Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1844-04-26
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G 49,
FRIDAY MORNING, APRIL 1914
THE TEXAS TREASON.

The Tyler organ in Philadelphia, edited
by gambler in Politics who, if citizen of
the United States at all, has very recently
become one, roundly declares that none bit
a traitor TO this Country can oppose the
Annexation of Texas! He will find the
number ofhis traitors somewhat overbalanc-
ing that of the Annexationiss.
We have already said that we bear no i'll
will to Texas, and that, were she at peace
with Mexico, her independence acknowledge
ed by tina, power, and the Slavery question
satisfactorily adjusted, we should have no
strenuous objection even TO her Annexation,
except that it seems a clear violation of our
Federal Constitution. Assuredly,' if there
be any practical limitations to the power of
our Federal Government this forming a uni
on with Territories lying entirely without our
geographical boundaries must be an unwar-
ranled act. 1t is matter of undeniable re-
cord that Mr.. Jefferson, though arden,lv de-
string it, regarding the acquisition of Louis
lana as unconstitutional, albeit that Terrific
ry was essential to the secure and comforta-
BILE existence of three fourths of our own
Country, commanding the only outlet for its
produce, the only inlet for Foreign products.
, Now Texas may be convenient TO us, its
possession may be advantageous, though it
t certainly is not essential but where is the
! power TO acquire it in the manner proposed!
1t seems to us that only an organic Conven-
ton, or a Constitutional Amendment, can
give that power.
Then consider the circumstances We
# claimed Texs. Upon full discussion, we
e abandoned onr claim and accepted the boun-
:, Diary of the Sabine. That line was settled
: by solemn Treaty. in which we obtained ma
y ny valuable concessions-that of Florida for
e one. Mr. Adams, who negotiated the Trea-
;. ty, insisted on the boundary of the Rio Del
u Norte, but was overruled by the unanimous
G opinion of Southern President and the
s Southern Members of his Cabinet. And
: now the Anncxationists come forward and
e say, D." Texas was ours by right we had nc
power to surrender her; she is therefore ours
still, and we will reclaim her!" This is the
=. staple of Mr.. Senator Walkers argument or
III the question of power. If this be sound rca-
II soning, what farces are all treaties What
lie bubble is public faith! Great Britain may
ID tomorrow put in claim for our whole coun-
a., ,e try on the plea that il once was clearly hers
H. and that her Government, had no right to give
no it up! What universal confusion, dslrust
ne collision aud war must grow out Of such dc.
Sc moralzalion Good Faith! the Nation
IN which violates that is poor indeed, though il
~ thereby wins empires.
NJ But consider in what condition this Texa:
&c is, by her own admission and acts. It's bu
ill "A little while since her Government negota
nd nd ted an armislice with Mexico, in which ar
of mislice she is treated as and styles hersel
nd Department of that country, and proceed
d" throughout on that footing. We all know
to that Mexico had original claims on her a
N. least as valid as ours on Oregon. Now sup
-, pose the British trappers and traders in Ore
it gon were to be greatly augmented so as t,
tai outnumber our own settlers there, and wer
'lr to overpower them, declare their ndepen
dence, successfully resist any force we misl,
~ ~ send against them and then ask to be annex
nd ed to Great Britain. Would we admi. tn
- right of Great Britain 10 complyl If sh
Die should, would we not regard her course IA
ill., perlidious and rapacous! Would we b.
u, likely to submit to it Make the case GU
he own, and all would see that the course nov
es urged upon us is in palpable violation OF hon
~" esly and good faith.
on And yet, we perceive that this project @
hi Annexation is to be pushed to the utmost, b.
!. all the force OF Tylerism, by every appea
"a. 10 Southern pride, Southern (mislaken) IN
ks "a teresl, and Southern feeling Not merel
nd by Treaty, which is safe enough to fail, bu
." il is new clear that desperate attempt to b
',e,ii made to force Texas upon US by JON,
Resolution Of Congress, which a bare ma
70 jority in each House will suffice to pas.
And every hair-spliuing Abs,raciionist /
y ", the land, who is shocked at the idea of pro
Of tecling our own Labor from runous CONNIE
,i- titon or clearing the distractions out of GU
IL noble Rivers, as unauthorized by the Fedora
zen Constitution. will eagerly supper, this sub
%. version of all barriers against the exercise
vas absolute power Not alone with Mexico
fill bu, with England and other nations, we ar
ia morally certain TO embrOil ourselves b,
he