The Whig standard., 1844-04-29
POLITICAL.
MR.. CLAY ON THE TEXAS QUESTION.
TO THE EDITORS OF THE NATIONAL INTELLlGENcER
. RALEIGH, April II, 1874.


RALEIGH, April IL 1874.
GENTLEMEN Subsequent to my departure
from Ashland in December last, received var-
Gus communications from popular assemblages
and private individuals, requesting an expression
of my opinion upon the question of the An
nexation of Texas to the United States. have
torborne to reply to them, because it was moi
very convenient, during the progress OF my jour-
ney, to do so, and for other reasons. | did not
think it proper, unnecessarily, to introduce at
present a new element among the other exciting
subjects which agitate and engross the public
mind. The rejection of the overture OF Texas,
some years ago, to become annexed TO the United
States, has met with general acquiescence.
Nothing had since occurred materially to vary
the question. | had seen no evidence of de-
sire being entertained, on the part of any consid-
cradle portion of the American people, that Texas
should become an integral part OF the United
States. During my soiourn in New Orleans,
had, indeed, been greatly surprised, by informa-
ton which received from Texas, that, in the
course of last fall, voluntary overture had pro-
ceeded from the Executive of the United States
to the Authorities of Texas to conclude treaty
Of Annexation; and that, in order to overcome
the repugnance felt by any Of them to a negotia.
ton upon the subject, strong and, as believed,
erroneous representations had been made to them
of state of opinion in the Senate OF the United
States favorable to the ratification of such treaty
According to these representations, IT had been
| ascertained that number OF Senators, varying
from thrty-fve to forty-two, were ready to sane
| tion such treaty. l was aware, too, that hod-
ers of Texas lands and Texas scrip, and specula-
tors in them, were actively engaged in promoting
the object Of annexation. Still, did not believe
that any Executive of the United States would
venture upon so grave and momentous proceed
| ING, not only without any general manifestation
of the public opinion in favor of it, but in direct
opposition to strong and decided expressions of
public Gisapprobation. But it appears that was
| mistaken To the astonshment OF the whole ma
! ton, we are now informed that treaty OF annex
| alton has been actually concluded, and is to be
submitted to the Senate for its consideration.
The motives for my silence, therefore, no longer
| remain, and feel it to be my duty to present an
exposition of my views and opinions upon the
question, for what they may be worth. to the
public consideration. | adopt this method as be-
| ing more convenient than several replies to the
respective communications which have received.
1 I regret that have not the advantage of
view Of the treaty itself, so as to enable me to
adapt an expression of my opinion to the actual
| conditions and stipulations which it contains Not
| possessing that opportunity, am constrained to-
| treat the question according to what presume
to be the terms of the treaty IT. without the loss of
national character, without the hazard of foreign
war; with the general concurrence of the nation,
without any danger to the integrity OF the Union,
and without giving an unreasonable price for
| Texas, the question Of annexation were present.
ed, it would appear in quite different light from
that in which, apprehend, it is now to be re-
garded.
| The United States acquired title to Texas,
extending, as believe, to the Rio del Norte, by
i the treaty of Louisiana They ceded and relin-
quished that title to Spain by the treaty of 1919
| by which the Sabine was substituted for the Rio
| del Norte as our western boundary. This treaty
was negotiated under the Administration OF Mr..
| Monroe and with the concurrence of his Cabinet,
of which Messrs Craw ford, Calhoun, and Writ. be-
ing majority, all Southern gentlemen, composed
| part. When the treaty was laid before the House
| of Representatives being member OF that body,
expressed the opinion, which then entertained,
and still hold that Texas sacrificed to the ac
ousiton of Florida. We wanted Florida; but
| thought it must from its position, inevitably fall
into our possession that the point of afew years,
sooner or later, was OF no sort OF consequence.
and that, in giving five millions of dollars and
Texas for it, we gave more than just equivalent.
But if we made great sacrifice in the surrender
| of Texas, we ought TO take care not to make too
great sacrifice in the attempt to re- acquire It,
Nv opinions of the inexpedency of the treaty
of 1919 did not prevail. The country and Con-
gress were satisfied with it, appropriations were
made to carry 1t into effect the line OF the oaohe
| was recognised by us as our boundary, IN nego-
tations both with Spain and Mexico, after Mexico
became independent, and measures have been in
actual progress 10 mark the line, from the Sabine
to Red river, and thence to the Pacific ocean
We have thus fairly alienated our title to Texas
by solemn national conpacts, to the fulfilment 0
which we stand bound by good faith and natlona
honor. II is, therefore, perfectly idle and ridlcu
lous, if not dishonorable to talk of resumng on
title to Texas, as if we had never parted with il
We can no more do that than Spain can resum
Florida, France Louisiana, or Great Britain tn
thirteen colonies, now composing part OF tn
United States.
Daring the administration of Mr.. Adams, M
Poinsett, Minister of the United States, at Mex
leo, was instructed by me, with the Presden'
authority, to propose re-purchase Of Texas; pu
he forbore even to make an overture Tor tnae Pur
pose. Upon his return to the onted o'ass' :, g
! ti.g,rned me. at New Orleahs that his reason fc
no4 n,aLino il was. that he knew the purchas