Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-05-02

upon ms some national reproach in the eyes OF an
Impartial world. And, in my opinion, they im-
pose on us the obligation of scrupulously avoiding
the imputation of having instgatcd and aided tho
Revolution with the ultimate view Of territorial
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. After the battle of San Jacinto,
the United States recognized the independence of
Texas, In conformity with the principle and prac-
tce which have always prevailed i'm their coun-
ellis OF recognizing the Government '.de jacto,"
without regarding the question dc iure. That re-
cogn'Ion did not affect or impair the rights 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 as know yet asserts her right
TO reduce Texas to obedience, as par, Of the Re
public of Mexico. According TO late inte llieence
1t is probable that size has agreed upon a tempo
rary suspension OF hos,iliies; but, il that has
been done, presume it is with the purpose, upon
the termination Of the armistice, Of renewing the
war and enforcing her rights, as she considers
them.
+ This narrative shows the present actual condi-
ton Of Texas, so far as have information about
It.. If it be correct, Mexico has not abandoned,
but perseveres in the assertion of her rights by
actual force of arms, which, if suspended, in
tended TO be renewed. Under these circumsan-
ces, il the Government of the United States were
To acquire Texas, IL would acquire along with il
| all the membranes which Texas is under, and
among them the actual or suspended war between
MeXico and Texas. OF that consequence there
cannot be a doubt. Annexation and war with
/ Mexico identical. Now, for one, certainly
am not willing to involve this country in a foreign
war for the object of acquiring Texas. | know
there are those who regard such war with indif-
ference and as trihing affair, account of the
weakness of Mexico, and her inability to inllict
serious Injury upon this country. But do not
look upon 1t thus lightly. | regard all wars as
great calamities, TO be avoided, if possible, and
honorable peace the wisest and truest policy of
I hat the init ed Kali
are union, peace, and patience. Nor do l think
! that the weakness OF Power should form mo-
tive, IN any case, for inducing us 10 engage in
to depreciate the evils Of war. Honor and good
faith and justice are equally due from this coun-
try towards the weak towards the strong
And, if an act of injustice 10 be perpetra,ed
towards any Power, itwould be more compatible
with the dignity OF the nation, and, in my judg-
ment, less dishonorable, TO nfct il upon pow
eriul instead of weak foreign nation. But are
we perfectly sure that should be free from in
| jury In a state Of war with Mexico Have
any security that countless numbers of foreign
vessels, under the authority and flag o. Mexico,
would not prey upon our deienceess commerce in
the Mexican gulf. on the Pacific ocean, and
every other sea and ocean! What commerce, on
the other hand, does Mexico offer, as an indemn-
ty foreour losses, TO the gallantry and enterprise
of our countrymen! This view of the subject
supposes that the war would be confined to the
United States and Mexico as the only bcllger-
enls. But have we any certain guaranty that
Mexico would obtain no allies among the great
European Powers! Suppose any such Powers,
jealous of our increasing greatness, and disposed
to check our growth and cripple us, TO take
part In behalf of Mexico in the war, how would
the different belligerents present themselves to
Christendom and the enlightened world We
have been seriously charged with an inordinate
spirit of territorial ACKNOWLEDGMENT; and, with
out admitting the justice Of the charge, it must
be owned that we have made vast acquisitions Of
territory within the last forty years. Suppose
Great Britain and France, or one of them, were
to take part with Mexico, and, by a manifesto,
were 10 proclaim that their objects were 10 assist
weak and helpless ally TO check the spirit of
encroachment and ambition of an already over
grown Republic, seeking stils further acquisi-
lions OF territory, to maintain the independence of
Texas, disconnected with the United States, and
to prevent the further propagation Of slavery from
the United States, what would be The effect of
such allegations upon the Judgment Of an impair
ial and enlightened world!
Assuming that the Annexation Of Texas is war
with Mexico, is it competent to the treaty-ma-
king power 10 plunge this country into war not
only without the concurrence of, but without
delgnlng TO consult Congress, to which, by the
Constitution, belongs exclusively the power of
declaring war1
have hitherto considered the question upon
the superstition that the annexation is attempted
without the assent of Mexico. If she Yields her
consent, that would materially affect the foreign
aspect of the question, if it did not remove all
foreign difficulties. On the assumption of that
assent the question would be confined to the do
mestlc considerations which belong to it, embra-
cling the terms and conditions upon which annex
alton is proposed. / do not think that Texas
ought to be received into the Union, as an inte-
grail part OF 1T, In decided opposition TO the wish
es OF considerable and respectable portion of
the Confederacy. | think it far more wise and
important TO compose and harmonize the present
mi prrp 4 vic fbor,t
new element of discord and distraction into it. |
In my humble opinion, it should be the constant
and earnest endeayor of American statesmen to
eradicate prejudices, 10 cultivate and foster con.
cord, and to produce general contenment among
all parts of our Confederacy. And true wisdom,
1t seems 10 me, points TO the duty of rendering
It's present members happy, prosperous, and sa-
tshed with each other, rather than to attempt to
introduce alien members, against the common
consent and with the certainty of deep disSatis-
faction. MIR. Jefferson expressed the opinion, and
others believed, that ii never was in the contem-
pation of the trainers of the Constitution to add
foreign territory 10 the ConiedeTacy, out of which
new States were to be formed. The acquisitions
of Louisiana and Florida may be defended upon
The peculiar ground of the relation in which they
/ stood 10 the States of the Union. After they
were admitted, we might well pause awhile
people our vast wastes develop our resources
prepare the means of defending what we possess,
and augment our strength power, and greatness.
IL hereafter farther territory should be wanted
for an increased population, need entertain no
apprehensions but that il will be ACQUIRED by
means, it is 10 be hoped, fair, honorable, and
constitutional.
1t is useless TO disguise that there are those
who eSpouse and those who oppose the annexa-
ton of Texas upon the ground of the influence
which 1t would exert, in the balance of political
I power, between two great sections of the Union
| conceive that no motive for the acquisition Of