The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-12-16
COLONEL BENTON'S BILL.


COLONEL BENTON'S BILL.
We think Col. Benton will soon be convinced
that he is going, that he has already gone, too
far in his opposition to the measure of "imme-
date annexation" We find even the presses,
hitherto considered OF the most radical and ultra
character, now abandoning the Missouri Sena-
tor who has evnced such an indiscriminate hos
tility to every act of this Administration. 1t is
needless for Mr.. Benton to say his State sus-
tains him, because he has been reelected. His
honorable and patriotic colleague, who voted for
the Treaty, was elected by larger majority.
But our desire is merely to attract the atten-
ton of our readers 10 the following article from
the last New York PlebeiaD, paper that stood
by COL Benton in his denuncations of the Ash
burton Treaty, even when two-thirds Of the
Democratic Senators voted for its ratification.
1t will be seen that the Pebeian will depart no
farther from the right path, TO accompany Col
Benton:
THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTATION BEN
TONS BILL.
We publish to day the bill introduced by Mr. Ben
ton, providing for the annexation of Texas to the
United States. We exceedingly regret that notwith-
standing the people have SO decidedly and emphati-
cally declared in favor Of annexaon-immediate
nexation-Mr. Benton should incorporate into his
bill certain conditions that must postpone for
definite time the accomplishment of this great ma
t,onal measure.
The following is the Bill introduced by Mr.. Ben.
ton:
a BILL to provide for the anmeraiion Of Tsra, TO the
United STATES
Be enacted by the Senate and House Of Representa-
tires Of the United STATES Of .4nerioa in Congress
bed That the President of The United States be- and
he hereby is authorized and advised to open negotia
| tons with Mexico and Texas, for the adjustment Of
boundaries, and The nnexation OF the latter TO the
| United States, on the following bases, to wit:
l. The boundary Of the annexed terri tory 10 be in
the desert prairie west Of the Nueces, and along the
highlands and mountain heights which divide the
tiers Of the Mississippi from the waters OF the Rio
del Norte, and to latitude forty-two degrees north.
III. The people Of Texas, by legislative act, or
| by any authentic act which shows the will OF the
majority, to express their assent to said annexa
ton.
| III. A State, to be called /" the State Of Tsras,n
with boundaries fixed by herself, and extent not
exceeding that of the largest State in the Union be
admitted into the Union, by virtue of this act an
equal footing with the original States.
Nv. The remainder Of the anne Ied territory TO be
held and disposed Of by the United States as ono Of
their territories, and TO be called the Souk,rea Ter
riioryn
v. The existence of slavery to be forever prohibit
ed in the northern and northwestern part Of said ter
ritory, west Of the Tooth degree Of longitude west
from Greenwich, so as 10 divide, equally may be,
the whole Of the annexed country between slave.
holding and non slavehoding States
| VI ! he assent Of Mexico to be obtained by trea-
ty to such annexation and boundary be dispens-
ed with when the Congress Of the United States may
deem such assent 10 lie unnecessary.
VII. Other details Of the annexation 10 be adjust.
ed by treaty. so far the same may within the
scope of the treaty making power
Ne one has higher opinion Of the cmipct talents
and distinguished and patriotic services that have
marked the political his DRY of the Missouri Senator
than We have. On all questions Of national policy,
heretofore, he has taken the American side. We re
collect with what extreme pleasure perused bis
able remarks In opposition to the Webster and Ash
burton treaty, respecting the Maine boundary ques-
ton Through a long series Of years, since he
first entered the halls OF the National Legislature, we
have been an ardent sdmrer OF his political course
His eminent qua ihcs,ops for the station be holds and
The singular ability with which he has performed the
arduous duties OF Senator, have not only mmsnd-
ed respect but that OF the entire Democratic par
". Up the time when the last session Of the pre-
sent Congress met but few IN the Union possess
ed much of the peoples confidence the Sena tor
from Missouri. To what extent that confidence has
or will be improved by his past and future course on
the great question before the American people
we will not now attempt to express an opinion. But
after having explained our views in restion to Mr.
Bsntons ps.t political course Of poicy in which we
find nothing TO condemn but much TO admire we
must be permitted to speak in The candid man.
ner in relation 10 the features OF the above BILL and
the principles upon which Mr.. Benton supports the
admission Of Texas.
In the first place Mr.. Benton proposes that nego-
tiations be opened between the United States Mert-
| co and Texas for the settlement of boundary, and
for the annexation OF Texas to the Union. This !.
| commencing the Question OF Annex iion de moro;
| and We must confess does not look much like i'm.
| mediate Annexation, IN accordance with the views
Of Gov Polk, the declaration Of the Baltimore Con
ventioo, The recert emphatic decision Of the pco-
pie. We slI know with what facility question. Of
boundary are settled. II s now near seventy Years
since the Declaration Of independence and only
about two years since the northern boundary line
has been adjusted with the mother country although
we had been negotiating near half a century with
| view 10 its adjustment Besides, why not ask the
| assent OF England well q Of Mexicoi II Texas
and the United States two independent nations
they have perfect right TO treat with each other
without the consent OF any third power But 4 Tex
rs " province OF Mexico, then there ~ no necess-
| " Of including Texas Of the powers with
which are to open negotiations. Who does not
perceive that II the assent Of Mexico s made con-
dtion Of The acquisition Of Texas the influence of
Ens land Will for series Of years. f not forever, de-
lay that ssssnt.
II IL true Mr.. Bsntonb hill provides thst the A.
ssst 4 hsstcs esy - 0sPssssd viii BY Csarrsss,
vhsa shs5 nay dem such ssssai nssssassar, Bui