Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-05-17
MR.. CLAY ON THE TEXAS
QUESTION.

We copy from the National Inteligencer
ofthe 9th, the following letter of Mr.. Clay,
on the subject of the Annexation of Texas.
1t will be read with great interest and we
doubt not with satisfaction, as expressing
the views of large majority of the people
of this Union. We trust every one will
read it, as it contains a lucid, correct and
fair statement of the whole subject, historic
cally and otherwise.
To the Editors of the National Intelligencer.
RALEIon, April IL, 1914
| GENTLEMEN Subsequent to my depart
ure from Ashland, in December last, | re-
ceived various communications from popu-
lar assemblages and private individuals, re-
questng an expression Of my opinion upon
the question Of the annexation of Texas TO
the United States. ] have forborne TO re-
| ply to them, because i; was not convenient,
during the progress of my journey, TO do
so, and for other reasons. | did not think
it proper, unnecessarily, to introduce at
present new element among the other ex-
citing subjects which agltate and engross
the public mind. The rejection of the
overture of Texas, some years ago, to be-
come annexed to the United States, had met
with general acquiescence. Nothing had
since occurred materially to vary the ques-
ton. | had seen no evidence of desire
being entertained, on the part of any con-
siderable portion OF the American people,
that Texas should become an integral part
of the United States. During my soiourn
in New Orleans, had, indeed, been great
ly surprised, by information which / receiv-
ed from Texas, that, in the course of last
fall, a voluntary overture had proceeded from
the Executive of the United States to the
Authorities Of Texas to conclude treaty
of annexation; and that, in order to over
come the repugnance felt by any them 10
negotiation upon the subject, strong, and
as believed, erroneous representations had
been made TO them of state Of opinion in
the Senate of the United States favorable to
the ratification of such a treaty. Accord
ing to these representations, it had been as
certaned that a number of Senators, vary
ing from thirty-fve to forty-two, were ready
to sanction such treaty. was aware, too
that holders of Texas lands and Texas scrip
and spectators in them, we're actively en-
gagged in promoting the object of annexa.
utve of the United States would venture
upon so grave and momentous proceeding
not only without any general manifestation
of public opinion in favor of it, but in di
rect opposition to strong and decided ex
pressions of public disapprobation. But i
appears that was mistaken. 70 the aston
ishment Of the whole nation, we are nov
informed that treaty of annexation ha'
been actually concluded, and it is TO be sub
united to the Senate for its consideration
The motives for my silence, therefore, NJ
longer remain, and | feel it to be my duty Il
present an expression Of my views and opin
ions upon the question, for what they ma
be worth, to the public consideration.
adopt this method as being more cOnvenien
than several replies to the respective com
munications which have received.
regret that have not the advantage O
view of the treaty ITSELF so as to enabl
me TO adapt an expression of my opinion T.
the actual conditions and stipulations whc
it contains. Not possessing that opportun
: ty, am constrained to treat the question ac
cording to what presume to be the term
= of the treaty. II, without the loss of ma
tional character, without the hazard of fol
" eign war, with the general concurrence q
: the nation, without any danger to the integ
:. rity Of the Union, and without giving an ur
!. reasonable price for Texas, the question c
Of annexation were presented, it would appea
er in quite different light from that in which
d, / apprehend, it is now to be regarded.
i, The United States acquired title to Te'
in as, extending, as believe, TO the Rio dt
Id Norte, by the treaty of Louisiana. The
N. coded and relinquished that title to Spain b
the treaty of 1919. by which the Sabine wa
e. substituted for the Rio del Norte as OF
1t, western boundary. This treaty was neg'
II tiated under the administration Of Mr. MOI
n roe, and with the concurrence of his Cab
w net, of which Messrs. Crawford, Calhoun
on and Writ, being majority, all souther
y, men, composed part. When the treat
he was laid before the House of Represent
n tiyes, being member of that body, | e
he pressed the opinion, which then entertain
'ls ed, and still hold, that Texas was sacrifice
ng to the acquisition of Florida. We wants
he Florida but thot it must, from its posito
ng inevitably fall into our possession that Il
point of few years, sooner or later, was
SIX, no sort of consequence, and that IN glvir
ut FIVE millions of dollars and Texas for it, v
IDS gave more than Just equivalent Bat,
IN we made great sacrifice in the surrend
ed of Texas, we ought to take care not to NAL
ny too great sacrifice in the attempt to re-a
- quire 1t.
ha My opinions of the ineSpediency of t
tor treaty of 1919 did not prevail. The cou
1ut try and Congress were satisfied with it, a
; preparations were made to carry it into
feet the line OF the Sabine was recognz
~, um by us as our boundary, in negotiations DO
the with Spain and Mexico, after Mexico