The Yazoo Democrat. (Yazoo City, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1844-12-17

of Indians, the most warke to he found ID any
Hand, which occupy the extensive regions contig-
uOus to the States of Arkantas and Missouri
aud who are in possession of large tracts OF
country, within the limits Of Texas, be likely to
remain passive. The inclination Of those nu-
merous tribes lead them invariably TO war when
ever pretexts exist.
Mexico has no just ground Of diSpleaanre
against this Government or People for negotia-
| ting the treaty. What interest Of hers was af-
fecied by the treaty? She was despOiled OF
nothing, since Texas was forever lost to her.
The independence Of Texas was recognised by
several Of the leading Powers Of the earth. She
was free to treat-free to adopt her own line Of
policy-free to take the course which she be.
eved was best calculated to secure her happiness
| Her Government and People decided on annex
ason to the United States; and the Executive
saw, in the acquisition OF such a territory, the
means Of advancing their permanent happiness
and glory. What principle Of good faith then
was violated? What rule Of political morals
trampled under foot?
So far as Mexico herself was concerned, the
measure should have been regarded by her as
highly beneficial. Her inability 10 re'conquer
Texas had been exhibited, repeat, by eight
now nine years Of fruitles and ruinous contest.
| In the meantime, Texas has been growing in
population and resources. Emigration has
flowed into her territory, from all parts of the
world, in a current which continues TO increase
in strength. Mexico requires a permanent
boundary between that young Republic and
herself. Texas, at no distant day, if she cOntin-
mes separate and detached from the United
States, will inevitably seek to consolidate her
strength by adding to eTdomain the contiguous
provinces Of Mexico.
The spirit of revolt from the control of the
/ EnOfFaI EnVaFnmant hua nj It'd
itself in some Of those provinces; and il is fair
to infer that they would be in clined to take the
first favorable opportunity to proclaim their in
| dependence, and to form close alliances with
Texas. The war would thus be endless; or, If
cessatioDs of hoStiities should occur, they would
only endure for a season. The interests of Mex
leo, there fore, could in nothing be better con.
suited IMAM IN I" Peasa with her neighbors, which
would result in the establishment AZ n Norma
nent boundary. Upon the ratification or -tne.
treaty, the Executive was prepared to treat with
her on the most liberal basis. Hence the houn-
darieS Of Texas were left underlined by the treaty.
/ The Executive proposed to settle these upon
terms that all the world should have pronounced
just and reasonable. No negotiation upon that
point could have been undertaken between the
United States and Mexico, in advance Of the
ratification Of the treaty. We should have had
no right--nO power no authority, to have con-
taken it, would have been an assumption equally
revolving to the pride OF Mexico and Texas, and
subjecting us to the charge of arrogance; while
| TO have proposed, in advance of annexat ton, to
satisfy Mexico for any contingent interest she
might have in Texas, would have been to have
| treated Texas, not as an independent power,
but as mere depency of MeNIcc.
| This assumption could not have been acted on
by the Executive, without setting at defiance
was an independent State. Mexico had, it IS
true, threatened war against the United States,
in the event the Treaty Of Annexation was rati-
fed. The Executive could not permit itself to
be influenced by this threat. 1t represented ia
this, the spirit Of our People. who are ready to
sacrifice much for peace. but nothing To IntInr-
dation. A war, under any circumstances, 10
greatly to be deplOred, and the United States is
the last naion to desire it hui II, as the condi-
ton Of peace, it be required of us to forego the
unquestionabe right OF treating with an indie
Ipendent power, Of our own Continent, upon
matters highly interesting to both, and that upon
a naked and unSustained pretension Of claim by
athrd power, to control the free will ofthe power
with whom we treat-devOted as we may be to
peace, and anxious to cultivate friendly relations
with the whole world, the Executive does not
hesitate to say that, the people of the United
States would be ready to brave all consequences
sooner than submit to such condition.
But no apprehension OF war was entertained
by the Executive; and must express frankly the
opinion that, had the treaty been ratified BY the
Senate, 1t would have been followed by prompt
settlement, 10 the entire satisfaction of Mexico,
Of every matter in difference between the two
countries. Seeing then that new preparations
for hostile invasion of Texas were about to be
adopted by Mexico, and that these were brought
about because Texash has adopted the suggestions
4 IF la tbn h. hnfA q
it could not passvely have folded its arms and
permitted war, threatened to be accompanied
| by every act, that could mark barbOrous age,
to be waged against her, because she had not
done so.
Other considerations OF a controlling character
influenced the course of the Executive The
treaty which had been negotiated, had failed to
receive the ratification OF the Senate One of
the chief objections which were urged against it,
found to consist in the fact that the question
Of annexation had not been submitted to the |
ordeal of public opinion in the United States. |
However untenable such an objection was es- |
teemed to be in view Of the objectionable /
power OF the Executive TO negotiate the treaty.
aud the great and lasting interests involved in
the question, | feel it to be my duty to submit
tie whole subject to Congress as the best ex
pounderI Of popular sentiment. No definite ac-
ton having been taken on the subject by Congress.
lhe quetuoh FeIeIfedbseli directly to the decision
OF the States and the People.
The great popular election which has inst ter
minated, afforded the best opportunity for aseer-
taningth will OF the States and the People upon
it. Pending that issue, il became the imperative
duty Of the Executive 10 inform Mexico that the
question Of anneXatiun WasStill before the Amer
lean people; and that, until their opinion was
pronounced, any serious invasion OF Texas would
be regarded as an attempt to forestall their iude-
ment, and could not be looked upon with indif-
ference. ! am most happy TO inform you that