Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-10-04
For the Vermont Waterman and State journal.
Is THERE NO DIFFERENCE:

MR. EDlroR,-
notice that some-of the "Liberty party" papers,
as also almost ali the Democratic papers, affirm
perfect similarity of attitude and views on the part
of Messs. Clay and Polk, relative to the anneXa-
ton of Texas. | think there is very great and
important difference between these gentlemen, on
these points, and will tell you in what respects.
Personally Mr. Clay has no objections to annex
alton, politically he has insurmountable objections.
Mr. Clay frankly AYERS that he has no personal or
private reasons for his opposition to the scheme Of
anneXation--that political and national consldera-
tons and not private, personal feelings, dictate his
course on this subject. Politically, they are not
only diverse, but opposed in their attitude and
views, on this subject.
|. Mr.. Polk disregards, while Clay defers to
popular opinion in this matter. Mr.. Polk pledged
himself in favor of this measure, without awaiting
any general expression Of the peoples wishes
while Mr.. Clay, in his first letter relative to annex
alton, land in what subsequent letter has he chang
ed his ground p distinctly intimates his determine
ton to listen to the voice Of his fellow citizens
even to the last and smallest State in the Union,
50 nomcntous question.
H. While Mr. Polk not only neglected to ask
for the views Of the people on this subject, but
pledged himself TO the measure in known hostility
to the wishes Of a very respectable portion Of his
fel ow citizens, Mr.. Clay, on the other hand, not
only paid Difference to the anticipated general
expression Of the popular will, but, although per-
sonally he did not object to the measure, sacrificed
his own private views and feelings, and even pledg-
ed himself politically against annexation, out of
respect to the feelings of portion Of his fellow
countrymen. Mr.. Polk says to the people, virtually
81 give my pledge for Texas, without consulting
you-nay, in contempt of a large and respectable
portion Of your number Mr.. Clay says, "
want to hear from you all, my fellow citizens, on
this vitality interesting topic, and | shall never
pledge myself for the measure until you all give
i, IL, it,lr h,,f tl
contrary, now freely pledge myself against it, see-
ing that many of you are adverse, for the present.
to its contamination" | appeal to every candid
impartial reader and ask whether this is not fair
representation Of facts Then, | ask, whose
course is the more republican-the more democrat
ic What does democracy mean? Is not that
man the democrat who delers to the will of the
peope--and that man the deSpot who follows his
olcn will not only pithoui, but against that of his
fellow citizens And yet democrats nay the dem
ocrats support Mr.. Polk -dnd IeraS.
III. Mr.. Polk dashes national faith and justice,
and tramples them in the dust in this matter, while
Mr.. Clay pays u proper regard to both. On this
point it is not necessary to enlarge, us the treaties
and obligations Of the country are an insuperablc
barr Ter in the path OF Mr.. Clay; while they are
swept as the cob-web and blown as the gossamer
by Mr.. Polk. light make Il separate head on the
point of national honor here, but it is intimately
connected with national faith and justice, that as
sociato and divide it off with them.
". Mr. Clay regards the peace and welfare of
his country in this thing, while Mr.. Polk seems to
be reckless of both, Mr.. Clay instinctyely shrnks
with horror at the contemplation Of bood-shed and
devastation by and among his countrymen, while
his opponent is totally unconcerncd about these
tremendous consequences. Which is the better
patriot in all ths-he who would launch treasure,
blood, peace and happiness in the cause Of injus-
tice and unhallowed acquisition, or he who would
retain and noursh all these for the good Of a com
mon county and common race?
1t were easy to multiply points of difference be-
tween our Presidential candidates IN this connex-
ion-and it were easy to reconcile all Mr.. Clays
letters on the subject of annexation, las will do,
if you desire it, in future article but sufficient
has been said, as conceive, to refute those assa
ants of Mr.. Clay, who assume that Mcssrs. Clay
and Polk equally in favor of the annexation of
Texas. | toiH say, in conclusion, however, with
your leave that Mr.. Clay, as prospective President,
Is pledged 10 WELD the power and patronage OF the
government against annexation, so long as the peo-
pie are not tremendously for 1t, (which will be for
eycr,) while Mr. Polk pledged to weld all the en-.