The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-04-29
HENRY CLAY AND MARTIN VAN
buren, vs.. ANNEXATION.


The letters of both these gentlemen are obvi-
ously intended for present political effect, and
are excellent illustrations Of Talleyrand's cele-
traed maxim that speech was given to man
10 enable him to conceal his thoughts" We
must, therefore, look, beyond the language of
the writers in order to discover their true mean
ing and feelings.
careful analysis Of Mr.. Clay's letter will
show that while he processes TO be opposed to
imme date annexation, upon grounds wholly
uncomfortable with his former deliberate at
tempt 10 obtain a cession of Texas from Mex.
leo, while Spain was at war with Mexico, and
laid claim to its whole territory, including Tex
a, he nevertheless is still in favor Of annexa-
ton Sin the abstract" He therefore lets slip.
by accident as II were, two powerful arguments
calculated to dispose The People Of the North in
favor Of the measure. Speaking of the efrc, OF
annexation upon the relative weight Of the free
aud slave-holding States in the Union, he says
sin the end there would be tuo slave and three
free States probably added to the Union And
he plaioly intimates TO the People Of the North
that, If they continue opposed 10 annexation,
they must be prepared, "in the future progress
Of events" TO be harassed by an independent
and rival Republic in Canada, not to be annexed
by conquest or treaty.
From Mr.. Van Burcn's letter, on the other
hand, we may CLEAN his real opinions OF the
sagscity and patriotism Of General Jackson
lie intimsre', in plain language, that the annex.
alton Of Texas, under present circumstances,
would be IN act Of " fraud and violence" Of
'eonquest and az gression y and inquiries, with
an Alteration Of patriotic zeal. "Should not ev.
cry one, then, who sincerely loves his country
who veneraies its time honored insfitu
lions" &c. &c.
Yet Mr.. Van Buren, could not possibly be g
norsnt that General Jackson is strongly and
ton. lie must, undoubtedly, have seen his let
ter Of the lllh Of March last, in which the ole
hero lays to the People, almost in the languag,
Of entrealy, and OF solemn, IL not prophetic
warning, "he present golden moment 10 OBJ
tain Teras must not be iosfT Now, what
ever opinion Mr. Van Buren, may, at present
feel 1t convenient to entertain or express, Of thu
patriotism or sagscity Of one who, mhiie 4,
poper, was the object Of his grossest adulation
we doubt whether the People, in any matte
that concerned the honor Of the nation, woul,
consider Mr.. Van Buren, safer and TRUSTEE
guide and counsellor than General Jackson
though out Of power and in retirement Tim
was when General Jackson, in the opinion o
Mr.. Van Buren,, was infsllible-tbe greatest o
men--the greatest and best; and when he wa
General Jackson's most ready instrument in tn
endeavor to effect what he would nom stigma
, tie as an act Of national fraud and violence
General Jackson, poweriess now except in hi
hold upon the affections Of the People, says "
hope and trust there will be as many patriot, #
the Senate as will raiify the treaty, which.
= have no doubt, will be promptly entered into.
Mr.. Van Burcn thinks that IL they do tbey wi
. dishonor the nation and themselves. Which
/, the best judge Of what would promote the nc
nor Of the nation7 Which has done the mo.
n TO promote III
n II is credliable TO Mr.. Clay that, notwi,h.rand
). ing the long continued political hostility be,wee
General Jackson and himself, he doe, not n.
V language rejecting quite so strongly upon IN
!. understanding, or integrity, of him who file
the measure Of his counrry's glory" He merel
supposes tina, our country would be accused {
u can inordinate spirit Of territorial agQrandiz,
y meni," and asks what would be the effect g
II such an allegation upon Fan impartial and en-
y ligh,ened world ~ He does not pretend ,
! assert, and could no, with any show of consi.
lency assert, that the allegation would be true