The Arkansas banner., 1844-07-03
MEss sAfaE rRanI rmE pRFsInrN.r-

,ure from any form of proceeding customanly observed in the negotiation of treaties, for the annexation of that Republic 10 the United States, having been rejected by the Senate, and the subject having excited on the part of the People no ordinary degree ot interest, l feel ii 10 be my duty to communicate, for your consideration the rejected Treaty, together with all the correspondence and documents which have heretofore been submitted to the Senate in ifs Executive sessions. Tie papers communicated not only embrace the series al ready made public by order of the Senate, but others from which the veil of secrecy has not been removed by that body, but which deem 10 be essential to a just appreciation of the entire question. While the Treaty was pend ing before the Senate, did not consider 1t compatible with the just rights oi that body, or consistent with the respect entertained for it, to bring this important subject before you. The power of Congress is, however, fully competent. in some other form oi proceeding, to accomplish every thing that formal rati- fication of the Treaty conld have accomplish ed; and I therefore feel that should but m- perfectly discharge my duty to yourselves CT the country, if failed to lay before you every thing in the possession of the Executive which would enable you to act with full light on the subject, if you should deem It proper to take any action upon t.
 regard the question involved in the pro- eeedings as one of vast magnitude. and as ad- dressing itself to interests of an elevated and enduring character 4 Republic coterminous in territory with our own-of Immense re- sources, which require only to be brought under the influence of our confederate and free system in order to be fully developed promising at no distant day, through the fer tility of its soil, nearly if net entirely to du Plieate the exports of the country, thereby making an addition to the carrying trade to an amount almost incalculable, and giving new impulse of immense importance to the commercial, manufacturing, agricultural and shipping interests of the Union, and at the same time aflording protection to an exposed frontier, and placing the whole country in condition of security and rcpose--a territory settled mostly by emgrants from the United States, who will bring back with them in the act of reciprocation an unconquerable love of freedom and an ardent attachment to OFT free institutions. Such question could not fail to interest most deeply i'll it's success those who under the Constitution have become re- sponsible for the faithful administration Of public affairs. have regarded 1t as not lite tie fortunate that the question involved was no way sectional or local, but addressed itself to the interests of every part of the country, and made its appeal to the glory of the American name.
 It is due 10 the occasion to say that have carefully reconsidered the objections which have been urged 10 immediate action upon tire subject without in any degree having been struck with their force It has been objected that the measure of Annexation should be preceded by the consent of Mexico To preserve the most friendly relations with Mexico; to concede to her not grudgingly. but freely all her rights; to negotiate fairly and frankly with her as 10 the question ol boundary to render her, in word, the full- est and most ample reeompense for any loss she might convince us she had sustained, ful- ly accords with the feelings and views the Executive has always entertained.
 But negotiations in advance of Annexation would not only prove abortye, but might be regarded as offensive to Mexico, and insult ing to Texas. Mexico would not, am per suaded, give ear for moment to an attempt at negotiation in advance, except for the whole territory of Texas While all the world besides regards Texas as an indepeh- dent Power. Mexico chooses 10 look upon her as revolted Province Nor could we negotiate with Mexico for Texas, without ad- hitting that our recognition of her indepen- dence was fraudulent, delusiYe, or void. IL is only after acquiring Texas, that the ques- fIon 0f bnrn1ar., hoft fiaa Ifoiz ted States and Mexico, question purposely left open for negotiation with Mexico, as af- fording the best opportunity for the most friendly and pacific arrangements. The Ex- ecutiye has dealt with Texas as Power in- dependent of all others, both dc faei0 and de jure. She was an independent Stae of the Confederation of Mexican Republics. When, by violent revolution, Mexico declared the Confederation at an end, Texas owed her no longer allegiance, but claimed, and has maintained the right for eight years to a sepae rate and distinct position During that pe- riod no army has invaded her with view to her reconquest, and if she has not vet estab- lished her right to be treated as nation in- dependent de facto and de jare, il would be difficult to say at what period she will attain 10 that condition.
 Nor can we by any fair or any legitimate inference be accused of violating any treaty stpulations with Mexico The treaties with Mexico give no guarantee of any sort, and are co-existent with a similar treaty with Texas So have we treaties with most of the nations of the earth which are equally as much vio- lated by the annexation of Texas to the Uni ted States, as would be our Treaty with Mexi- co. The Treaty is merely commercial, and intended as the instrument for more accurate ly defining the rights and securing the inter- ests of the citizens of each country What bad faith can be implied or charged up on the Government of the United States for successfully negotiating with an independent Power upon any subject not violating the stipulations of such Treaty, confess my ina billty to discern.
 The objections which have been takqn fo