Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1844-05-16

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leo has attempted no serious Invasion o
her territory; but the contest has assum,
ed features Of mere border war. ehsrac,
iefised BY acts revolving 10 humanity. 10
the year 1886. Texas adopted her consii,
luton. under which she has existed as Z
sovereign power ever since. having been
recognized as such BY many ot the princi-
pal powers Of The world and contemPo-
raneously with its adoption BY solemn
l vote Of her people embracing al her popus
lalion ut'ninety-thFee persons, declared
her anxious desire TO be admitted toto as
socia,ion with the United States, ~ por-
lion Of their territory.
This vote. thus solemnlg isken. has me-
lvss been reversed and nos II rs ac-
itiou Other constituted suthctsies. sustain
ed as il is by the popular sentiment, she
reaffirms her desire for annexation. This
course has been adopted BY Der without
the employment Of any similar measures
on The part OF this government. No IN.
ttrigue has been set on foot 10 accomplish
it. Texas herself wills il, and the Execu-
tive Of the United States, concurrmg with
her. has seen no sufficient reason 10 avoid
the consummstion Of an act esteemed 10
be so desirable by both. II cannot bed
med that Texas is greatly depressed in her
energies BY her long-protracied war With
Mexico.
Under these circumstances, il is but
natural that she should seek for safety and
repose under the protection Of some s,ron-
ger power; and il is equally SO that her
people should turn TO tie United States
the land Of their birth, inthe FIRST instance,
in the pursuit Of such protection. She
has often before made Known her wishes !;
but her advances have, 70 this time. been,
repealed. The Execute oil the United
States sees no longer any cause for pufsut
ing such course. The hazard of now
defeating her wishes may be OF the most
fatal tendency. II might lead, and mos,
probably would. TO such an entire alieas-
ton OF sentiment andfesling.as would lu-
eyilably induce her 10 box elsewhere 10.
aid. and force her eitherlo enter into dan
gerous alliances with other nations, who,
looking with more wisdbdl 10 their inter-
ests, would, it is fairly 10 be presumed,
readily adopt such expedients or SIZE
would bold out the prefer Of discriminat-
ing duties in trade and commerce, 10 or
der TO secure the necessary assistance.
Whatever step she night adopt. look
iOg to this object, would prove disastrous.
IN The highest degree, ID the interests or
the whole Union To Aay nothing Of tbs
impollcy Of our permitting the carrying
trade and home market Of such a country
10 pass out OF our hands into those Of a
commercial rival the government, lin The
first place, would be certain to suffer most
dlsastrously in its revenue by the intro
ductlon OF . system Of smuggling npan an
extensive scale. which sn srsny Of Gus.
!om-house officers could nOt prevent-sud
which would operate 10 affect injuriously
The interests Of all the industrial classes Of
this country. Hence would arise con-
slant collisions between the inhabitants Of
the two counties, which would evermore
endanger their peace.
A large increase Of the military force
OF The United States would inevitably fol.
low. thus devolving upon the people new
and extraordinary burdens, in order not
only 10 protect them from the danger Of
daily collision with Texas HERSELF but TO
guard their border inhabitants against hos
Tile inroads, so easily excite on the part Of
the numerous ard warlike tribes OF Indi.
ans dwelling in their neighborhood. Tex
as would undoubtedly be unable. for many
years TO come. il at any time, 10 resist, IN
aided and alone, the military power OF
the United States; but it is not exitava-
CANT 10 suppose that nations resping a
rich harvest from bet trade, secured 10
them by advantageous treaties. would be
induced 10 take part with her in any con-
flict with US, from the strongest consider.
ations Of public policy.
Such state of things must subject 10,
devastation the territory Of contiguous
States, and would cost the country. in si1.
gle campaign. more treasure. thrice+iold
over, than is stipulated TO be paid and re-
imbursed by The treaty now proposed for
ratification. will not permit myself 10
dwell on this view Of The subject. Con-
sequences Of fatal character 10 The peace
Of the Union, and even to the preservation,
Of the Union itself, might be dweit upns.-
They rSill moi. however, fail 10 oecar 10
The mind q Na,Senate aud atIsfe country.
Nor do ! indulgeIe apy vague conjec
lures Of the future. Inc documents MOVE
transmitted along with the treaty, lead to
The conclusion, as inevitable that If The
boon now rendered be rejected, Texas.
will seek for the friendship of others.
Ia contemplating sucb~a contingency,
il cannot be overlooked that the United
States are already almost surrounded by
the possessions Of European powers. The
Caaadas, New Brunswick and Nova Sco-
tia, the islands 10 the American seas, with
Texas. trammelled by treaties Of alliance,
or Or commercial character. differing 10
policy from that Of the United States.
would complete The circle. Texas vol
uutarily steps forth, upon terms Of perfect
honor and good faith to all nations, 10 ask
10 be annexed 10 the Union. As an in
dependent sovereignty. her right to do
this is nnquestionable.
10 doing 90. she gives no cause Of UNI
bragg 10 any other power; her people de
sire il. and there is no slavish transfer Of
Der sovereignty and independence. She
has for eight years maintained her inde-
pendence against all efforts 10 subdue her.
She has been recognized IS independent
BY nsrv Of the most prominent Of the "a
mily Of nations. and that recognition
so far IS they are concerned, places heI
=, : S,osstson nil houf osr,t,v any inst nm.