Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1844-05-18

rafce in the attempt to re.acquire it.
My opinions Of the inexpediency Of the trea-
ty of 1919 did not prevail. The country and
congress were satisfied with it, appropriations
were made to carry it into effect, the line OF
the Sabine was recognized by us as our boun~
Diary, in negotiations both with Spain and Mex.
leo, after Mexico became Independent, and
measures have been in actual progress 10 mark
the line, from the Sabine to Red river, aud
thence to the Pacific ocean. We have thus
fairly aienated our title to Texas, by solemn
national compacts, TO the fulfilment Of which
we stand bound by good faith and national
honor II is, therefore, perfectly idle and RI
diculous, if not dshonorabe, to talk of resu>
ming our title to Texas, as if we had never par
ted with it. We can no more do that than
Spain can resume Florida, France Louisiana,
or Great Britain the thirteen colonies, now
composing part Of the United States.
| During the administration Of Mr.. Adams,
! Mr.. Poinsett, Minister Of the United States at
Mexico, was instructed by me with the presi,
dents authority, to propose re<purchase Of
Texas, but he forbore even to make an over
ture for that purpose. Upon his return to the
United States, he informed me, at New Or
leans, that his reason for not making it was
that he knew the purchase was wholly inns
practicable, and that he was persuaded that, if
he made an overture, it would have no other
effect than 10 aggravate irriiations, already
existing, upon matters Of difference between
The two countries.
The events which have since traDsplred in
Texas are well known. She revoted against
the government Of Mexico, flew 10 arms, and
finally fought and won the memorable battle
Of San Jacinto, annihIlatiug Mexican army
and making a captive of the Mexican presi-
| Of
was greatly aided, if not wholly achieved, by
citizens of the United States who had emgra
ted to Texas. These succors, if they could
not always be prevented by the government
of the United States, were furnished in man.
ner and to an extent which brought upon us
some national reproach in the eyes Of an i'm.
partial world. And, in my opinion, they i'm.
pose on US the obligation Of scrupulousy avoid
ing the imputaton Of having instigated and
aided the revolution with the ultimate view Of
territorial aggrandizement. Alter the battle
Of San Jacinto, the United States recognized
the independence OF Texas in conformity with
the principle and practice which have always
prevailed in their councils Of recognizing the
government de facto,' without regarding the
question de jure. That recognition did not at.
feet or impair the rights Of Mexico, or change
the relations which existed between her and
Texas. She, on the contrary, has preserved
all her rights, and has continued to assert, and
so far as know yet asserts, her right to re.
duce Texas to obedience, as part of the re-
public Of Mexico. According to late intelll>
gence, it is probable that she has agreed upon
temporary suspension Of hostilites; but, if
that has been done, presume it is with the
purpose, upon the termination Of the armistice,
Of renewing the war and enforcing her rights,
as she considers them.
This narrative shows the present actual
condition of Texas, so far as have informa-
ton about il. If it be correct, Mexico has not
abandoned, but perseveres in the assertion OF
her rights by actual force OF arms, which if
suspended are intended to be renewed. I'M
der these circumstances, if the government Of
the United States were TO acquire Texas, it
would acquire along with it all the incumbran
ces which Texas is under, and among them
the actual suspended war between Mexico and
Texas. OF that consequence there cannot be
doubt. Annexation and war with Mexico are
identical. Now, for one, | certainly am not
willing 10 involve this country in a foreign
war for the object of acquiring Texas. |
know there are those who regard such war
with Indifference and as trifling affair, on
account of the weakness of Mexico, and her
inabllaty to infict serious injury upon this
country. But do not look upon it thus light
| ly. | regard all wars as great calamites, TO
be avoided if possible, and honorable peace as
the Wlsest and truest policy Of this country
What The United States most need are union,
peace, and patience. Nor do | think that the
weakness of power should form motive, In
any case, for inducing us to engage in or to de.
precate the evils of war. Honor and good
faith and justice are equally due from this
country towards the weak az towards the
strong. And if an act Of injustice we're 10 be
perpelrated towards any power, it would be
more compatible with the dignity of the ma.
ton, and, in my judgment, less dishonorable
to infct it upon powerful instead Of weak
nation. But are we perfectly sure that we
should be free from injury in state Of war
with Mexico? Have we any security that
countless numbers oil foreign vessels, under
The authority and flag of Mexico, would not
prey upon our defenceless commerce in the
Mexican gulf, on the Pacific ocean, and on ev-
cry other sea and ocean? What commerce on
The other hand, does Mexico offer, as an indem
nifty lol our losses, to the galantrY and en-
terPrlse OF our countrymea2
This view of the subject supposes that the
war would be confined to the Uu!ted States
and Mexico as the only beIlgerents. Blu,
have we any certain guarantee that Mexico
would obtain no allies among the great Euro,
pean powers2 Suppose any such powers, eal.
Gus OF our increasing greatness, and disposed
10 check our growth and cripple US, were 10
take part in behalf Of Mexico in the war, how
would the different beligerents present them>
selves 10 chrlsendom and the enlightened
world! We have been seriously charged with
an lnordlnate spirit of territorial aggrandize-
ment; and, without admitting the Justice of