Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1844-09-06

y. and these acts rendered /, valid and oblisa
tory upon the United States, as If ouuress had
given It's assent, prior TO the conclusion of tho
treaty. At that period of 1919. Texas as claim
cd by Is, unpcopled. No hostile lncurs,ons
had boon made into II BY citizens of the United
States. In 1923 and 1927. there were but few
inhabitants of Texas. consisting of some colonies
planted there under the authority of Mexico
" neither of these three periods above mcntion-
ei had any State or section, in this Union, mani
tested any opposition to Texas composing part
tof 1t. 1t has been said that Mr.. Adams admin
stration offered to negotiate with Mexico for Tex.
as, Notwithstanding the existence Of be.
tween Spain and MEXICO, and tina, II could not
not therefore have believed that the acquisition of
Texas, At that time would have involved the Unl-
ted States IN war with Spain. Hence i, is argued
that tho ratification of the late treaty could no.
have compromised our peace.
Mr.. Adams thought it desirable to obtain Tex
as. Two foreign powers claimed ii. Mexico
was in possession. and Spain doing nothing
10 asscr, and enforce her claim. Her rcprcsen-
,at.ye had even gone far 10 stipulate in
convention, 10 acknowledge the independence of
Mexico, although that convention was not ratified
BY Spain.
Mr.. Adams had right 10 authorize the nego-
tiation of treaty for the acquisition of Texas.
Spain had interposod no obstacle. Sho had made
no declaration that slo would regard the acquis
ton of Texas as an act OF war. In point OF fact.
no overture was formally made to Mexico to pur-
chase Texas, no negotiation was opened, no trea-
~ concluded.
If negotiation had commenced, or If treaty
had been signed and Spain had protested. tho pru
dent and cautious policy which characterized Mr.
Adams administration, would undoubtedly have
prompted him to quiet Spain, and accommodate
the matter, previous to tho ncxa,ion Of Texas
to the United States, and without plungng them
in war with Spain How totally different all
tho circumstances under which, with Mr. Adams
authority, authorized tho overture to Mexico,
from those which attended the recent treaty of
Mr.. Tyler! So far from Mexico being silent,
she repeatedly and soemnly declared that she
would consider annexation as war with her.-
Texas was no longer an uninhabcd country
1t had been wrestcd from the domination of Mex
leo by citizens, many of whom wen! armed from
the United States. The war between Mexico
and Texas had not been Terminated by any treaty
of peace. Mr. Tylor not only did not consult
Mexico. but he announced that her assent To tho
annexation was altogether unnecessary. And he
proceeded to conclude treaty, embracing n large
extent of territory and numerous population,
not comprehended III the Texas which the United
States coded to Spain in 1919.
IN tho mean time too. powerful opposition
had arson in tho nitcd States against tho annex
alton of Texas 10 them. Several States had de-
AIRED, through their Legislatures. against it, and
Others. if not whole sections of the Union,
believed to be adverse to it. This was the oppo-
stion to the measure. TO which IN my Raleigh let
ter. alluded, when | spoke Of :" considerable
and rcspoc table portion of tho coNFEDERACy." |
did refer to persons, but to states or sections
Undcr such circumstances | could not but re-
gard the annexation of Texas. at TINS time. as
compromising tho honor of my country. lnvolv-
ing It in n war; in which tho sympathios oi nil
: christendom would be against us. and endanger-
ing the integrity of the Union. ! thought then,
and still believe. that national dishonor, foreign
/, war, and distraction mud DIVISION tat ho,ne, we're
too great sacrifices TO make for tho acquisition of
Texas.
But, gentlemen. you DESTROYS of knowing
BY what policy would be guided, IN tho event OF
nv election as Chief Magistrate of the United
States in reference to tho question OF the annexa-
ton of Texas. | do not think it right to
nounco in advance, hat will be the course Of
future administration IN respect TO question with
Il Foreign power have. however, no hcstaton
in saying that, far from having any personal OBJ
lection to the annexation of Texas, | should be
glad to 1t. without war, with tho common CON
sent of the Union, and upon just ana fair terms.
do not think that tho subject of slavery ought to
affect the question, way tho other
Whether Texas be independent or incorporated
into tho United States, do not believe IL viii pro-
long or shorten the duration Of that institution
1t IS destined 10 become extinct, at some distant
day, in my opinion, by tho operation Of tho NOV
table laws of population. It would be unwise
TO refuse permanent acquisition, which will ex-
ist long the globe remains. on account OF q
temporary institution.
In the contingency Of my election, to which
YOU have adverted, if the affair of acquiring
Texas should become subject of consideration
should be governed by the state of fact, mud the
state of public opinion existing at the time
might be called upon to act. Above all should
be governed by the paramount duty of preserving
this Union entire, and in harmony. regarding It
as do the great guaranty Of every political
and public blessing, under Providence, which as
free people, permitted to enjoy.
am. gentlemen, respectfully,
Your obedient servant.
II. CLAY.
Messrs. J. NJ. JACKSON and +. N. PETERS.