Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-06-21

ed with much zeal against the acquisition of
Louisiana-and yet the fuulity of such has
long since been fully demonstrated. Since
that period new power has been introduced
into the affairs Of the world, which has, for
all practical purposes, brought Texas much
nearer to the seat of Government than Lou
isiana was at the time Of its annexation
Distant regions are, by the application OF
the steam engine, brought within close
proximity.
With the views which entertain on the
subject, should prove fathless to the high
trust which the Constitution has devolved
upon me, if neglected to invite the atten-
ton of the Representatives of the People to
it, at the earliest moment that due respect
for the Senate would allow me so to do. |
should find, in the urgency of the matter,
sufficient apology, if one was wanting, since
annexation is to encounter a great il not
certain hazard Of final defeat, if something
be not nOw done to prevent it, Upon this
point, cannot too impressively invite your
attention to my Message of the 10Th of
May, and to the documents which accompa-
ny it, which have not heretofore been made
public.
If it be objected that the names of the
writer's of some of the private letters are
withheld, all that can say is, that it is done
for reasons regarded as altogether adequate,
and that the writer's are persons of the first
responsibility, and citizens of Texas, and
have such means of obtaining information
as TO entitle their sentiments to full credit.
Nor has any thing occurred to weaken, but,
on the contrary, much to confirm, my con-
fdence in the statements Of General Jack
son, and my own statement made at the
close Of that message, in the belief, amount
ing almost to a certainty, that instructions
have already been given by the Texian Gov
eminent TO propose TO the Government Of
Great Britain, forthwith, on the failure (of
the Treaty. to enter, into treaty Of COM
merce, and an alliance, offensive and defen-
sive"
also particularly invite your attention to
the letter from Mr. Everett, our Envoy at
London, containing an account of a con-
versation in the House of Lords, which late
ly occurred between Lord Brougham and
Lord Aberdeen, in relation to the question |
Of Annexation. MOI can do so without
The expression of some surprise at the Ian
guage the Minister of Foreign Affairs en-
ployed upon the occasion.
That kingdom which is made what it !
now is by repeated acts of annexation, be-
ginning from the time of the Heptarchy, |
and concluding with the annexation of the
kingdoms Of Ireland and Scotland, should
perceive any principle, either novel or seri-
BUS, in the late proceedings of the Ameri-
ian Executive in regard TO Texas, is well
calculated to excite surprise.
If it be pretended that, because Of COM
nercial or political relation which may ex-
st between two countries, neither has right
10 part with its sovereignty and that no
bird power can change those relations by
treaty of union or annexation,
hen it would seem to follow that an annex
ltion to be achieved by force Of arms, in the
prosecution Of Just and necessary war,
Gould in no way be justified and yet it is
presumed that Great Britain would be the
asst nation in the world to maintain any such
doctrine. The commercial and political
citations of many of the countries of Europe
lave undergone repeated changes by voun-
AIRY treaties, by conquest and by partitions
If their territories, without any question as
o the right, under the public law The
question, in this view of it, can be consid-
,red as neither serious nor novel.
/ will not permit myself TO believe that
he British Minister designed to bring him
elf to any such conclusion; but il is i'm
possible for us to be blind to the fact, that
he statements contained in Mr. Everett's de-
patch are well worthy of serious consider
ition. The Governments and People of the
United States have never evinced, nor do
hey feel, any desire to interfere in public
questions not affecting the relations existing
the States Of the American Cont
Ient.
We leave the European powers exclusive
control over matters affecting their Cont
nent and the relations of their different
States.
The United States claim a similar exemp-
ion from any such interference on their
part. The treaty with Texas was negotia-
ed from considerations Of high public
policy, influencing the conduct of the two
Republics. We have treated with Texas as
IN independent power, solely with view of
the condition of the two coun- +
ries. If annexation in any form occur, it
will arise from the free and unlettered ac-
ion of the People of the two countries
and it seems altogether becoming in me to
say that the honor of the country, the dig
lty Of the American name, and the perma-
1ent interests Of the United States, and the
capacity of each to do injury to the other,
han myself but peace can best be preserv-
I'd by maintaining firmly the rights which
belong to us as an independent community
So much have considered it proper for
ne to say, and it becomes me to add, thai
while have regarded the Annexation to be
accomplished by treaty as the most suitable