The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-12-07

and any other that might grow out Of the treaty Ii
constituted part OF Its object 10 invite ON
as TO its right TO make the treaty. To suppose so,
would be 10 that II had made il without duly
examining aud establishing, to its entire satisfaction,
lis right 10 do 80 supposton which would neither
compor with the fact, nor with what is due TO its
honor and dignity. Such being the case, i, cannot,
consistently with either, permit itself be drawn in
to controversy with the government of Mexico to
its right TO make the treaty and you will inform it,
accordingly that you have been instructed pass
noticed the inconclusive arguments by which il has
attempted 10 convert our right 10 enter into II. We
hold Texas TO be independent de tue we'll de fac
10; as competent, in every respect. to enter into a
treaty OF cession, or any other Mexico herself,
any other Independent power and that, in entering
into the treaty OF annexation with her. violated
prior engage ment or stipulation with Mexico. We
would, indeed, have been glad, in doing 30, 10 have
acted with the concurrence Of Mexico, if circum-
stances had permitted-not because We believed that
she had any rghtiul claim OF sovereignty over Tex
as, or that the latter not competent, of itself to
transfer the full ami complete right and title to its
territory but because In our desire to preserve the
most friendly relations with Mexico, were dspos-
ed to treat her with respect, however inbound
ed we believed her claim TO Texas TO be. IL was in
conformity with that desire that the instructions
given to make the communication to the government
Of Mexico, announcing the signature of the treaty,
and our readiness to adjust all questions which might
gro" out petWetu Two Oh Tue inUot
liberal terms
You will also state that you are instructed to pass
over unnoticed the menaces and offensive language
which the government of Mexico has thought proper
to use. 1t makes great mistake in supposing that
the United States be deferred, by menaces from
adopting which, after mature deiberation,
they have determined they have right to do, and
which they believe to be essential to their safety
and prosperity. They DESTROYS of peace with
Mexico and all other nations but they always stand
prepared to defend themselves if need be, against
any attack to which they may be subjected in pursu
ing line of policy deemed by themselves just and
expedient. Nor can they be provoked to retort the
offensive language used. The government of the
United States is TOO mindful of what is due to its
own self-respect and dignity, to be driven, by any
provocation, however unwarranted great, from
that decorum of language which ought to be OBJ
served in the official correspondence of independent
States. In their estimation good cause needs no
such support, and bad one cannot be strengthened
by it.
From the failure of the Senate to approve the trea
ty of annexation with Texas it is not deemed advi-
sable to instruct you to make any overture or propo
sitions to the government Of Mexico in relation to
that subject but should any disposition be mani
tested on its part to open negotiations any pro-
positions be made in reference 10 IT. you will receive
and Immediately transmit them to this department.
am, sir, your obedent servant,
&c. CALHOUN.
To WILSON SHANNON, esq, sc.