The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-05-15
MR.. VAN BUREN,S LETTER.

MR.. VAN BUREN'S LETTER.
This epistle occupies six columns in the
Globe, and consequently we can give mere
synopsis Of it in our paper. He commences
by saying there is no constitutional objec-
ton to annexation. But having acted on
similar questions which arose first when he
was Secretary to General Jackson, and again
during his own presidential term, and taken
ground against annexation, and the same OBJ
jections remaining in full fource, he could
not now change his position. He goes upon
strong signs Of being strongly and decidedly
opposed to the project as things are now sit
uated. But alas the beautiful web which he
weaves is all ravelled out in the conclusion
of the letter. How characteristic of the
Northern man with Southern principles
The statesmen is as usual sunk into triming
politician. A Tub must be thrown to the
whale, und here it is. The following extract
is utterly at war with all that precedes it.
"When the period for definite action shall
have arrived, the considerations now taken
into view may have lost the weight they at
present possess in the estimation of the pub
he; and others, not now regarded as Of any
value, may, in the meantime, arise TO affect
materially, If not to change the whole aspect
Of the subject. The present condition of the
relations between Mexico and Texas NAV
soon be SO far changed as to weaken, and
perhaps to obviate entirely, the objection,
against the immediate annexation Of the lat
ter to the United States, which have here
set forth, and to place the question on differ
ent grounds, Should such state of things
arse. and be found in charge of the respon-
sible duties OF President, you may be assured
that | would meet the question, if then pre-
sented TO me, with sincere desire to pro-
mote the result which believed best calcu-
lated to advance the permanent welfare Of the
whole country. In the discharge Of this. the
common duty of all our public functionaries.
would not allow my self to be influenced by
local or sectional feeling. l am not, need
hardly 10 say to you, an untred man in re-
pect to my disposition or ability TO disregard
any feeling Of that character in the discharge
Of official duties. You, as well as all Others
have therefore at least some grounds on
which to form an opinion as to the probable
| fidelity with which these assurances would
be observed.
shall add few words on another aspect
Of the question, and then dismiss the subject
Mexico may carry her persistence in refusing
| TO acknowledge the independents of Texas,
and in destructive but fuiiless efforts TO re-
conquer that State, so far as to, produce in
connexion with the circumstances, a decid-
ed conviction on the part of majority of the
people Of the United States, that the perma-
nent welfare, if NOT absolute safety of all,
makes it necessary that the proposed annex
alton should be effected, be the consequence.
what they may. The question may be ask
ed, what, under such circumstances, would
be the use you would make OF the Executive
power, if intrusted to your hands Would
II be welded to defeat, or 10 carry into effect
the ascertained wishes of our peoplel My
reply TO such suppostion is, that | can
conceive Of no public question, in respect to
which it is more eminently proper that the
opinions and wishes of the people of the diff
ferent States should be consulted, and being |
ascertained, treated with greater respect than
those which relate either to the admission of
a new member into the confederacy, or the |
acquisition of additional territory, with a view
to such result; and that, if any application
for annexation, under such circumstances, |
were made TO me, would feel il to be my du- |
ty to submit the same 10 Congress for a pub |
lie expression of their opinion, as well upon
the propriety of annexation, as in regard to |
the terms upon which it should take place. |
II, after the whole subject had been brought |
before the country, and fully discussed, as it |
now will be, the Senate and House of Rep |
resentatives-a large portion OF the former,
and the whole of the latter having been cho-
sen by the People after The question of an |
nexation had been brought before the coun-
try for IFS mature consideration-should ex-
press an opinion in favor of annexation, |
would hold it to be my further duty 10 en-
ploy the Executive power to carry into full |
and fair effect the wishes of a majority Of the |
People Of the existing States, thus constitu-
tionly and solemnly expressed"
Look at this miserable paltering. Mr.. Van
Buren, argues through six columns against |
annexation, and then tells the South that he |
looks for such turn Of affairs as will weaken
all his objections to such measure.
The meaning Of this extract is obvious
He means to assure the friends of anne Ration
his former grounds notwithstanding, that he
will be their humble servant if they will make
him President.