The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1844-12-12
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

in terms both plain and emphatic, my
opinion in regard 10 the war which has so
long existed between Mexico and Texas;
which since the battle of San Jacinto, has
consisted altogether Of predatory incur
sions, attended by circumstances revolving
TO humanity. repeat now, what then
said, that, after eight years Of feeble and
Intellectual efforts TO recover Texas, it was
time that the war should have ceased
The United States had direct interest in
the question. The conliguly OF the TWO
nations 10 our territory was but too well
calculated 10 involve our peace. Unjust
suspicious were engendered in the mind
of one or the other of the belligerents
against US; anl, as necessary conse-
ournce, American interests were made 10
suffer, ard car peace became daily endan-
geycd. In addition to which, it must have
been obvious TO all, that the exhaustion
produced BY the war; subjected both Mex
leo and Texas TO the Interference of other
powers: which, without the interposition
of this Government, might eveniuale in
The most serious Injury to the Uuited States
TAis Government from time TO time, tx
titsl ItS lllEUNlJ bllLCo W W IS dUOut Il
termination of hosiiIles upon terms hon
ornbe alike TO both the beligerents. lis
efforts in this behalf proved unavaling -
Mexico seemed, almost without an object,
10 persevere in the war, and no other al
tentative was itfi the Executive but 10 take
advantage Of the welIknown disposition
of Texas, and invite her 10 enter Into
far no inTr In that nj
the United States.
Sioce your last session, Mexico has
threatened to renew the war, and has Ell
ther maze, or proposes to make iormida.
bic preparations for invading Texas. She
has issued DEGREES and procIamations,
preparatory 10 HE commencement Of hos
t!,it!es, fnl Of threats, revolving TO human
ity; and which, il carried into fleet, would
arouse tue attention Of ali Christendom.
This new demonstration of feeling, there
is TOO much reason TO believe, has been
produced n consequence of the negocia-
tioa Of the late treaty Of annexation with
Texas. The Executive, therefore, could
not be Indifferent 20 such proceedings; and
il felt it TO be due, as we'll 10 itself as to the
honor of The country, that strong repre-
senta.ion should be made to the Mexican
Government upon the subject. This was
accordingly done; as will be seen by The
copy of the accompanying despatch from
the Secretary of Stale TO the United States
Envoy at Mexico. Mexico has no right
to leopard the peace of the world by urg-
ing any longer, a useless and huitless con-
test. Such d condition Of things would
nc. be tolerated On the European cont.
nent. WHY should it be Oh this? A war
of deso!ai!On, such as is now threatened
by Mexico, cannot be waged without in>
volving our peace and Tranquility. Il is
;Ile 10 believe that such war could be
looked upon with Indifference by our own
citizens, inhabiting adjoining States; and
our neutrality would be violated, in despite
of all efforts on the part of the Govern
ment 10 prevent it, The country is set.
tied by cmigran,s from the Uniied States,
under invitations held out to them by
Spain and Mexico. Those emlgrans
have lett behind them friends and relatives
who would not fail 10 sympathise with
them 10 their difficulties. and who would
be lei b. those sympa,hies TO participate
III their struggles, however energetic the
action OF Government 10 prevent II. Nor
would The numerous aud formidable bands
OF Indians the most war!Ike TO be found
in any land, which o:cupv the extensive
regions contiguous 20 the Safes Of kan
sas and Missouri, add VINO are ia possess.
ion of large tracts Of country within the
limits OF Texas, be llkel y to remain pass
i've. The inclination of these numerous
tribes lead them invaIiabIy!o war when
ever preteXts exist
Mexico mad no just ground of disp'eac,
ure against this Government or People
for negotiating the realty. What inlerts,
OF hers was affected by III. treaty! She
was despo|td of nothing, Since Texas was
forever lost 10 her. The Independence of
Texas was recognized by several of the
leading Powers of the earth, She was
free 10 treat--lree to adop, her own line of
pulley - free to take the course which she
believed was best calculated 10 secure her
happiness. Her Government and People
decided on annexation TO the Uni ed States;
and The Executive saw, in The acquisition
Of such territory, the means of ndvanc-
ing their permanent happiness and glory,
What principle Of good faith then was vio'
laed2 Whit ruie of political morals
tfampled under foot2 So Tar as Mexico
herself was concerned, the measure should
have been regarded by her as highly benz
ed>iai. Her inability to reconqaer Tex
as had been exhibited, repeat, by eight
now nine years Of fruiteSs AMI ruinous
contest. In shc meantime, Texas has been
growing in population and resources -
Emigration has Aowed INTO her territory,
from all parts OF the world ia current
which continues 10 increase in strength.
Mexito requires permanent boundary
between tha. young republic and herself.