The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-09-30

"Hhout ] eNns, ne would never have been thought
of as a candidate Tor the Presidency, and without
Iexns, he would never be remembered as q candid
alto for that Office. Any who supports Polk,
means to annex Texas Any man who desires to
prevent the annexation OF Texne, should do all he
can TO prevent the election Of Polk. As well might
a man uim blow with deadly weapon at another
and then declare he did not moan to kill him. as to
vote for Polk, or by Indirect means secure tho cleo
ton of Polk, and then declare he was opposed to the
annexation Of Texas. The man who aims the deadly
blow with the deadly weapon, is held responsible for
the consequences. So must il be with the man. who
by his act, direct or Indirect secure the election
OF Polk. Gloss over the whole matter Ms we may,
this is the truth, is Polk and Tsrds, or neither
Polk nor Tsras. tremendous and enthusiastic
Cheering)
On the other side is Mr. Clay. (Long continued
cheering.) My opinions have been expressed upon
this question long ago No mun took ground against
this project sooner than myself Seven years ngo in
New York, had occasion to notice this design, aud
beng man never afraid Of committing myself ex-
pressed decided opinions against The annexation OF
Texas on general grounds, valid then n' now. My
opinion, think, is entitled weight, because
II Is no new sentiment Then say, under present
circumstances,l give my vote heartily for IRE
Peatcd che1rs-and give it, because he is pledged
against the annexation of Texas With his opinions
upon incidental topics connected with that subject /
have no controversy. speak my sentiments -
In my opinion the ton does tend 10 the exton-
sloa and TO the perpeua,ion of slavery, and to the
tyranny Of one portion of the human race over the
other, upon this continent, If other gentlemen think
not, and tina, natural causes may diminish thi. effect,
into n sta IF free lah cir nnin
is entitled to candid consideration. | care not for
ccior-(lcag and repeated chcers)-I go for freedom
and eL,er into no controversy with individuals,
unless they Of opinion that annexation will cher
ish the institution Of slavery, provided such In
dividuals oppose annexation steadily, firmly & boldly
Now Mr. Clay has affirmed Ina, he is not in favor OF
joining Texasi to this county, unless it be done
''w,hou, dishonor without war, with the common
ofthe Union, and upon just and fair terms"
He will no, consent to the annexation while any con-
siderable portion of the Union is opposed 10 it. Here
is his pledge, and stand by it. Enthusiastic cheer
ing) lie is a man Of honor, and Of truth, and will
keep'his word. tremendous applause. A cry from
the crowd, 'We will take him at his WORLDLY He
triH keep il, and he dare not forfeit it.
In regard to certain questions, time is every thing
If Clay is elected the Texns question remGins in n
state Of nbeydnce for four years During that period
shall have time rally the good ofhe coun-
ty,and to consider The probable and certain results of
annexation and determine whether that step will
involve US in war with Mexico. Blu. at any rate,we
are in situation where III ose who wish avoid
nexaton have choice. No great good is to be done
but by the entire union of the Wing party. Without
mutual agreement and Cancellation, none of the OBJ
ects which all the Wing party have ut heart be
accomplished. If the objects Of the Wings the
same all over the Union. say, in this respect,
cause is just union is perfect Vocerous ap-
plausc.)
wish to present some Considerations TO the can
dor and conscience Of every man who thinks that an
nexation ought to be deplored, and yet who doubts
whether it be his duty vote for tho Wing ticket
So important subject is fit for the reflection Of every
honest man in his closet, and before the Power which
he expects to Judge him. But the question is-GoGs
any mean to prevent the annexation Of Texos?-
r So is there any thing for him to do, but TO for
Clay. lie cannot for the other party. lie
not vote for the third party, without promoting the
very object which he wishes to defeat. lie surely
say that he will not vote at ALI Is there any
American, who Knows what the elective franchise is
with bold and fearless heart in his bosom, who
will skulk away in n corner, and not vote for any
body. (Cries of derision.) Not so, not The
elective franchise a trust-a solemn trust, which
we bound exercise for the good OF the country
The first duty Of an American cit zen is TO inform
himself well as he can upon every important pub
lie question, then 10 give honest vote, & leave
the consequences to GOD, to whom they belong.
Now what is the difference between persoa vo-
ting FOR the annexation Of Texas directly Or Indirect
ly! Suppose he votes FOR the third party. Let us
look a, this matter, Invested Of all party excitement;
of all pary feeling. Will it not be fac, that he takes
his vote s. his strength from that party which, can
alone prevent The evil that he dcploros entreat
gentlemen Throughout the country to reflect upon this
subject and TO ask themselves what their feelings I
would be, il in consequence Of the diversion OF their
influence different quarter, the result which they
deprecate takes place. eavei to themselves to say
if they will not feel better if through their support
of the Wing party tho great which they have so
much at hoart is promoted-aud leave it to them 20
signify what their reflections must be, i! through their
or diversion in another direction, They find their
labor thrown away, and things left to produce the
miserable results which they, in common with all OF /