The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-04-03
TEXAS.

Texas is, that it cannot be accomplished
without involving the country in war !;
too great price to pay for any territorial
acquisition whatever, which the National
honor does not demand.
Our second objection is, that, far from
demanding this acquisition, the National
honor forbids it. So long as war contin-
ues between Mexico and Texas, and a
solemn Treaty of Peace and Amity exists
between US and Mexico we cannot, with
out violating the sacred faith of treaties,
Mexico still maintains her right. We
have, it is true, acknowledged the inde-
pendence of Texas, as we had a right to
do for certain international purposes but
that recognition did not extnguish or in
any manner affect the rights of Mexico
upon Texas. The obi cations of our
Treaty with Mexico remain untouched !;
and Mexico would have the same right
to possess herself IF she could of any
State Of this Union, as the Government of
the United States has to possess herself
of Texas.
Our third great objection (which would
be conclusive without the preceding) is,
that the territory of the United States is
already large enough. 1t is infinitely
more important that we should people and
improve what we have, than grasp for
more, especially when its acquisition
would be inevitably attended with discord
and dissatisfaction. 1t is far more impor-
tant TO the happiness of the people of the
United States that they should enjoy in
peace. conteniment, and harmony, what
they already have, than that they should
place all those blessings at hazard by
this new experiment.
Our fourth objection is. that, if the ian
nexaiion" of Texas were in other respects
desirable, one entire third of this Union
at least, lorbids the bans, doubts the con.
stitutionaI right to establish the connexion
and declares its determination TO resist it.
The proposition TO annex or incorporate
Foreign Nation in this Union.moreover,
is entirely new, and the authority to do il
is solemnly questioned. This objection
would have much less force had we, in
this case, instead of recognizing the indie
pendenco Of Texas, negotiated with Mex
ico with or without the consent Of the
People of Texas, for the acquisition OF
that territory We would not, merely 10
acquire more land, of which we have al
ready more than we WANT leopard the ex
istence of the Union, which ought TO b.
dearer TO the heart of every American Gil
izen than any consideration extraneous TO
it.
Our fifth reason is, that we dread the
beginning by the United States Of a sys-
ten of acquisition of foreign territory by
conquest, (Which, as things stand, the an
nexation of Texas would effectively be, J
or even by purchase. Once begin IT. and
where will it end? Shall we ever have
territory enough for ambition, thong h we
have enough for our wants
EXTRACT IRON Nh WEBsTER's SPEECH
"ItIs evident, at least, that there must
be some boundary, or even some limits 10
a Republic which is TO have common
centre. Free and ardent specuations
NAV lead to the indulgence of an idea,
that such Republic may be extended o.
NcT WHOle uemlSphCiC. Oh t"S O'"N'
hand. minds less sanguine, or more chas-
tened by the examples of history, may
fenr, that extension often produces weak
ness, rather than strength and that po-
liticaI attraction, like other attractions,
is less aud less powerful, as the parts be-
come more aud more distant. In this diff
erence, between ardent calculations. and
cautious fears, it seems TO me 20 be the
truest wisdom 10 abide by the present state
Of things, since that state of things is ac-
knowledged on all hands, TO be sIngularly
happy, prosperous and honorable. In all
points of view, therefore, in which | can
regard the subject, my judgement is de-
cidedly unfavorable TO the report OF annex
ing Texas TO the United States" you
have Sparta" -such was the admonition
of the ancient prudence-"embel'ish
it," We have Republic, gentlemen, of
vast extent and unequalled natural advan-
tages; Republic. full of interest in its
origin. its history, its present condition,
and lis prospects for the future. Instead
of aiming TO enlarge its boundaries. let us
seek, rather to strengthen IFS union, to
draw out IFS resources, to MAINTAIN and
improve its institutions Of Religion and
Liberty, and thus to push it forward in IFS
career of prosperity and glory"