can only ex-
cite, with an American citizen, a smile. Was
it deemed necessary, in 1927, TO consult the
States TO consult the Senate, or to consult the
House of Representatives, or the People p
Was it considered necessary TO obtain the as
sent of every State, as would seem now to be
proposed, before forming Treaty of Anne11
ton 2 If the assent Of every State is necessa-
ry, then may we bid adieu 10 the prospect of
annexation now or hereafter. The Constitu-
ton devolves the treaty making power on two
thirds of the States, through their Senators,
and II is altogether new doctrine that Treaty
should no, be negotiated without the assent of
all. Danger TO the Union through the exercise
of the power of constitutional majority in the
making of a Treaty, is a doctrine for the
first time advanced, and having no foun-
dation IN point of fact. | regard the pre-
servaon Of the Union as the first great Ame-
rican Interest. Iequally disapprove of all threats
North or the South. The glory of my country,
its safety and its prosperity alike depend on
Union, and he who would contemplate its de-
s,ruction, even for moment, and form plans TO
accomplish IT, deserves the deepest anaIhemas Of
the human race. | believed, and still believe,
that the annexation Of Texas would add TO It's
strength, and serve to perpetuate it for ages yet
10 come and my best efforts, while remain in
office, will be directed TO securing It's acquisition,
either now or al future day. Whether any eff
rejection Of the Treaty, remains still TO be seen
abandon all hope upon the subject, if 1t shall be
esteemed necessary TO obtain for II The approval
OF every State. The case rarely occurs tina,
any Treaty receives the unanimous approval Of
the Senate
| have been called upon, in justice TO myself,
to make these remarks IN Withdrawing from the
position in which my friends had placed me. ]
might present other inquiries growing out of
the course Of the Administration, both in regard
to our domestic and foreign relations, as 10
which principles have been maintained, which
may arrest the attention of future aud even re-
mote ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS let what have said
suffice. All that ask Of my countrymen is
candid review Of my acts, and an impartial
comparison of the condition Of the country now
with what it was three years ago. appeal
from the vituperaton of the present day to the
pen OF impartial history, in the full confidence
that neither my motives nor my acts will bear
the Interpretation which has, for sinister pur-