Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1844-05-02

4 Government Of the Uaned States, were
Furnished ia a manner and TO an extent
which brought upon us some national re-
proach in the eyes Of an impartial world.
And, IN my opinion, they Impose on us
the obligation OF scrupulously avoiding
the Imputation If having instigsted and
aided the Revolution with the ultimate
view Of territorial aggrandizement. AZ
tier the battle Of San Jaeinto, The Omitted
States recognised tie independence OF
Texss, 10 conformity with the principle
and practice which have always prevailed
in their councils Of recognising the Gov
eminent ''de facto," without regarding
the question de JHre. That recognition
did not effect or impair the rights Of Mex
Co, 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 ytt esseris, her right to reduce
! Texss 10 obedience, as part Of the Re.
public Of Mexico. According to late IN
Itelligencr, it is proba 10 that she has
agreed upon temporary suspension Of
hosiltjes; but, If that has been done, /
presume il is with the purpose, upon the
termination Of the armisilce, Of renewing
the war and enforcing her rights, as she
considers them.
This narrative shows the present actual
condition Of Texes, so far as have nior-
nation about it. Ii it be correct, Mexico
has moi abandoned, but perseveres in the
assertion of her rights by actual force Of
arms, which, if suspended, are intended TO
be renewed. Under these circumstances,
II the Government oil the United States
were to acquire Texas, it would acquire
along with II all the membranes which
Texas is under, end among them the &C.
tual or suspended war between Mexico
and Texas. or that consequence there
cannot be doubt. Annex alton and war
Mexico are Identical. Now, for one,
certainly am not willing involve this
country in foreign was for the object OF
acquiring Texas. know there are those
who regard such war with indifference
and as trlh'ng affair, on account Of the
weakness OF Mexico, and her inability 10
lnilIct serious injury upon this country.
But do not look upon it thus lightly.
regard all wars as great calamities, to be
avoided, il possible. and honorable peace
as the wisest and trues, policy of this
country. What the United States most
need are union, peace, and patience
Nor do | think that the weakness of
Power should form motive, in any case,
for inducing US to engage in or to depre-
ciate the evils OF war. Honor and good
faith and justice are equally due from this
country towards the weak as towards the
strong. And, if an act Of injustice were
to be perretrated towards any Power, it
would be more compatible with the digni-
ty OF the nation, and, in my Judgment
less dlshonorab!e, to INFECT ii upon a pow
erlu! instead Of a weak foreign nation.
But are we perfectly sure that we should
be free from injury in state Of war with
Mexico? Have we any security that
countless numbers Of foreign vessels, IN
der .he authority and hsg of Mexico,
would no, prey upon our delenceless
commerce in the Mexican gulf, on the
Pacific ocean, and on every other sea and
oceal? What commerce, on the other
hand, does Mexico Offer, as an indemnify
Tor our losses, to the gallantry and enter.
Prise of our coun;rymen2 THIS view OF
the subject supposes that the war would
be confined to the United States and Mex
leo as the only beligerents. But have we
any certain guaranty that Mexico would
obtain no allies among the great Euro
pean Powersl Suppose any such Powers,
jealous Of our increasing greatness, ami
disposed to check our growth and cripple
US, were to take part in behalf Of Mexico
ia the war, how would the different belig-
erehtS present themselves to Christendom
and the enlightened world! We have
been seriously charged with an inordinaie
spirit Of territorial aggrandizemeni; and,
without admitting the justice ofthe charge,
it must be owned that we have made vast
acquisitions ofterritory within the last for
~ years. Suppose Great Britain and
France, or one of them, were TO take part
with Mexico, and, by manifesto. were to
proclaim that their objects were to assist
a weak and helpless ally to check the
spirit of encroachment and ambition of an
already overgrown Republic, seeking still
further acquisitions of territory, to main.
tain the independence Of Texas, discon
nected with the United States, and TO pre-
vent the further propagation of slave
ny from the United States, what would be
the effect OF such allegations upon the
judgment of an IMPARTIAL and enlightened
world!
Assuming that the annexation of Tex.
as IS war with Mexico, is it competent to
the treaty. making power TO plunge this
country into war, not only without the
concurrence of, but without deigning 10
consult Congress, to which, by the Con-
sttution, be longs exclusively the power
Of declaring war?
have hitherto considered the question
upon the supposltion that the annexation
is attempted without the assent of Mexi.
co. If she Yields her consent, that would
materially affect the foreign aspects of the
question, If 1t cid not remove all foreign
difficulties. On the assumption Of that
assent, the question would be confined to
The domestic considerations which belong
to II, embracing the terms and conditions
upon which annexation is proposed. do