Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1844-06-14
NUMBER 24.

was instructed by me, with the Presidents author
ny, to propose re-purchase Of Texas; but lie
torebore even to make an overture for that pur-
pose Upon his return to the United States, he
informed me, at New Orleans, that his reason for
not making it was, that he knew the purchase was
wholly impracticable, and he was persuaded that
if he made the overture, it would have no other
effect than to aggravate irrtatons already exist
ing, upon matters Of difference between the two
countries.
The events which have since transpired in Tex
as are well known. She revolted against the
government of Mexico, few to arms, and finally
fought and won the memorable battle of San jan
otto, annlhllatng Mexican army, and making
captive of the Mexican president. The signal
success of that revolution was greatly aided if not
wholly achieved, by citizens of the United States
who had emigrated to Texas. These succors, if
they could not always be prevented by the govern
ment Of the United States, were furnished in a
manner and to all extent which brought upon US
some national reproach in the eyes of an impartial
world. And in my opinion, they impose on US
the obligation of scrupulously avoiding the impu-
tation of having instigated and aided the revolu-
ton with the ultimate view of territorial agran-
dizement. After the battle of San Jancito, the
United States recognized the independence of Tex
as, in conformity with the principle and practice
which have always prevailed in their councils, of
recognizing the government " de facto." without
regarding the question ejure. That recognition
did not affect or impair the rights of Mexico, or
change the relations which existed between her
and Texas She, on the contrary has preserved
her ghts, and has continued to assert, and so far
as know, yet asserts, her right to reduce Texas
to obedience, as part of the Republic of Mexico.
+ According to late intelligence, it is probable that
4 she has agreed upon temporary suspension of
hostilitics; but if that has been done presume it
is with the purpose, upon the termination of the
armlstice, of renewing the war and enforcing the
rights, as she considers them
Inns narrative shows the present actual condi-
ton Of Texas, so far as have information about
! it. fit be correct, Mexico has not abandoned,
but perseVeres in the assertion of her rights by
tual force OF arms which, if suspended, intend
ed to be renewed. Under these circumstances it
the government of the United States were to ac-
z quire Texas, it would acquire, along with it the
D membranes which Texas is under, and among
t them the actual or suspended war between Texas
v and Mexico. Of That consequence there cahnos
y be doubt. Annexation and war with Mexico
D are identical. Now, for one, certainly am not
i willing to involve this country in foreign war for
$ the object of acquiring Texas. | know there are
# those who regard such war with indifference,
: and as trihing affair." account Of the weakness
e OF Mexico, and her inability to infct serious iuju-
y ry upon this country. But do not look upon it
If thus lightly. regard all wars great caamities,
to be avoided, if possible, and honorable peace az
the wisest and truest policy of this country What
d the United States most need are union, peace and
e patience. Nor do think that the weakness of q
I. Power should form motive, in my case, tor in
ducing us to engage in to deprecate the evils of
= war. Honor and good faith and justice are equal
!. Iy due from this country toward the weak as to-
e ward the strong. And if an act of injustice were
d to be perpetrated toward any power, it would bo
" more compatible with the dignity Of the nation,
Of and in my Judgment less dishonorabe, to inflict
ID it upon powerful instead of weak foreign ma
J. ton. But are we perfectly sure that we should
1T be free from injury in state of WARMTH Mexico?
a Have we any security that countless numbers of
l. foreign vessels, under the authority aud flag of
l. Mexico, would not prey upon our defenceess
e, commerce in the Mexican Gulf on the Pacific
10 Ocean, and on every other sea and ocean?
rs What commerce on the other hand, does Mexi-
to offer, an indemnity for her losses to the gal
rs antry and enterprise Of our countrymen? This
re view of the subject supposes that war would be
d. confined to the United States and Mexico the
W only begerents. But we have no certain guaran-
IN ty that Mexico would obtain no allies among the
rs great European powers! Suppose any such pow
s. ers, jealous of our increasing greatness, and dis
he posed to check growth and cripple US, tC
he take part in behalf of Mexico in the war, how
n would the different begerents present themselves
II, to Chrstendon aud the enlightened world? We
h. have been seriously charged with an inordinate
nd spirit of territorial aggrandZment; and without
he admitting the business Of the charge, it must BIZ
Id owned that have made vast acquisitions of ter
Oh rlory Wlnin the last forty years. suppose Urea
Britain and France, or one of them, were to take
X part with Mexico, and, by manifesto, were tc
he proclaim that their objects were to assist a veal
h. and helpless ay to check the spirit of eucroach
BY ment and ambition of an already overgrown repub
lei lie, seeking still further acquisitions Of territory,
as maintain the independence of Texas, disconnecte,
m with the United States, and to prevent the futnr
of propagation of slavery from the United States
,e- what would be the effect of such allegations upo
ed the judgment of an impartial and enlightened
he world?
lat Assuming that the annexation Of Texas is wa
sr- with Mexico, is it competent to the reaty-makin
to power to plunge this country into war, not OnI
la; without the concurrence Of but without deignn
ply to consult Congress, to which by the Constitution
wv belongs exclusively the power of declaring war?
Sc have hitherto considered the question upon tn
lrs supposition that the annexation is attempted witt
w. out the assent of Mexico. If she yield her consent
he that would materially affect the foreign aspect o
TO the question, if it did not all foreign diff
lc- fcullies. On tie assumption of that assent, tn
question would be confined to the domestic consd
oil eratons which belong to it, embracing the term
ess and conditions upon which annexation proposed
de do not think that Texas ought to be admitted int
,as the Union, an integral part it, in decided or
ms position to the wishes of considerable and res
me pectabe portion of the Coniederacy think it ia
res more wise and important to compose and harmon
err ize the present C0nfederacy, it exists, tina
- 4