Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1844-05-18
From the National Integencer.
MR.. CLAY ON THE TEXAS QUESTION.

NIX. CLAY ON TIE IEAAS QUESTION.
The following letter from Mr.. Clay 10 the
editors, was forwarded from Raleigh on the
day Of its date, but did not reach our hands in
time for publication earlier than to-day.
To the editors Of The National LntelHgeneer.
RALEIGH, April II, 1914.
GENTLEM EN-: Subsequent to my departure
from Ashland in December last, | received va.
rious communications from popular assemble,
ges and private individuals, requesting an ex
preston of my opinion upon the question Of
the annexation Of Texas to the United States.
I have forborne TO reply to them, because it
was not very convenient, during the progress
Of my journey, TO do so, and for other reasons.
did not think it proper, unnecessarily, to in
,roduce at present new element among the
other exciting subjects which agitate and en-
gross The public mind. The rejection of the
overture Of Texas, some years ago, to become
annexed 10 the United States, had met with
general acquiescence. Nothing had since &C.
CURED materially to vary the question. had
seen no evidence Of desire being entertained,
on the part Of any considerable portion Of the
American people, that Texas should become an
integral part OF the United States During
Amy sojourn in New Orleans, had, indeed been
greatly surprised, by information which | re-
,ceived from Texas, that, in the course of last
fall, voluntary overture mad proceeded from
the Executive Of the United States TO the Au>
lhorites Of Texas TO conclude treaty of an
nexatun; and that, in order TO overcome the
repugnance felt by any Of them to a negotia.
zion upon the subject, strong, and, as believed,
erroneous representations had been made to
them Of a state Of opinion in the Senate of the
United States favorable to the ratification Of
such treaty. According to these represen.
tagi Z had Cd
of senators, varying from thirty-fve to forty
two, were ready to sanction such treaty.
1 was aware, too, that holders Of Texas lands
and Texas scrip, and spectators in them,
we're actively engaged in promoting the object
of annexation. Still, did not believe that
any executive of the United States would ven.
ture upon so grave and momentous proceed
ing, not only without any general manifesto
ston OF public opinion in favor Of it, but in di>
rect opposition to strong and decided expires,
sions Of public disapprobation. But it appears
that was mistaken. To the establishment of
the whole nation, we are now informed that
treaty Of annexation mas been actually conclu
ded, and is TO be submitted 10 the senate for its
consideration. The motives for nv silence.
therefore, no longer remain, and feel il 10 be
my duty to present an exposition of my views
and opinions upon the question, for what they
may be worth, TO the public consideration =
adopt this method as being more convenient,
than several replies to the respective commu.
nicatIons which have received
regret that have not the advantage Of a
view Of the treaty itself, so as 10 enable me TO
adapt an expression OF my opinion TO the ac-
tual conditions and slipulations which it con-
tains. Not possessing that opportunity, am
constrained 10 treat the question according to
what presume 10 be the terms of the treaty.
II, without the loss Of national character, with
out the hazard Of foreign war, with the gen.
eral concurrence of the nation, without any
danger 10 the integrity Of the Union, and with
out giving an unreasonable price for Texas,
the question OF annexation were presented, il
would appear in quite different light from
that in which, Iapprehend, it is now 10 be re.
garded.
The United States acquired title to Texas.
extending as believe, 10 the Rio del Norte, by
the treaty of LOUISIANA. They ceded and re-
linquished that title 10 Spain by the treaty. of
1879, ny which the Sabine was substituted for
the Rio del Norte as our western boundary
This treaty was negotiated under the admins.
tretion OF Mr.. Monroe, and with the concur,
renee of his cabinet, of which Messrs. Craw.
ford, Calhoun and Writ, being majority, all
southern gentlemen, composed part. When
the treaty was laid before the honse of repre-,
seniatiyes, being a member Of that body, ex.
pressed the opinion, which then entertained,
and still hold, that Texas was sacrificed TO the
acquisition Of Florida. We wanted Florida:
but Thought it must from It's position, nev-
taby fall into our possession; that the point of
a few years, sooner or later, was of no SORT
of consequence, and that in giving FIVE mill
lions Of dollars and Texas for il, we gave more
than jus, equivalent. But if we made
great sacrifice in the surrender Of Texas, We