The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-12-11

yolvine our peace and tranquility. 1t
idle TO believe that such war could be
looked upon with indifference by our own
citizens, inhabiting adjoining States and
cur neutrality would be violated, in des-
pite Of all efforts On the part ofthe Govern
men; ,n prevent it. The country is set
tied by emigrants from the United States,
under invitations held out to them by
Spain and Mexico These emigrants
have left behind them friends and rela-
tives who would not fail to sympathise
with them in their difficulties, and who
would be led by those sympathies TO par
tcipate in their struggles, however ener-
getic the action of Government to prevent
il. Nor would the numerous and formid-
able bands of Indians, the most warllke 10
he found in any land, which occupy the
extensive regions contiguous to the States
of Arkansas and Missouri, and who are
in possession Of large tracts of country
within the limits of Texas, be likely to
remain passive. The inclination ofthese
numerous tribes led them invariably to
war whenever pre:exts exist.
Mexico had no Just ground of displeas-
ure against this Government of People
for negotiating the treaty. What interest
of hers was effected by the trraty? She
was despciled of nothing, since Texas was
forever lost to her. The independence Of
Texas was recognized by several of the
leading Powers of the earth. She was
free to treat--free TO adopt her own line
of policy-fIee to take the course which
she believed was best calculated to secure
her happiness Her Government and
People decided on annexation to the Uni
ted States ; and Executive saw. in the
acquisition of such a territory, the means
of advancing their permanent happiness
and glory. What principle of good faith
then was violated what rule OF political
morals trampled underfoot So far as
Mexico herself was concerned, the meas
ure should have been regarded by her as
highly beneficial. Her inability to con-
quer Texas had been exhibited. l repeat,
by eight-now nine years Of fruitless con-
test. In the meantime, Texas has been
growing in population and resources
Emigration has flowed into her territory,
from all parts Of the world, in a current
which continues to increase with strength.
Mexico requires permanent boundary
between the young republic and herself.
Texas, at no distant day, if she continues
separate and detached from the United
States, will inevitably seek TO consolidate
her strength by addingto her domain the
contiguous provinces of Mexico. The
spirit of revolt from the control of the
Central Government has therefore, mani
tested itself in some of those provinces;
and it is fair TO infer that they would be
inclined to take the first favorable oppor-
tunity to proclaim their independence, and
to form close alliances with Texas. The
war would thus be endless or if cessa-
tons of hostilities should occur, they
would only endure for season.
The interests of Mexico, therefore,
could in nothing be better consulted than
in peace with her neighbors, which
would result in the establishment of per-
manent boundary. Upon the ratification
Of the treaty, the Executive was prepared
to treat with her ON most liberal basis
Hence the boundaries of Texas were left
underlined by the treaty. The Executive
proposed TO settle these upon terms that
all the world should have pronounced Just
and reasonable. No negotiation upon that
point could have been undertaken be-
tween the United States and Mexico, in
advance of the ratification of the treaty.
We should have had no right-no power
no authority, to have conducted such
negotiation and to have undertaken it,
would have been an assumption equally
revolving to the pride of Mexico and Tex
as, and subjecting us to the charge of ar
rogance while to have proposed in ad-
vance of annexation, TO satisfy Mexico for
any contingent interest she might have in
Texas, would have been to have treated
Texas, not as an Independent power. but
as mere dependency of exco. This
assumption could not have been acted up
on by the Executive, without setting at
defiance your own solemn declaration that
that Republic was an independent State
Mexico had, it is true, threatened war
against the United States, in the event the
Treaty OF Annexation was ratified. The
Executive could net permit itself to be ill.,
fluenced by this threat. 1t represented
in this, the spirit of our People, who are
ready to sacrifice much for peace, but
nothing to intimidation. A war, under
any circumstances, isgreatly to be de-
plored, and the United States is the last
nation to desire il; but if, as the condition
OF peace, 1t be required OF us to rego the
UNREASONABLE right of treating with an
Independent power, of our Continent, up
on matters highly interesting to both, and
that upon naked and unsustained pre-
tension of claim by third power to con-
troll the free will ofthe power with whom
we treat-devoted as we may be to peace.
and anxious to cultivate friendly relations
with the whole world, the Executive does
not hesitate to say that the People of the
United States would be willing to brave
all consequences, sooner than to submit to
such conditions. But no apprehension of
II was entertained by the Executive; and |