The Arkansas banner., 1844-06-26

Mark thesBill itself! It proposes to annex Texas to the Union; but, as have already said on such conditions as must necessarily prevent its passage. AS 2 preliminary, il provides for opening "negotia- tions with Herico and Texas, for the adjustment of boundaries, &c." Now, we object to any negotia- tions with Mexico, in the premises because she has nothing to do with the matter This point has been very clearly stated, and conclusyely settled by an enlightened cotemporary. He states it thus Mex leo either is, or is not, the sovereign of Texas If she be the sovereign of Texas then all our negotia- tions must be with her exclusively and not with Texas. If she be not the sovereign of Texas, then she has nothing to say do in the natter any more than any other foreign nation." Now we ask, is Mexico the sovereign of Texaso This question has been long answered, not only by our own goyern- ment, butby the principal powers of Europe them England and France. All have recognized the independence, and separate sovereignty of Texas ; and have treated with her in that character It is not competent now, for them to revoke that recor- hilton, or to enter into negotiations with any other nation for the disposal of her territory character, or I Interest even in the smallest particular Such a proceeding would, indeed, be of piece with the dismembernent of Poland Nomatter whether such negat.atie..s would result in the good of Texas, or net, they would be wholly unwarrantable for she alone, as recognized sovereign State has exclusive control of her own affairs. No more can the United States, of right, negotiate with Mexico for the an neXation of Texas, than she can with England for the annexation of Mexico-or of France or Spain. Yet how utterly absurd would such proposition as this appear, and be considered These views apply with equal force against the 9th section of the pro- posed bill, which provides for obtaining the assent of Mexico to annexation. For just as well might it be provided that the assent of England, France or Spain be obtained to annexation Indeed, there is, doubtless, greater necessity, if not propety for obtaining the assent of England, than of Mexico
 fer the assent of the latter depends upon that of the former.
 The next objectionable and impracticable feature in the proposed bill is the 9th section It is there provided that one half of Texas be established as noasareHodiog territory, and tlnt slavery be for ever prohibited within its limits This feature, alone is sufficient to array the Southwestern States against the bill. The principle of selprese,Yatioa, which rouses them all to contend for annexation So strenuously peremptorily lorbds the measure if en-
 
 the erection of noa-stapeAodiag or free negro States oil our southwestern border that we so much desire the annexation of Texas. The erection of such States Territories, in such relation with us, would be tantamount to the abolition of slavery in that country. What would slave property, or the land which is to be cultivated with slave labor, be worth, with free negro territory on our immediate south western border? \ stronger encouragement to in- subordination and running away, and more conve- nient country of refuge for slayes could not be de- yised. Nothing could more certainly forward the designs, more fully meet the ineendiary wishes of the .a5otionists than the execution of this project The Senate dare not pass such bill; for the paople would never tolerate 1t for moment And farther in relation to this proysion we do not hesitate to say that it strikes deadly blow at another strong, all indispensable, indacement for the southwestern people to desire annexation We do desire to length en and strengthen the s0tbvesera aru Of hte Repa6- fc And we desire the annexation of Texas, for that purpose In this we but speak the voice 1.-the people of the southwest. But short time since, the a5oli- tonists, speaking through John Quincy .4daas, de- cIared that ''Le southern o He republic is al- ready to0 long, aad shoald De euf4aaied Sabse- queRtiy, they have spoken through Daniel JFeb ster, and declared that slare dolaers gre aaft membefs of the gseat s7aty q thf7 Uaioa. Are the slave holders of this Unon-the treemcn of thirteen States. prepared to listen tamey and submit silent ly, to such declarations, and such mputations, as these2 The answer to this question is with them l Let them give it. Have not the non-slayeholding States the ascendency, in numbers, in our national all 4t, most illinitable Northwestern Territory with the | prohibition of slavery, by the disgraceful compro- mise of 1920, upon the admission of Missouri? But this does not satisfy them. They now wish to cut us of intirely by destroying our domestic instihl tions at once, restricting or harrassing us in their possession, as to render them both valueiess and dangerous We have tolerated this spirit of ag- gresson and interference long enough We have, for the sake of peace, and harmony and Union, sub mitted too long to insult and injury. We have re- in terms of concilaton until it is amply proven that they are of no avail. It now becomes us to speak in terms which may not be disregarled ! upon this vital subject The proposition of this Bill by Mr. Benton, Is fit occasion upon which to speak out in terms loud and indignant, the sentiments of the southwest. five delay much longer, but little will be left us worth speaking for That this bill will pass the Senate, we do not believe Indeed, we do not believe that Mr. Benton either desires or expects it to pass. We regard it only as another step his part, to defeat annexation rather than see 1t accomplished at a time, and under circum- stances, which wonld rebound to the honor of any one except himself.
 The bin was read second time; and, on motion of Mr. Benton ordered to be printed
 4 SONG
 All words are beautiful, all fender sentiment en- cl.ac..r.o. -,.i,on tin,.in., in tl, -E..,;d llc