Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-12-06

COUltlittiSutCQ ~ COS ~
At your last session, l submitted to the
attention Of Congress, the Convention with
the Republic of Peru of the 18th March,
lS41, providing for the adjustment Of the
claims of citizens Of the United States
against that Republic; but no deinitive ac-
ton was taken upon the subject. | again
invite to it your attention and prompt action.
In my last Annual Message, l felt it TO
be my duty TO make known to Congress, in
terms both plain and emphatic, my opinion
in regard TO the war which has so long ex-
listed between Mexico and Texas; which,
since the battle of San Jacinto, has consist
ed altogether Of predatory incursions, at
tended by circumstances revolving to hui
mainly. l repeat now, what ] then said,
that, after eight years Of Intellectual efforts
to recover Texas, it was time that the war
should have ceased. The United States
had direct interest in the question. The
contiguity of the two nations TO our terrific
ry was but too well calculated TO involve our
peace. Unjust suspicious we're en%gendered
in the mind of one or the other of the bel
ligerents against US and, as a necessary
consequence, American interests we're made
TO suffer, and our peace became daily en-
dangered. In addition TO which, il must
have been obvious TO all, that the exhaustion
produced by the war, subjected both MeAi-
CO and Texas to the interference of other
powers which, without the interposition of
this Government, might eventuate in the
most serious injury to the United States.-
The Government, from time to time, exert
ed its friendly Offices to bring about a ter
mination of hostilities upon terms honora-
BILE alike to both the belligerents. It's eE
forts in this behalf proved unavailing. Mex
leo seemed, almost without an object, to per-
severe in the war, and no other alternative
was left the Executive but to take advantage
of the well-known dispositions of Texas,
and to invite her TO enter into a treaty for
annexlng her territory to that of the United
States.
Since your last session, Mexico has threat
ened TO renew the war, and has either made
or proposes to make, formidable prepara-
tons for invading Texas. She has issued
DEGREES and proclamations, preparatory to
the commencement of hostilities, full of
threats, revolving to humanity and which,
II carried into effect, would arouse the at
tention of all Christendom. This new de-
monstration of feeling, there is too much
reason TO believe, has been produced in con-
sequence Of the negotiation Of the late trea-
ty of annexation with Texas. The Execu-
tive, therefore, could not be indifferent 10
such proceedings and it felt il TO be due,
as well to itself as to the honor Of the coun-
try, that a strong representation should be
made to the Mexican Government upon the
subject. This was accordingly done; as
will be seen by the copy of the
ing despatch from the Secretary of State to
the United States Envoy at Mexico. Mex
co has no right to leopard the peace of the
world by urging any longer a useles and
%iruitless contest. Such a condition of things
would not be tolerated on the European con-
tinent. Why should it be on thisl Awar
OF desolation, such as is now threatened by
Mexico, cannot be waged without involving
our peace and tranquility. 1t is idle TO be.
lieve that such a war could be looked upon
with indifference by our own citizens. in
hablting adjoining States and our neutrali-
ty would be violated in despite of all efforts
on the part Of Government TO prevent it
The country is settled by emigrants from the
United States under. invitations held out TO
them by Spain and Mexico. These emf
grants have left behind them friends and
relatives who would not fail to sympathise
with them in their difficulties, and who
would be led by those sympathies to parti-
cipate in their struggles, however energetic
the action of Government to prevent it
Nor would the numerous and formidable
bands OF Indians, the most warlike TO be
found in any land, which occupy the extern
sive regions contiguous to the States of Ar
KANSAS and Missouri, and who are in pos
session of large tracts of country within
limits of Texas, be likely to remain pas
siye. The inclination Of those numerous
lead them invariably 10 war whenever
exist.
Mexico had no just ground of displeasure
against this government or people for nego-
the treaty. What interest of hers
affected by the treaty. She was de-
of nothing, since Texas was forever
'ost TO her. The independence of Texas
recognized by several of the leading
of the earth. She was free to treat
TO adopt her line of policy-free
10 take the course which she believed was
best calculated to secure her happiness. Her
government and people decided oil annexa-
lion to the United States and the Executive
saw, in the acquisition of such a territory,
he means of advancing their permanent
happiness and glory. What principle of
good faith then was violated what rule of
morals trampled under foot So
lar as Mexico herself was concerned, the
measure should have been reoarded hv bar
rs highly beneficial. Her inability to re-
Texas had been exhibited | re-
by elght-now nine-years of f~ruitless