The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-05-25
CO M M UNICATIO N.
ANNEXATION OF TEXAS.
NO. /.

| The important question raised upon this SUBJ
ject, seems TO be the engrossing one Of the mo-
ment. 1t has originated new issue with respect
to the coming Presidential election and from the
tone which public discussion has assumed, it ia
evident that the fitness or unfitness Of Presden-
| tal candidates will be decided with great num-
| Der of persons according to their opinion as to the
propriety of annexation. u,
This being the case, the subject becomes one
of paramount interest to every citizen, not only
for its great Importance in itsefn national point
of view, but also for the bearing which it is made
to have upon the question the succession to the
Presidency.
The subject appears to divide itself into the fol-
lowing heads :
Can the United States enter into negotiations
for the annexation Of Texas with honor, and with
due regard for eristing treaties with other ma
tons!
Would such an annexation be advantageous to
the United States, if it can be accomplished with
out violating the honor, or the Constitution of the
United States "
Is there one positive or probable necessity for
annexation, growing out Of circumstances at home,
or in Texas, or from the known, or highly prob
able interference Of other nations II,
What are the arguments in favor of annexation!
And first, as to the position with respect to
other nations which the United States will
be placed in, by the completion Of this treaty of
annexation. 1t does no: appear that any nation
excepting Mexico Texas, and the United States,
has anything to do with, or any right to interfere
in the business Now, if Texas and the United
States enter into the treaty, all questions as to
their concurrence in the measure is silenced.--
Mr.. Tyler's assertion, however, (see his letter
| accompanying the treaty9 is not borne out, that
all the population of Texas, but seventy three
persons declared their anxious desire, lin 1850
| to be admitted into association with the Uoted
States; as portion of this country" Messrs.
Van Zandt and Henderson's statement 10. "npon
a full poll, but ninety three votes were given
against the annexation" Mr.. Tyler's assertion 10
la decided non seguitur. No one questions the
| right Of Texas to make the overtnres for annexa-
ton with the United States, OF to ask for assist
| ance from any nation but it may be very proper
ly asked, have the United States right to listen
| to such overture! Mexico has an undoubted
| right to ask this question; no other nation In
terferes, or has right to interfere. Abstract
eddy considered, it may be more than "tine" that
the war between Mexico and Texas should cease.
1t may also be true, that Mexico cannot conquer
Texas. But have the United States right TO in
fere between them any further than as media
| tor? If she enters into treaty with Texas, she
takes sides with her, and virtually declares war
| with Mevico. hsst @
Mr.. Tyler speaks about .,conventons and sti-
pulations" to be made with Mexico to render
her the most ample justice - to be " ready at all
| times to hear and discuss any claims Mexico may
think she has on the United States, and to adjust
any that may be deemed to be so on the most Ii
| beral terms. There is no desire, (he adds) on
the part of the Executive to wound her pride, or
affect injuriously her interest; but at the same
time it cannot compront by any delay in its &C
ton, the essential interests of the United STATES"
Now this appears to be most specious and 500
phistical piece of argument if argument it can
be called What is it but saying to Mexico, we
do not know whether You are willing to party with
| Texas or not; We know that you claim the sover-
eighty of that country, although it claims its in
dependency, and we have acknowledged it, we
know also, that you and Texas are now at war
upon that very point. We are your very good
/ friends; we do not wish to disturb the present
peaceful relations which exist between us but
whether you wish to give up the possession of
Texas or not, or to abandon your right to endea-
vor to retain it, by refusing to acknowledge her
independence, we can wait no longer; the es-
sentla interests Of the United States will be COM
promitted by any delay in it's action" Texas
mus, be annexed to the United States "we do
not wish to wound your pride or to affect injuri-
ously your interests" butw must take that which
! you say belongs to you !: and il you think we
therein do you wrong, "we will do you ample
justice by conventions and stipulations not incon-
sistent with our o,on rights and dignity" But
where, in the meantime, is Mr.. yfer's regard for
the rights and dignity of Mexico? If Texas is
to be previously annexed TO the United States
without the consent of Mexico what are these
conventions and stipulations" but er post tacfo
matters, like compromise offered by a roober
| after he has taken your purse!
Now is not this talk about conventions ana
stipuations." about doing ample justice to Mex
ico," and discussing any claims Mexico may
think she has on the United States" about
wounded pride, and injured interests" as strong
proof that MIR. Tyler feels he is acting unjustly,
and that he is urging policy Of very doubtful
correctness The question appears to admit Of
a very easy solution. II Mexico agrees to the
annexation, no other nation has right to object
to it ; if she do not, the fair deduction of Mr..
Tylers own statement is, that annexation before
that consent is obtained, or even before she has
been consulted upon the question, would pc d's-
honorable to the United States, of doubtful adj
vantage to Texas, and unjust towards Mexico!
Nor is the case affected by the admission OF the
fact, although the evidence is not adduced. that