The Whig standard., 1844-04-29

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have no other effect than to aggravate irritatlOns,
already existing upon matters Of differences be-
| tween the two countries. yl@ 3ttl ~ aSEf1
The events which have since transpired in
Texas are well known. She revolted against
the Government of Mexico, flew to arms, and
finally fought and won the memorable battle of
San Jacinto, annihilating Mexican army and
signal success of that Reyolutian was greatly
aided, if not wholly achieved, by citizens Of the
United States who had migrated to Texas. These
succors, if they could not always be prevented
by the Government Of the United States, were
furnished in manner and TO an extent which
brought upon us some national reproach ia the
eyes Of an impartial world. And, in my opinion,
they impose on US the obligation Of scrupulodaly
| avoiding the mputation of having instigated and
aided the Revolution with the ultimate view Of
territorial ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. After the battle of
San Jacinto, the United States recognised the in
dependence of Texas in conformity with the
principle and practice which have always pre-
vailed in their councils Of recognising the Gov
ernment "de facto" without regarding the ques-
ton de Jure. That recognition did not afect,or
impair the rights of Mexico, or change the rela-
tions 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 yet
asserts, her right to reduce Texas to obedience,
as part Of the Republic Of Mexico. According
to late intelligence, it is probable that she has
agreed upon a temporary suspension Of hostile
| ties but, if that has been done, presume II s
with the purpose, upon the termination Of the ar
4 mistice, of renewing the war and enforcing her
| rights, as she considers them. -'
| This narrative shows the present actual condi-
ton of Texas, SO far as have information about
lit. fit be correct. Mexico has not abandoned,
but perseyeres in the assertion Of her rights by
actual force Of arms, which, if suspended, are in
tended to be renewed. Under these circum-
stances, if the Government Of the United States
were to acquire Texas, it would acquire along
with it all the membranes which Texas IL
under, and, among them, the actual or suspended
! war between Mexico and Texas. OF that conse-
quence there cannot be doubt Annexation
and war with Mexico are Identical Now, for
one, certainly am not willing to involve this
country in foreign war for the object Of acquire
/ ing Texas. / know there are those who regard
such war with Indifference and as q tri1ing
affair, on account of the weakness Of Mexico, and
her inability to inflict serious injury upon this
country. But do not look upon It thus lightly.
regard all wars as great calamities, tobe avoid
| ed if possible, and honorable peace as the wisest
| and truest 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 a motive, in any case, for in
ducing us to engage in or to depreciate 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 injus-
tice were to be perpetrated towards any Power.
it would be more compatible with the dignity Of
the nation, and, in my judgment, less dishonora-
BILE, to infiict it upon powerful instead Of 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 count
less numbers Of foreign vessels, under the au-
thority and flag Of Mexico would not prey upon
our defenceless commerce in the Mexican gull,
on the Pacific ocean, and on every other sea and
ocean What commerce, OH the other hand,
does Mexico ofer as an indemnity for our losses,
to the galantry and enterprise of our country
men /! This view of the subject supposes that
the war would be confined to the United States
and Mexico as the only belgerehts. But have
| we any certain guaranty that Mexico would OBJ
tain no allies among the great European Powers
Suppose any such Powers, jealous Of our increas-
/ ing greatness, and disposed to check our growth
and cripple us, were to take part in behalf Of
| Mexico in the war, how would the different bell
ligerents present themselves to Christendom and
the enlightened world We have been seriously
charged with an inordinate spirit of territorial ag
grandizement; and, without admitting the justice
of the charge, it must be owned that we have
made vast acquisitions of territory within the last
forty years Suppose Great Britain and France.
and by manifesto, were to proclaim that their
objects were to assist weak and helpless ally
to check the spirit Of encroachment and ambition
Of an already overgrown Republic, seeking stu
further acquisitions Of territory, to maintain the
, independence Of Texas, disconnected with the
] United States, and to prevent the iurther Propa-
CATION Of slavery from the United State, what
would be the effect of such allegations upon !ne
judgment Of an impartial and enlightened world
Assuming that the annexation Of y. he1as !.
MAKING mower to plunge this country into war,
! not oniy without the concurrence Of, but without
!. deiening to consult Congress, 70 which, BY the
. Constitution, belongs exclusively the power Of
e declaring war t.....a,.. 81 $500.
; have hitherto considered the question upon
the supposition that the annexation is attempted
without the assent Of Mexico. If she yields
: her consent, that would materially affect thu
foreign aspect Of the question, if It did not re
1 move all foreign difficulties. On the assumption
T L N 4 tN - ~EsNo<