Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1844-05-16

" ''"' "'N tilui UuSHlJ linUueH Win
democratic princ;ples-who achieved by
their own saIIantry that independence
which we were the first to acknowledge
who have established and Subsequent
" maintained institutions similar to our
own;-that such u people and such a
government will ever be found capable
of sending minister to the crowned
heads Of Europe, to barter away their
Young end enterprsing republic, and all
that they have purchased with thei,
blood, to the highest bidder, is what
cannot believe; in the possibility ct so
apostate and unnatural connexon' ]
can have no faith.
Mr.. Van Buren, shows, in the follow
ing paragraph, that he goes for annexa-
ton, be the consequences what they
may:
Mexico may carry her persistence in
refusing to acknowledge the indepen-
dence Of Texas, and in destructive but
trultless efforts to reconquer that State,
SO far as TO produce. in connexion with
other circumstances decided convic-
ton en- the part ot majority of the peo-
pie OF the United States, that the perma-
nent welfare, if not absolute safety of all
makes its necessary that the proposed
annexation should be effected, be the
consequences what they may.
Again, he SAYS: on the same point:
The question may be asked. what,
under such circumstances, would be the
use you would make of the executive
power, if intrusted to your hands,
Would it be welded to defeat, or tc car
ny into effect the ascertalned wishes of
our people? My reply to such a su2po-
sitlon is, that | can conceive of no pub
lie questions, in respect to which it is
more emnenty proper that the opinions
and wishes of the people Of the different
States should be consulted, and, being
ascertained, treated with greater respect
than those which relate either to the ad-
mission OF new member into the cor
federacy, or the acquisition of additional
territory, with view to such result;
and that, if any application for annexa-
ton, under such circumstances, were
made to me, would feel it to be my du-
ty to submit the same to Congress for a
public expression of their opinion, as
we'll upon the propriely Of annexation, as
in regard to the terms upon which it
should take place. If, after the whole
subject had been brought before the coun-
try, and fully discussed, as it now will
be, the Senate and House of Represent
tallves. large portion of the former,
and the whole Of the latter having been
chosen by the people, after the question
Of annexation had been brought before
the country for its mature consideration,
should express an opinion in favor OF an
nexation, l would hold to be my tarthur
duty 10 employ lie erecutiUe pomer to car
~ INTO full and fair effect he svishes Of a
mojorify Of the people Of the enis'ing
States, THIS constltutionally and solemnly
oppressed.
On the point of British or European
domination in Texas, aud the jealous Vi
GLANCE with which any such attempt
shoa!d.be watched, and the unanimity
with which it should be repealed, by war
if necessary, he thus nobly speaks:
Commercial favors Texas has, TO the
same extent as other independent pow
ers, the right to dispose of as she thinks
proper; subject only to the penalties
which are certain, sooner or later, to fol
low in the wake Of national injustice. -
But European colonization OF Texas is
another and very different matter-a
matter in respect to the ultimate conse-
quences of which no European nation
can possibly deceive either herself or US.
[ have no access to the. sources Of true
information in respect 10 the degree oil
credit which, may be due to these ru.
mors; but our government ought, with.
out doubt, to exercise most jealous vi.
GLANCE against the extension of British
influence, and indeed foreign influence
of dominion of any kind, or from any
quarter. either in Texas, or in any of the
portions of the continent Bordering or
the Calf Of Mexico. IF the time ever
comes when the question resolves itsel
into whe Their Texas shall become Brit
ish dependency or colony, OF constitu
tional portion of this Union, the great
principle of self-defence, applicable as
well to nations as to individuals. would
without doubt, produce as great unan
unity amongst us in favor OF the latter al
Tentative, as can ever be expected on
any great question Of foreign or domes-
tic policy.
Again, he says:
The present condition of the relations
between Mexico and Texas may soon be
so far changed as to weaken, aud per-
haps to obviate entirely, the objections
against the immediate annexation of the
latter to the United States, which have
here set forth, and to place the question:
on different grounds. Should such a
state ofthings arise, and | be found in
charge Of the responsible duties Of Plesl-
dent, YOU may be assured that | would