The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851, 1844-05-08

terminated. But can We appeal TO any pnnclplein IN
the law of nations, TO which we practice scru-
pulous adherence, that would, under present cir
cuInstances, Justify us ia interfering for its sup
preston in a manner that would uuayOidaby
make us party TO IFS further prosecution! Can
this position be made sufficiently clear TO justify
us to committing the peace and honor Of the
country TO its supportf
In regard TO the performance by Us Of that du-
ty, so difficult for any government 10 perform
the observance of an honest neutrality between
nations ut war we can now look through our
whole career, since our first admission into the
family of nations, not only without blush, but
with feelings of honest pride and satisfaction.
The way was opened by President Washington
himself, under circumstances of the most difficult
character, and at no less hazard than that of ex-
posing ourselves TO plausible, yet unjust, mputa-
tons of inhdelity TO treaty stipulatons. The
path he trod with such unfaltering steps, and
which led to such beneficial results, has hitherto
been pursued with unvarying fidelity by every
one of his successors of whom it becomes me to-
speak.
If our sympathies could induce a departure
from policy which has so much in its com
mencement to consecrate it, and such advantages
less draw US to the side of Texas That the hap
piness of her people would be promoted by the
maintenance of her independence, | have no
doubt. Few, if any, efforts for the extension of
the blessings of free government in any part Of
the world have been made since the establish
ment of our own independence of our own inde-
pendence, that have failed to excite our earnest
and sincere wishes for their success. But they
IN, fl,Jr c,o
the faithful performance Of our duty as neutral
nation. They were excited, and deeply, too, at
the commencement of the French revolution; ;
they were revived in the struggle of the South
American states for the establishment of their in
dependence; they have been put to their sever
est trial in this very contest between Texas and
Mexico. Yet, in that whole period of time a.
midst the commissions of empires, and the law
lessness of poverty which many ofits possessors
have been distinguished, it has been cardinal
point in the administration of the affairs of this
republic to adhere with the strictest fidelity TO
the rule which was laid down Washington, enfor-
ced by Jefferson, and respected, with unabated
sincerity, by thor successors.
There is another circumstance which is well
calculated to mslead us upon this subject. Ma
ny, if not most, of the persons to be affected by
the decision Of this question, were once citizens
of the U. S., and have still their relatives and
friends amongst us. | am not aware of the haz-
ard to which expose my standing with the lat
ter, in speaking thus unresewedly upon point
so well calculated to excite deep feelings. This
is perhaps more particularly applicable to that
portion of my fellow-citizens, of whom it was
aptly and appropriately said by one of their own
number, that, "they are the children of the sun,
and parake Of its warmth Yet, whether we
stand or fall in the estimation of our countymcn,
it is always true wisdom, as we'll as true morality
to hold fast to the truth. 1t is, moreover, con
ISOLATION to know, that if to nourish enthusiasm is
one of the effects of a genial climate, it at the
same time seldom fails TO give birth to chiyal
rous spirit which will not permit itself to be out
done in the extent or sincerity of its sacrifices at
the shrine Of patriotism. To preserve our ma
tional escutcheon untarnjshed, has, consequently
ifreliance can be placed upon ourp public archives
been an object ofunceasing solicitudc with south
ern statesman.
Nothing is true more extensively known, than
that Texas wrestcd from Mexico and her indepen-
dence established through the nsrumentality of citizens
of the United States Equally true is it that this was
done not.only against the wishes, but in direct contra
vention of the best efforts of our government to prevent
our citizens from engaging in the enterprise. Efforts
have nevertheless not been wanting on the part othose
who not oVer-anXious for the credit of republican
governments, to misrepresent the views of ours in this
respectto cause it to be believed that our efforts
prevent unlawful participation by our citizens in that
struggle insncere that we coveted this portion
the territory OF Mexico; and having failed to obtain 1t
by fair purchase, or by negotiation, we in this
movement preliminary step, which would, in the end
be equally subscvient to our views upon Texas. No
one can have had better opportunities of knowing how
untounded these injurious mputatons than myself
Au6 orlx ul1pr1n
believe in 1929, was consulted by Cen jackson up
on tn subject of private letter addressed by him to
the honorable Mr. Fulton now senator of the United
States, then Secretary Of the Territory Of Arkansas
questing him to the movements ofGeneral Hous-
ton to be watched, and appze the President of the
rst indication on his part of an intention to violate the
laws of the United States by an armed incurson into
Mexico From that period to the end of General jack
sons term of office, am well satisfied can be OF
any fac that he was sincerely desrous perform his
whole duty as chief magistrate of the country and to
prevent, in this respect the slightest violation of the
laws, with the execution ofwhich he charged. He
no doubt sincerely believed that incorporation of Texas
into the federal Union would be aliSS advantageous
her, to Mexico and to the United States; and was ever
ready to adopt all proper for the accomplish
ment of that object But they know very little of Gen
era Jackson's true character, who can for moment
permit themselves to believe him capable Of doing coun-
tenancng, or advising, single act which he believed
or mad even reason to apprehend, would violate the
plighted faith his country, infringe upon the duty
which it owes to the great family of nations To pre-
vent our people from going to Texas and embaring in
the war, was an mpossibty which neither he nor any
other chief magistrate could have accomplished. II
they went there without military organizations or arma-
ments, and chose to place themselves beyond the Io-
lection OF this government we had right to control
their action; nor do other governments exercise any
such right in similar cases. For their suppression Of
military enterprises, organized and armed here against
anaton with which we are at peace, the provisions
our laws are ample. But ofthe difficulties of enforcing
a o,1,o oLonr a.
our communication with Texas no sensible and well
informed mind can be ignorant
For the voluntary action of our government in
regard 10 the snhinct of annnyntinn ,un can hnre