The New York herald., 1844-09-04
THE GREAT MEETING
or the Democrats at Trenton.

exhibited in the very act of dipping the into
the soup, with one hand, whilst with the other, he
brushes away the flies, (Which have attained
remarkable magnitude and ferocity in his apart
menD with an elegant fan of his own manufacture.
This will be really magnificent engraving.
Another illustration will also be given, convey
ing an accurate idea of the immense assemblage
OF the democracy at Trenton, to take place to-
morrow. Silas Wright and all the great and little
artillery OF the "unterrifed bone and sinew" will
be portrayed, together with an accurate view of
the State House Of New Jersey. This will be
beautiful engraving, and will match the one which
we gave last week illustrative of the great Mass
Convention of the wings at Albany.
Altogether. this Weekly Herald will be the most
graphic, accurate, and comprehensive record Of
the history of the country during the present week,
which could be produced.
Singular Position or the Presidential Ques-
tlon.
The recent epistles, declarations, and avowas of
Mr.. Clay, with respect to the question of the an
nexation of Texas, has given very remarkable
turn 10 the Presidential contest, and created
great deal Of ridicule amongst the democrats fore
bodings amongst the wings, and great noise and
talk everywhere. The Texas question has, cer-
progress of the conflict, and the conduct and tac-
tics of the leaders It demolished Mr. Van Buren,
it created Mr.. Polk-and now it has placed Mr.
Clay in attitude of direct hostility to the course
hitherto pursued by his party and himself. In
April last, Mr.. Clay argued as ably as Mr. Web
ster himself, against the annexation of Texas On
the first of July, the fine warm weather having
probably matured his ideas he had "personally, no
objection to the annexation Of Texas" and before
The month had passed away he had improved so
rapidly that he was able to declare that he should
be really glad to see the annexation Of Texas car
ried into effect. So far as we are concerned. we
are very much graiiiied by this change in the SEN
tments of Mr.. Clay, and we are toerably well as
sured that the great mass Of the people of this
country are pretty much inclined to regard it with
the same feeling of appreciation.
These recent declarations OF Mr. Clay in favor
Of annexation, afford very.remarkablc corrobora-
on of the truth of the opinion SO frequently assert
ed by us, that the desire for the acquisition Of new
territory instructive passion, whose power
fn promptings it would be found impossible TO re-
sst. Every sperson OF ordinary sagacity, who has
surveyed the history of the past, must be aware
that with nations with individuals the desire of
acquiring aceessions of property is constantly
operating ever leading to new fields of CONQUEST
and dominion Thus il was with the early repub.
lies of the ancient wcrld-thus it has been with
the great nations OF Europe, France and England
thus we at this very moment the peace of Eu-
rope seriously threatened in consequence OF the an
tagonism of these two influential powers ofmodern
times in the prosecution of their schemes tor the
extension of their empire What has been the great
cause of all the wars which have desolated the
earth The Unsuitable thirst for greater power and
greater dominion This instructive principle never
can be eradicated from the human mind. This
:" ingrained instinct" exists for the wsest purposes
Led by its dictates, individual enterprise and nd-
vidual effort are excited, and great communities of
men conducted in glory and triumph to the ut
most pitch Of national prosperity and power. Ci-
vilization is thus made 10 extend its boundaries
and spread its lriumphs-the arts made to reclaim
and bless the fields Of barbarism-the dark places
of the earth, which are, in the impressive Ian.
guage OF the Scripture, the abodes OF horrd cruel
ty are converted into realms OF industry and hap
religion, herself, with all her glorious
Influences OF refinement, and elevation, and peace,
and virtue, and blessedaess, is enabled to extend
her sublime agency Of mercy to the uttermost ends
of the earth.
This great instructive principle is then to have
full sway in this country. Texas is to be annexed
That question is settled, so far as the Individual
destined to occupy the chair Of the Executive is
concerned. Mr.. Clay and Mr. Polk both occupy
on this great matter precisely the same ground.
The friends Of Texas throughout the United States
and is not their name legion ?-may now lay
their heads quite composedly on their pillows at
night, for no matter who may be chosen as Presi-
dent, annexation will have his support, and we
really believe hat after all, in case Of Mr. Claws
election, that measure would have the best chan
ces of success, for with the opposition on the side
of annexation, and with the President on the side
of annexation, and all the devoted and dsinterest
ed adherents of the President, the office holders
the side of annexation, the measure would be
certain Of very speedy adoption. And we are very
much disposed to believe that under all circum-
stances, Mr. Clay would be able TO drive the mea-
sure through on the most advantageous terms to
the country. However, we shall be quite satisfied
with either Mr. Polk or Mr.. Clay. We do not care
a straw which goes into the White House next
March-whether Mr.. Clay be whrled Up the ave.
nue. in that magnificent, princely, and splendife.
state carriage which some patriotic and zea
lous whig coach manufacturer with great faith. is
engaged in making Tor his trlumphal entr<e. or
whether Mr.. Polk be trunded up to the Capitol IN
democratic wheebaTow. We are sure Of get
ting annexation from either of them, and that sa-
tisfies u.s.
But In this new and singular position of the
Presidential question, with both the candidates
pledged to carry the annexation Of Texas, wha,
becomes the duty of the friends of that measure
and of the progress Of the republic? II is clear
that they should now concentrate all their efforts
IN securing the return Of members OF Congress Of
the right stamp-right good Texas men Thsview
Of The duty OF the present movement must be clear
ly apparent to ALL Let be attentively considered,
and the appropriate action be taken, and the clone
star" will, before many 'sshs, occupy its proper
nLace amongst the radiant constellation nf the