The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1844-05-16

world?
Assuming that the annexation of Texas
is war with Mexico, is it competentto the
treaty making power to pungethis coun-
try into war, not only without the concur
renee of, but without dcigning to consult
Congress, to which, by the Constitution,
belongs exclusively the power of daclar-
ing war.
have hitherto considered the question
upon the superstition that the annexation
is attempted without the assent of Mexico.
II she yields her consent, that would
materially affect the foreign aspect of the
question, if it did not remove all foreign
difficulties. On the assumption of that
assent, the question would be confined TO
The domestic considerations which belong
10 it, embracing the terms and conditions
upon which annexation is proposed.
do not think that Texas oughtto be re-
ceived into The Union, as an integral part
of it, in decided opposition 10 the wishes
OF considerable and respectable portion
of the Confederacy. l think it far more
wise and important 10 compose and har
monise the present Confederacy, as it now
exists, than 10 introduce new element OF
discord and distraction into it. In my
humble opinion, it should be the constant
and earnest endeavor of American states
men to eradicate prejudices, to cultivate
and foster concord, and to produce 2ener-
al contentment among all parts ofour Con-
federocv. And true wisdom, it seems to
me, points to the duty of rendering its
present members happy, prosperous, and
satisfied with each other, rather than 10
attempt 10 introduce alien members, a.
eainst the common consent and with the
certainty of deep dissatisfaction. Mr.
Jefferson expressed the opinion, and others
believed. that it never was in the contem
pation of the trainers ofthe Constitution
to add foreign territory to the Confederacy
out of which new States were to be olmed,
The acquisitions Of Louisiana and Florida
may be defended upon the peculiar ground
of the relation in which they God TO the
States ofthe Union. After they were adj
mitted, we might we'll pause awhile, peo-
pie our vast wastes, develop our resources
prepare the means Of defending what we
possess, and augment our strength, power,
and greatness. If hereafter further terri.
tory should be wanted for an increased po-
plIaton, we need entertain no apprehen.
sons but that it will be acquired by means
it is to be hoped, fair, honorable, and
constitutional.
1t is useless 10 disguise that there are
those who espouse and those who oppose
the annexation of Texas upon the ground
of the influence which it wonId exert, in
the ba ance of political power, between
two great sections Of the Union. | con-
ceIve that no motive for the acquisition OF
foreign terrilorywo'ld be more unfortunate,
or pregnant with more fatal consequences
than that of obtaining it for the purpose
of strengthening one part against another
part of the common Contederacy Such
principle put into practical operation
would menace the existence, if it did not
certainly sow the seeds of dissolution of
the Union. Il would be to proclaim to
the world an Unsuitable and unquenchabIe
thirst for foreign conquest or acquisition
Of territory. For if to.day Texas be &C
qnired to strengthen one part of the Con.
tederacy Tomorrow Canada may be re-
qnired to add strength 70 another. And
after that might have been Obtained sill
other and further acquisitions would be-
come necessary to equaIize and adjust the
balance of political power. Finally. in
progress OF this spirit of universal domn
ion, the part of the Confederncy which is
now weakest, would find itselfsiil weaker
from the impossjbility of,securng new the.
aires for those peculiar institutions which it
is charged with being DESTROYS to eX end
But would Texas, ultimately, really add
strength to that which is now considered
the weakest part of the Confederacy p
If my information be correct, it would
not. According 10 that, the territory oil
Texas is susceptible Of division into five
States Of convenient, size and form. o.
these, two only would be adapted TO those
peculiar Institutions 10 which have re.
ferred land the other three, lying West and
North of San Antonio, being only adapted
to farming and grazing purposes, from he
nature Of their soil, climate and produc-
lions, would not admit of those institutions.
In the end, therefore there would be two
slave and three free States probably added
TO the Union. If this view OF the soil and
geography of Texas be correct, it might
serve 10 diminish the zeal of those who
are urging Annexation.
Should Texas be annexed to the Union,
the United States will assume and become
responsible for the debt of Texas be its
amount what it may. What 1t is, Go
not know certainly: bu: the least | have
seen ii stated at is thirteen millions ofdol-
lars. And this responsibility will exist,
whether there be a stipulation the Treaty
or not express y assuming the payment Of
the debt of Texas. For suppose it to be
u1deniabe that, if one nation becomes