Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1844-06-15
No. IA.

by the letters of Mr.. Van Buren, and other
distinguished men Of our country.
HERMITAGE, May 13, 1914.
To the Editor of The Union:
SrR | am induced to address you this |
letter, because have, within lew days
past, received letters from many Of our
friends, who have expressed a desire to
know whether my views in relation TO the
policy Of annexing Texas to the U. States
have been changed by the light which the
subject has received from the recent let
tiers of Mr.. Van Buren, and other prom-
nent citizens; and because it seems TO be
necessary that should answer or be mis-
understood.
Having no connection with the question
except the interest which, in common with
other citizens, | take in all that concerns
my country, what have heretofore said
upon it was dictated by no desire to be
prominent actor. 1t was certainly far from
my expectation that there should be an ei-
tort in any quarter to make the question a
mere party one. Hence, when it was
brought to my notice some twelve months
ago, by the honorable Mr.. Brown Of this
state, | answered his inquiries with prompt
ness and frankness.
had not forgotten the principles by
which my administration had been guided
when attempting to obtain Texas by ne
gotiaton with Mexico, nor the care which
was taken TO convince Mexico, afterwards.
that this government had no agency direct
| y or indirectly, in the steps resorted to by
the people Of Texas to establish for them.
selves an independent government. In the
reference which Mr.. Van Buren, has made
to my conduct as president in these res
poets, he has stated what is entirely true.
and has delineated with ability and perspi-
Guilty which SO eminently distinguish him,
the general principles which characterize
the course of our government in its inter-
course with foreign powers. But just and
accurate as he is, and subscribing, most full
ly, as do to all that he alleges as applca-
BILE 10 the question as it stood in my admin.
istration, and as it did under his own, still
think that the circumstances are so tar al.
tered as to give new aspect 10 the whole
question, and to authorize a corresponding
change in the discretion with which our
government may now act upon it.
At the present period, it cannot be doubt
ed that Texas is able to maintain her indie
pendence OF Mexico, if each state is Left
to lis own resources, unintiuenced and un-
aided by any other power. Eight years
have elapsed since the remarkable battle OF
San Jacinto, and there has been no serious
attempt on the part Of Mexico to occupy
the country, and it is certain none can be
made with any prospect OF success. In
this state Of affairs, acknowledged by our
selves and the principal powers of tht
world as an independent nation, and treat
ed as such, Texas renewS to US the almoS
unanimous wish Of her citizens to be an
nexed to the United States-teltlng US sub
stantaIy, that if now repuised she mus
: form such alliances elsewhere as will beS
enable her to improve her resources and re
pair the disasters which she has suffered
from protracted quasi war. She is sen
sIbe that her happiness will be best secure
; by incorporation into our unlon--that IN
, disposition and pursuits of her people, be
, ing homogeneous with those of the U. States
= can receive no adequate protection fror
: any other quarter. We admit the truth q
e these assertions, and feel that they const
e tute q powerful motive for action, indeper
J; dent of the considerations which are Su!
f gested by prudent regard for the stabillt
$ of our own Institutions.
J. In reference to Mexico, | would use tn
e following language: We have careful
5 abstained from all interference with you
{ relations to Texas except to acknowledg
i her independence, IN the same manner an
= upon the same principles that we did YOU
= independence when you separated ircr
:. Spain. We have, indeed, been more scrl
o puous with you than with Spain, for, will
v out consulting or respecting the feelings
:. the latter power, our government did NJ
il hesitate to open negotiation with you ic
II the retroCession of Texas, and that, TOT
If long before your independence was a,
o knowIedged by Spain. But the time h;
o now come when we feel that tins dellcac
g ought no longer TO restrain US from tres
d ty with Texas, particularly as we kno
% that our failure to do so will produce r.
u suits that may endanger the safety of OF
own confederacy.
r cannot think there is discrepancy b
> tween these views and those avowed /
If my administration, when proper aIlowant
j. is made for the change OF circumstance
y or that they contain any well founded eau
n, for complaint on the part of Mexico.
10 1t may now be stated as fact, on whit
i we may rely with the greatest contidenc
3 that ii Texas be not speedily admitted IN
- our coniederacy, she must and will be inc
itably driven into alliances and commerce.
regulations with the European powers,
IA character highly injurious and probab
hostile to this country. What would tn