Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1844-05-09

Florida. We wanted Florida but
ihoughl 1t must, from lts position, inevia-
big fall into our possession that the
point al a few years, sooner or later,
was of no sort Of consequence, and that
IN giving five millions of dollars and
Teyas for II, we gave more than a just
equivalent. But, If We made "A great
sacrifice ~ the surrender Of Texas, we
ought Ia take care Dot 10 make too great
IA sacrifice IN the attempt to re-acqrirc
II.
My opinions Of the ineXpcdioncv OF
the treaty of 1919 did moi prevail. The
country aud Congress were satisfied
with il, appropriations were made To car
ry It into effect, the line OF the Sabine
was recognised bv us IA our boundary,
~ negotiations both with Spain and
Mexico, after Mexico became indepen-
dent, and measures have been ~ actual
progress 10 mark the lae, from the Sa-
hne to Red river, and thence 20 The
Pacific ocean. We have thus fairly
alirnaled our lille to Texas, by solemn
national compaCts, 10 the lulfilmenl OF
which we stand bound by good faith and
national honor. 1t is, therefore, perfect
~ Idle and ridiculous, ifnot dlsh0norable
to talk of resumiDg our title TO Texas,
as If we had never parted with il. We
can no more do that than Spain can re-
suine Florida, France, Louisiana, or
Great Britain the thirteen colonies, now
composing a pant OF the United States.
During the administration Of Mr..
Adams, Mr.. Poinset,, Minister Of the
United States II. Mexico, was instructed
by me, with the Presidents authority,
10 propose re, purchase Of Texas but
he iorbore even TO make an overture for
that purpose. Upon his return to the
United States, he informed me, at New
Orleans, TINT his reason for not max ing
II was, that he knew the purchase was
wholly imprac,icable, and that he was
persuaded that, if he made the overture,
II would have no other effect than to ag-
grava,e irritations, already existing,
upon matters OF difference between the
two countries.
The events which have since trans
pircd III Texas are well known. She
revolleJ against the Government Of
Mexico, flew to arms, and finally iough
and won the memorable battle of San
Jacinlo, annihiia,ing a Mexican army
and making captive Of the Mexican
President. The signal success Of that
Revolution was greatly aided, if not
wholly achieved, by citizens of the Unl-
ted States who had migrated to Texas,
These succors, if they could not always
be prevented by the Government Of the
United States, were furnished in man
ner and To an extent which brought,
upon US some national reproach in the
Eyes of an impartial world And, III my
opinion, they impose on Us the oblig cation
Of scrupulously avoiding the lmpu,a,IoU
of having lnstigaied and aided the Revo-
luton with the ultimate view of territori-
al aggrandizement After the battle of
Sdn Jacinto, The United States recog.
nised the Independence of Texas, in
conformity with the prime pie and prac-
tice which have have always prevailed
IN their councils Of recognising the
Government "de facto," without regard
ing the question de jme. That rccogni
ton did not affect or impair the ri ghts Of
Mexico, or change the relations which
existed between her and Texas. She,
on the contrary, has preserved all her
rights, and has continued To assert, and
so far az ! know yet asserts, her light 10
reduce Texas 10 obedience, as part of
the Republic of Mexico. According to
ate intelligence, it is probable tha, she
has agreed upon temporary suspension
If hostIlties 4; but, II that bas been done,
presume it Is with the purpose, upon
he termination OF the atmis,lce, of re-
,owing the war and enforcing her rights,
Is she considers them.
This narrative shows the present ac-
ual condition of Texas, so far as have
Information about it, lf i, be correct,
veres in the assertion of her rights by
actual force of arms, which, if suspended,
are Intended to he renewed. Under
these circumstances, If the Government
Of the United States were To acquire
Texas, it would acquire along with it all
The membranes which Texas is under,
aud among them the actual or suspended
war between Mexico aud Texas. OF
hat consequence there cannot be doubt.
Annexation and war with Mexico are
Identical Now, for one, | certainly
an not willing TO involve this country ia
4 foreign war for the object Of acquiring
Texas. | know there are those who re-
gard such war with indifference aud as
a trlfIng affair, on account of the weak
ness of Mexico, and her inability TO ia
1lct serious injury upon this country. -
But do not look upon 1t thus lightly -
regard all wars as great calamItles, to
De avoided, If possible, and honorable
peace as the wlscst and ,ruest policy Of
his country. What the United States
most need are union, peace, aud patience.
Nor do think that the week.-mrs. of a
Power should form a motive, IN any case
or inducing Us To engage IN or To depre-
nate the evils of war. Honor aud good
aIth aud justice are equally due from
his country towards the weak as towards
he strong Aud, If an act of injustice
we're to be perpetrated towards any
Power, II would be more compatible with
he dignity of the nation, aGd, ia mv iudg-
nent, less dIshonorablc, to innlct II upon
DOWerIul Instpnu of "A weak (orei1p mn.