The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-07-19
VOLUME L. NUMBER Fl.

of the world as an independent nation, and treated
as such, Texas renews to us the almost unanimous
wish of her citizens to be annexed to the United
States-telling us, substantially, that if now re-
pulsed she must form such alliances elsewhere as
will best enable her to improve her resources
and repair the disasters which she has suffered from
protracted quasi war; She is sensible that her
happiness will be best secured by. incorporation
into our Unon-that the disposition and pursuits
of her people, being homogeneous with those of
the United States, can receive no adequate protec-
ton from any other quarter. We admit the truth
of these assertlt ms, and feel that they constitute
powerful motive for action, independent oflthe
considerations which are suggested by prudent
regard for the stability of our own institutions.
In reference to Mexico, | would use the follow
ing language: We have carefully abstained from
all interference with your relations to Texas except
to acknowledge her independence in the same man.
ner and upon the same principles that we did your
independence when you separated from Spain.
We have, indeed been more scrupulous with you
than with Spain, for, without consulting or res
pecting the feelings Of the latter power, gov
ernment did not hesitate to open negotiation with
you for the retrocession of Texas, and that, too,
long before your independence was acknowledged
by Spain. But the time has now come when we
feel that the delcacy ought no longer to restrain
US from a treaty with Texas, particularly as we
know that our failure to do will produce results
that may endanger the safety Of our own confed-
eracy.
cannot think there is discrepancy between these
views and those avowed by my administration,
when proper allowance is made for the change of
circumstances, or that they contain any well
founded cause for complaint on the part of Mexi- .
CO.
1t may now be stated as fact, on which we
may rely with the greatest confidence, that if Tex
as be not speedily admitted into our confederacy,
she must and will be inevitably driven into ALI
ances and commercial regulations with the Euro
pean powers, of character highly injurious, and
probably hostile, to this country. What would
then be our condition! New Orleans and the
whole valley of the Mississippi would be endan-
gered. The numerous herds Of savages within the
limits Of Texas and on her borders would be easi-
ly excited 10 make war upon our defenceless from
tier.
l do not deem it necessary to be more explicit
here in the enumerations of the reasons which
justify to my mind, the speedy annexation of Tex
as to the United States. My aim is to give this
country strength to resist foreign interference.
Without Texas we shall not have strength. She
is the key to our safety in the southwest and west
she offers this key to us on fair and honorable
terms. Let us take il and lock the door against
future danger. We can do 1t without giving Just
offence to Mexico. Indeed we may say that the
measure is called for by the interests of Mexico,
no less than our own; for without it, she can have
no reliable guarantee against future invasion.
As to the form of annexation, do not think it
material whether it be by treaty or upon the appli-
cation of Texas by an act or joint resolution OF
Congress.
l cannot close these remarks without saying that
my regard for Mr.. Van Buren is SO great, and my
confidence in his love of country is strengthened
by so long and intimate acquaintance, that no diff
ference on this subject can change my opinion of
his character. He has evidently prepared his let
ter from knowledge only of the circumstances
bearing on the subject they existed at the close
of his administration without view Of the disclo-
sures since made, and which manifest the proba-
bility Of dangerous interference with the affairs
Of Texas by foreign power.
ain respectfully your servant,
ANDREW JACKSON.