Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1844-08-09
lars, in treaties with foreign nations and a

lars, in treaties with foreign nations and
foreign war.
If it be constitutional to annex Texas to
our Union, why will it not be equally so to
annex Great Britain, or any other govern
ment, however despotic. If it could be
shown that the measure is indispensable to
the preservation Of our liberties, it would
assume different aspect (self-defence be-
ing the first law of nature. 1t has been
said by distinguished individual, Gener-
al Jackson, for whose services | have high
regard, that Texas is an acquisition neces-
sary to the defence of the Southern States.
The subject was fully examined by Mr..
Monroe and his cabinet in 1919, when the
doubtful claim of our Government to Tex
as was the more readily yielded, from the
consideration that it increased our weak
ness rather than our strength have yet
to see the proof necessary to satisfy my
mind that this territory is necessary for our
defence. Ibelicve the Union may bid def
ance to the world without taking any more
territory or outposts.
! 1t is alleged that if we do not annex
Texas, Great Britain may acquire it, If
she have any such design, Ihave yet to see
the proof of it. Some of her statesmen
have disavowed any such desire, can
not conceive that Texas is needed as an
addition to our public domain. We have
now more unimproved Territory than will
be peopled for ages to come. Until we
shall have settled the valley of the Missis-
sippi, the Oregon Territory, and the passes
Of the Rockey Mountains, we should not
look round for more room. 1t is said by
some that Texas belongs to us. This
apprehend, is mistake. If we acquired
a right as grantees under France. we after
wards reinquished that right by having
ceded it to Spain. If treaties are the Su.
preme law Of the land, we have no more
right oit now than we have to Mexico.
The immediate annexation would involve
us in war with Mexico, and war is al
ways calamity; but this is not the mos
serious objection, it would be violation o.
a solemn treaty with Mexico.
The annexation would, in my opinion
peril the Union Of the States, by its con-
nexion with Slavery. 1t may be said thi.
measure would not extend Slavery, because
it already exists in Texas, this is true; bu
it would be giving the sanction Of our gov
ernment to Texan Slavery. With Slave
ry, as it exists in the Southern States of the
Union, we have no legal right to interfere
yet | should be pleased to see these States
commence a system of emancipation, anC
finally remove blot from our Anne. cal
escutcheon.
deeply regret that this question is to b,
made the rallying cry Of party. 1t is to-
great question; it involves consideration
of too vital a character to be turned int
party purposes. Each party, as yet, ha
some distinguished men on both sides G
the question. So long as this is the case
there is less danger of premature move
ments.
Towards Texas, Ientertain no other thai
friendly feelings. | look upon her as an in
fant Republic struggling under difficulties
with a deep interest. If this question b.
submitted to the people, in whose wisdom
and patriotism | have the greatest conf
dence; and if after full examination
majority of the people demand the adms
; sion of Texas, | would of course cheerful
ly submit to such decision, but until then
: | do believe thatit is not expedient, and
forced upon the country by the treaty max
ing power, against the will of majorit,
of the people, will endanger the union c
the States.
, am satisfied with the States and tn
Territory we now have-I amsatsfed witt
the Cons stituton-I am satisfied with tn
American Banner; with the stars it nov
! has, and those which may from time t
time be added by organizing our own tel
ritories into States: under this banner
have served in peace and in war, and un
der it am willing to die.
l have thus briefly given you some Of m
views on the several questions in issue be
tween the parties. This | have hastil,
done, and ask you, gentlemen to pardon it
imperiectious. l am, gentlemen, wit
great respect, your obedient servant,
!. M. hartley,
VMessrS. II. Green, C. F. Helman, & others
|