The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-09-11

Spain. Hence it is argured that the rati,
fication of the late treaty could not have
compromised our peace
MIR. Adams thought it desirable to OBJ
tain Texas. Two foreign powers claim.
ed it. Mexico was in possession, and
Spain was doing nothing to assert and en-
force her claim Her representative had
even gone so far as to stipulate, in con-
vention, to acknowledge the Independence
of Mexico, although that convention was
not ratified by Spain.
Mr.. Adams had right to authorize
the negotiation of treaty for the acqui-
sition Of Texas with both or either of the
powers claiming it. 1t was natural that
he should begin with that power which
had the possession of Texas. Spain had
interposed no obstacle. She had made
no declaration that she would regard the
acquisition ofTexas as an act ofwar. In
point of fact, no overture was formally
made to Mexico to purchase Texas, no neg
citation was opened, no treaty was conciu-
ded. Ifa negotiation had commenced, or
if a treaty had been signed, and Spain
had protested, the prudent and cautious
policy which Characterised Mr.. Adams
administration, would undoubtedly have
prompted him to quiet Spain, and accommo-
date the matter, previous to the annexa-
ton of Texas to the United States, and
without plunging them in war with Spain.
How totally different are all the circum-
stances under which, with Mr. Adams
authority, l authorized the overture to
Mexico, from those which attended the
recent treaty of Mr.. Tyler
So far from Mexico being silent, she
repeatedly and solemnly declared that she
would consider annexation as war with
her. Texas was no longer an uninhabi-
ted country 1t had been wrested from
the dominion of Mexico by citizens many
of whom went armed from the United
States. The war between Mexico and
Texas had not been terminated by any
treaty of peace. Mr.. Tyler not only did
not consult Mexico, but he announced
that her assent 10 the annexation was al
together unnecessary. As he proceeded to
conclude treaty, embracing large ex-
tent Of Territory, and numerous popula-
ton, not comprehended in the Texas
which the United States ceded to Spain in
1919.
In the mean time, too, powerful op-
position had arisen in the United
States agains the annexation of Texas to
them. Several States had declared,
through their Legislatures, against it, and
others, if not whole sections ofthe Union,
were believed to be adverse to it. This
was the opposition to the measure, to which
IN my Raleigh letter, alluded, when l
spoke of considerable and respectable
portion of the confederaoy' I did not
refer to persons but to States or sections.
Under such Circumstances l could not
but regard the Annexation of Texas, at
this time, as compromitting the honor of
my country, involving it in war, in which
the sympathies of all Christendom would
be against US. and endangering the integ-
rity of the Union. thought then, and
still believe, that National dishonor, for
eign war, and distraction and division at
home were too great sacrafices to make
for the acquisition Of Texas
knowing by what policy l would be gui-
ded, in the event of my election as Chief
Magistrate ofthe United States, in refer
ence to the question of the annexation of
Texas. / do not think it right to an
nounce in advance what will be the course
of future Administration in respect to
question with a foreign power. l have,
r., hoe, hot Co.
from having any personal objection TO the
annexation of Texas, should be glad to
see it-without dishonor, without war,
with the common consent of the Union,
and upon Just and fair terms
do not think that the subject of sla-
very ought to affect the question, one way
or the other. Whether Texas be indie
pendent, or incorporated in the United
States, | do not believe it will prolong or
shorten the duration of that institution.
1t IS destined to become extinct, at some
distant day, in my opinion, by the opera
ton of the invitable laws ofpopulation
1t would be unwise to refuse perma-
nent acquisition, which will exist as long
as the globe remains on account of tenn
porary institution.
In the contingency of my election, to
which you have adverted, if the affair of
acquiring Texas should become subject
OF consideration, / should be governed by
the state of fact and the state of public
opinion existing at the same time might
be called upon to act Above all,
should be governed by the paramount duty
of preserving the Union entire, and in
harmony, regarding it as l do as the great
guaranty of every political and public
blessing, under Providence, which as free
people we are permitted to enjoy.
l am, gentlemen, respectfully, your ob't
serv't. HI. CLAY.
Messrs, THOMAS L. PETERS and JOHN
M. JACKSON