Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1844-05-09
Mr. Clay on the Texas Question

Mr. Clay on the Texas Question
/ We give below the letter addre sseC
+ by MIR. Clay to the Editors of the Ma.
tlonal lntelligencer on the subject of the
annexation of Texas referred to in the
last number of our paper. Like every
thing which falls from the pen Of thl,
high-minded statesman, ii leaves a clear
and ndelible impression Of sound
thoughts aud honest purposes, and need,
no interpreter To make its meaning appa-
rent to the humblcst capacity. We can
not too slonsl ly commend the great prin.
ciples enforced by Mr.. C. with respect
20 our duties TO other nations and our
own confederate states, in this admirable
sketch of the Tie xas question and the
explicit manner, in which his sentiments
on strongly contro,elted subject are
here avowed and sustained by him.
RALEIGH, April II, 1914.
GENTLEMEN Subsequent TO my de.
parlure from Ashland, ia December last
! received various com munications from
popular assemblagcs and private indi-
vldnaIs, requesting an expression of my
opinion upon the question of the Aunexa-
ton Of Texas 10 the United States. !
have furborne TO reply TO them, because
II was not very convenient, during the
the progress Of my journey, to do SO,
and for other reasons. ! did not think II
proper, unnece ssarily, to introduce at
present new element among the other
exciting subjects which agitate and en-
gross the public mind. The rejection OF
the overture Of Texas, some years ago,
to become annexed To the United States,
had met with general acquIcscence. -
Nothing had since occurred materially
to vary the question. had seen no
evidence Of a desire being entertained
on the part of any considerable portion
of the American people, that Texas
should become an integral part OF the
United States. During my sojourn in
New Orleans, had, indeed, been great
ly surprised, by information which | re-
ceivod from Texas, that, in the course
OF last fall, n voluntary overture had pro-
ceeded from the Executive ofthe Uni
ted States to the Authorities Of Texas 10
conclude a treaty Of Annexation and
that, IN order To overcome the repug-
rance felt by any Of them 10 negotia-
ilon upon the subject, strong and, as |
believed, erroneous representations had
been made 10 them Of IA state of opinion
in the Senate Of the United States ia
vorable to the ratification Of such trea.
fy According to these represe n,a a,lons,
II had been ascertained that a number
Of Senators, varying from thirty-fve TO
iorty-two, were ready 60 sanction such a
treaty. ] was aware, too, that holders
of Texas lands and Texas scrip, and
spectators in them, were actively en-
. aged in promoting the object Of annexa-
ton. Still, | did not believe that any
Executive of the United States would
venture npon 30 grave aud momontous Il
Of public opinion IN favor
oi II but IN direct opposition 10 strong and
decided expressions OF public dlsnpproba-
ton. But It appears that was mistaken
To the astonIshrnent Of the whole nation,
we are now informed that treaty of an
ncxatlon has been actually conclud d,
and is TO be submitted to the Senate for
lis consideration. The motives for NV
silence, therefore, no longer remain, and
| feel It TO be my duty To present an ex-
position OF INV views aud opinions upon
the question, for what they may be worth
TO the public consideration. [ adopt
Ibis method as being more convenient
than several replies TO the respective
ca,ions which have received.
/ regret that have not the advantage
OF a view OF the treaty itself, SO az To
enable me TO adapt an expression of my
opinion 10 the actual conditions aud
which II contains. Not pos
sessing that opportunity, ] am cons,raln.
cd To treat the question according to
what presume TO bo the terms OF the
treaty. II, without the loss of naiiona /
without the hazard Of foreign
war, with the general concurrence of The
nation, without any danger TO the integr-
~ of the Union, and without giving an
price for Texas, the ques-
ton OF annexation were presented, IL
would appear in quite n different light
from that Ia which, | apprehend, it is
now 10 be regarded.
The United States acquired a title To
Texas, extending, as believe, 10 the
Rio del Noue, by the treoiy of Louisi-
ana. They cedcd and rcIinqu-hed that
title TO Spain by the treaty oi 1919, by
Nhlrh tho Sabine was substituted for the
RIO del Nohe as our western boundary
THIS treaty was negotiated under the
Administration Of Mr.. Monroe, and with
The concurrence of his Cabinet, of which
Nessrs Crawford, Calhoun, and Wnt.
being majority, Hll Southern gentle.
men, composed n part When the irea.
" va. lad belnre The House of Repre.
sc"iailves, bclrg a member oftba, body ,