Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1844-06-01
TIE, MISSOURI, SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1sAq.

advocate TINS measure, as tnOSC VINO oppose ", |
however much they may differ as to its effects,
will | am sure, be equally solicitous for the
performance of this first Of duties. 1t has hith-
crto been our pride and our boast, that, whilst
the lust of power, with fraud and violence in
its train, has led other and differently consli-
tutod governments to aggression and conquest,
our movements in these respects, have always
been regulated by reason and justice.
A disposition to dctract from our protcnsons
in this respect, will in the nature Of things, be
always prevalent elsewhere; and has, at this very
moment, and from special causes assumed in
some quarters a most Iabid character. Should
not every one, then, who sincerely loves his
country--who vcnerates its time.honorcd and
glorious nstitutions--who dwells with pride and
delight on associations connected with our rise,
progress and present condiLon-on the steady
step with which we nave advanced TO our present
eminence, in despite Of the hostility, and in con.
tempt OF the bitter rcvings Of the enemies OF
freedom in all parts Of the globo--considcr, and
that deeply whether we would not, by the I'M
mediate annexation OF Texas, place weapon in
the hands OF those who now look upon US and
our institutions with distrustful and envious eyes,
that would do US more reel, lasting injury as
nation, than the acquisition of such a territory,
valuable ns it undoubtedly is, could possibly re-
pair? 1t is said, and truly sad that this war
between Texas and Mexico has already been oil
too long duration. We are, and must continue
to be more or less annoyed by its prosecution,
and have undoubtedly, as has been remarked an
interest in seeing it terminated. But can we
appeal to any principle in the law OF nations to
which we practice a scrupuIous adherence that
would, under the present circumstances, justify
us in interfering for its suppression in manner
4 4 Il L., to it,
further prosecution? Can this position be made
sufficiently clear to justify us in committing the
peace and honor Of the country to its support
In regard to the performance by us OF that
duty, so difficult for any government to perform
the observance OF an honest neutrality between
nations at war-we can now look through our
whole career, since our first admission into the
family of nations, not only without q blush, but
with feelings Of honest pride and satisfaction. The
way was opened President Washington himself
under circumstances Of the most difficult charac-
ter and at no less hazard than that OF exposing
ourselves to plausible, yet unjust imputations Of
infdclity to treaty stpuatons. The path he
trod with such unGaltering steps, and which led
10 such beneficial results, has hitherto been pu--
sued with unvaryng fidelity by every one Of his
SUCCESSORS Of whom it becomes me to speak.
If our sympathies could induce departure
from policy which has so much in its COM
menccment to consecrate it, and such advantages
to recommend its continuance, they would doubt
less draw us to the side OF Texas. That the hap.
piness OF her people would be promoted by the
maintenance Of her independence, | have no
doubt. Few, if any, efforts for the extension oil
the blessings Of free government in any part oil
the world have been made since the establishment
Of our own independence, that have failed to ex
cite our earnest and sincere wishes for their sue.
cess. But they have never been permitted to
withdraw US from the faithful performance OF ouI
duty as neutral nation. They were excited
and deeply, too, at the commencement oil the
French revolution; they were revived IN tht
struggle OF the South American States for thc
establishment OF their independence; they have
been put to their severest trial in this very con
test between Texas and Mexico. Yet in tina
whole period of time, amidst the commissions o
empires, and the lawlessness Of power by which
many OF its possessors have been distinguished, il
has been a cardinal point in the administration
of the affairs of this republic to adhere with the
strlc,est fidelity to the rule which was laid dowr
by Washington, enforced by Jefferson, and re
spected, with undated sincerity, by their success
sors.
There is another circumstance which Is vel
calculated to mslead US upon this subject Ma
ny, if not most Of the persons to be effected b.
the decision OF this question, were once citizens 0
the United States, and still have their relative
and friends amongst US. | am not unawarefo
the hazard to which | expose my standing will
the latter in speaking thus unreservedly mon
point so well calculated to excite deep feelings
This is perhaps more particularly applicable t
that portion Of my felow.citizens, of whom
was aphy and appropriately said by one Of thci
own number, that "they are the children OF IN
sun, and parake of its warmth" Yet whethe
we stand or fall in the estimation Of our country
men, it is always true wisdom as well as tru
morality to hold fast to the truth. 1t is moreove
consolation 10 know, that if to noursh enthusi
assn is one Of the effects Of a genial climate,
: at the same time seldom fails to give birth to
chivalrous spirit which will not permit itself
be oudone in the extent or sincerity at the sac
rifce at the shrine Of patriotism. To preseTV
. our national escutcheon untarnished, has conSt
: quently, if reliance can be placed on our publ
. archives been an object Of unceasing solictud
: with southern statesmen.
Nothing is either more true, or more extenslvel
r known, than that Texas was wrested from Me!
= leo and her independence established through tn
= nstrumentality of citizens of the United State
:, Equally true is it that this was done not on
;, against the wishes, but in direct contraventIon
!, the best efforts Of our Government to prevent Of
q citizens from engaging in the enterprise. EtloT
|, have, nevertheless, not been wanting on the pa
,s of those who are not overanXious Tor the credit
Ia republican governments, to mSrepresent I
!, views of ours in this respect-to cause it TO
"a believed that our efforts to prevent unlawful par