The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1844-01-03
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.


from the New Orleans Commercial Bulletin OF
the 22d December, to our Congressional readers
The Bulletin is Wing paper and inasmuch
as il 10 said Mr.. Clay is opposed TO anneSa-
tiQn, we should think the editor would not in
dulge in idle speculation on such subject,
lis standing in The party. The lnlelligencer,
however, may think differently.
From The NJ o. Commercial Bulletin
For more than year past, have entertained
no doubt that the British Government was endeavo
ring to establish for itself controlling influence in
the affairs OF Texas; and early the 25th April
last we felt warranted in calling the attention of our
readers to the subject, under the assurance that for
The rumors that reached from that country and
from Mexico there must be some foundation. The
intrigues, negotiations whatever else they may be
called, had been conducted with SO much circum-
spcction, that but few circumstances of tangible
nature could at that time be laid hold of to support
the allegation. Still there cere circumstances which
assured that England interfering in the affairs
OF Texas and Mexico, in manner incompatible with
the true dignity and policy of the United States, as
the leading power of this hemisphere, If not indeed,
directly hostile to their interests and institutions.
Almost az the same moment that we were calling
attention to the subject, highly respectable city
correspondent in Texas, which not only confirmed
the suspicious which were entertained, but described
With considerable accuracy the projects which were
afoot aassthey have since been partially developed.
About the same tine, an individual then recently
from Texas, called on US with q communication, in
reply to the letter in the Bee, in which it was dis
t3nctly avowed that schemes for NJ gro emancipation
IA TexaA through the Intervention Of England were
discussed In influential circles both in Texas and in
London: This individual has since figured pretty
F1afgey mr. connection with the subject among the
Northern Aboltonirts, and went soon afterwards on
Mission to London, where he took part in tho pro-
ceedings Of the English and Foreign Anti-SIavery
Society,"" and had communication, as appeared by
the public prints upon the question in point with the
British Minister of Foreign Affairs, from whom he
received satisfactory assurances.
These are circumstances which were made known
to our readers months ago. We recur to them now,
becausethe subject having forced itself upon public
attent0n--many leading presses would persuade the
country that what has been said of British nterfer
ence in Texas, has better foundation than surmise
and conjecture; and we consider it proper TO show
that on however slight grounds the inference was at
first drawn, it was not drawn idly at hap hazard
but was succeeded directly by circumstances to in
crease the probabilities of its correctness. We shall
now follow up the proofs which have multiplied SINCE
and which render it SO certain, that the British Gov
eminent IS negotiating and ntr guing for the posses
sion OF controlling influence in Texas and particu-
larry with view to effect negro emancipation in that
State, that it seems wonderful that any wellinformed
person or press should deny 1t.
We pass over the circumstances connected with the
publication OF the letter OF outlawry against Commo
dore MOORE and his associates, because, however
direct the indications that it was issued with the
knowledge and at the instance of the English repre-
sentatives in Mexico and Texas and for the purpose
OF still further embarrassing and weakening the latter
State, we are not compelled TO rely upon any thing
short OF positive testimony to show that by the middle
nj LOCI fhn
tween Texas and England, and that the British Gov
eminent assumed position scarcely-les than soye
reign towards Texas
1t was on the 18th of June, that President Hous-
TON ISSUED the Proclamation that an armlstce had
been established between Mexico and Texas. This
document informs US, in the first place. that the cessa.
ton OF hostilities in consequence of san official
communication received from Her Britannia Males
ty's Charge d'Afairs in Texas" founded on dcs-
patch he had received from Her Malesty's Charge
flares in Mexico;" ard, in the second place. that
the armistce is only TO cease when due notice shall
have been formally announced" through the sam.
Junctionaries viz. Her Britannia hajesly's Charge
d'Afiires, at the respective Governments -
There IS no higher power in State than that which
dictates war and peace; and this proclamation Of
President Houston contains internal evidence more
than conhrmatory of all that had heen said by the
prsss of this city of the active interference of Britain
y the politics of our neighboring Republics and OF
Ne lnhlcnce which that great power had obtained
osof those weaker States.
About the same time that this proclamation was
issued, tne English and Foreign Anti Slavery Soci
ely" held Its annual meeting in London. la The pro-
cecdings OF this body, as published in the prlncipa
London Journals, we find that at of the .ttings-
"Among variety of other business. the d;scus.
sions turned mainly on Texas. Mr. Stacy said that
a deputation had an interview with Lord Aberdeen
Minister OF Foreign Afarsl on Monday and the
Earl promised that no legitimate should be spared
TO effect the great object of abolishing slavery in the
Republic OF Texas; adding, that no urderhand o,
sinister policy would be adopted but that the Britt
Government were determined to proceed BY the fair
and open interchange of diplomatic intercourse with
Texas or It's accredited representatives"
This was the signal for opening the subject in the
London press, and 1t was discussed AID the project
urged upon Government with great zeal. II was
urged that the present opportunity was the most ia
vorabc one likely TO arise for the nerposti.n of
Great Brain-the interposItion being insisted upon
for reasons Of Stale, apart from considerations OF bu
manity and philanthropy. Indeed, it was said Eng
land ought not to have suffered Texas TO separate
herself from Mexico. Even the possession Of Florida
by the United States, il argued, was the cause OF
just alarm TO England for the safety of her West In
dIa Dependencies; and that, owning Florida the ex-
tension Of our principles policy in another direc
ion ought to be jealousy watched. Ii was insisted
that when the United States some years ago, caused
TO be utmaled 10 the British Cabinet that this conn.
try could not consent to the possession Of Cuba by
any other European power han Spain, England should
have seized the occasion TO 10 Nerico the en-
tire country beyond the river Sabine. That opportu.
nifty however, having passed, il urged that the
British Government ought 10 hasten TO correct the
OMISSION and avail il elf Of the present posture Of a
fairs in Mexico and Texas to induce the latter TO
her negroes, and hedge in our Western
frontiers with territory having distinct and different
interests from ours
These suggestions of the press, however they may
have served to prePare the public mind, were lost
upon the Government Of England which had already
taken steps IN advance even OF the atoms
Of the newspapers The unofficial assurance of ord
Aberdeen to the Committee of the Anti Slavery So.
ciey, was repeated on the 18th of August, more en-
phatcaIly and distinctly in his place in the House of
Lords, and 10 answer to question put to him % the
head Of the foreign department. The conversation
he'e referred to was published in our columns when
FIRST received in this country, but re-nser il to-day
Con first page for convenience of reference: and