Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1844-05-10

soil, climate, and productions, would not adini
of those institutions. In the end, therefore
there would be two slave and three free States
probably added to the Union. II this view o
the soil and geography Of Texas be correct, i
might serve to diminish the zeal, both of those
who oppose and those who are urging annexa'
ton.
Should Texas he annexed to the Union, the
United States will assume and become respon
sibIe for the debt Of Texas, be its amount VIVA
it may. What it is, ! do not know certainly
but the least have seen it stated at is thlr,ecr
millions Of dollars And this responsibility viii
exist, whether there be stipulation in the trea
ty or not expressly assuming the payment Of the
debt Of Texas. For suppose it to be unden
able that, il one nation becomes incorporated il
another, all the debts, and obligations, and in
cumbrances, and wars Of the incorporated ma
ton, become the debts, and obligations, and in
cumbrances, and wars Of the common nation
created by the incorporation.
IL any European nation entertain any ainbi
tious designs upon Texas. such as that Of colo
nzing her, or in any way subjugating her,
should regard it as the imperativ. duty Of the
Government Of the United States TO oppose tc
such designs the most firm and determined re-
sistance, to the extent If necessary, Of appeal
ing to arms. 10 prevent the accomplishment o.
any such designs. The Executive Of the United
States ought to be informed as to the aims and
views of foreign Powers with regard to Texas
and | presume that, If there be any of the ex.
ceptionable character which have indicated
the Executive will disclose to the coordinate
departments of the Government, # not to the
public, the evidence Of them. From what have
seen and heard, believe that Great Britain has
recently formally and solemnly dsavowed any
such aims or purposes--has dec Jared that she is
de'iron only of the independence of Texas, and
that she has no intention to interfere in her 10
nestle institutions. II sho has made such dis
avowal and declaration, presume they are in
the possession of the Executive.
In the future progress of events, il is probable
that there will be a voluntary or fore BILE sepa.
ration If the British North American possessions
from the parent country. | am strongly inclined
to think that it will be best for the happiness of
al parties. in that event, they should he erected
into separate and independent Republic
With the Canadian Republic on one side. that
of Texas on the other, and the United States, the
friend of both, between them, each could ad.
vance lis own happiness by such constitutions,
laws, and measures, as were best adapted to its
peculiar condition. They would be natural al.
lies, ready, by cooperating, to repel any Euro.
pean or foreign attack upon either. Each would
afford secure refuge to the prosecuted and op.
pressed driven into exile by either OF the others.
They would emulate each other in Improvements
in free institutions, and in the science of self.
government. Whilst Texas has adopted our
Constitution as the model OF hers, she has, in
several important particulars, greatly improved
upon it.
Although have felt compelled, from the ma.
tnre of the inquiries addressed to me, to extend
this communication TO much greater length
than could have wished, could not do justice
to the subject, and fairly and fully expose my
own opinions, in shorter space. In conc fusion,
they may be stated IN few words to be, that |
consider the annexation Of Texas, at this time.
without the assent of Mexico, as measure com.
promising the national character, involving us
certainly in war with Mexico, probably with
other foreign Powers, dangerous to the integrity
ofihe Union. inexpedlent in the present financial
condition OF the country, and not called for by
any general expression Of public opinion.
am, respectfully, your obedent servant,
II. CLAY.