The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-09-17
Another Letter from the Old Man or the
Hermitasc-A Settler for the Oppone nts OF
Annexation. Wr#a.

Another Letter from the Old Man or the
HermitaSc-A Settler for the Oppone nts Of
Annexation,
DEAR SrR-I am in possession of your note Of the
9th inst, and although greatly enfeebled by the
excessive warm weather OF this month, shall en-
deavor TO reply TO II.
The more III have reflected on the policy of an.
nexing Texas TO the United States, the more deci-
ded ls my convlctisn, that since the establishment
Of the Federal Constitution, no question has arisen
of 30 great Importance to the welfare and safety OF
that IN this Instance, as In the revolution and our
last war with Great Britain, kind Providence still
interposes help our efforts in the cause OF sell
government, and 10 give us the necessary guaranty
Under the treaty OF 1903, by which Mr. Jefferson
obtained Louisiana from France, the people OF that
country acquired the right to incorporation IN our
Union as ample and complete as that possessed by
the original States and their territories, and all the
corresponding rights OF citizenship and protection.
In the treaty, therefore, Of 1879 by which the peo-
pie OF Louisiana, west Of the Sabine, were depri-
we'd of the guarantees of the treaty OF 1903, seri-
GUS question arises whether this government can
dlsmember It's territory and dsiranchise lis citizens
without their consent, and, In the case Of Texas,
without the consent OF France. But leaving out OF
view this solemn question, and looking only at the
consequences which have followed the treaty of
1879 II il wonderful that the course of events is
such as to enable us to repair the errers Of that
TO other powers, either on this or the continent OF
Europe. HeXw9Nr aH vfrl,
The people of Texas have maintained their sepa-
rate existence, and after years OF battle and TOLL
have achieved their freedom and independence /;
and without stain on their character, without
violating obligations with Mexico or other foreign
powers, with no restraint on their sovereignty
other than that which has been imposed by thoir
God, they again come back to us, and tell us that
although the guarantees Of the treaty Of 1903 have
been Withdrawn from them, they are yet willing to
embrace them And the question is, what shall we
say TO them In reply Has.eaaHf ~8.-.4
But before answering this question, let us see if
Mexico has any right to the territory Of Texas, or
any cause for resisting the extension to the citizens
OF Texas OF the guarantees OF citizenship intend
ed in the treaty OF 1903. When did Mexico ac-
qure any title to the territory Of Texasl Tho title
of France was conveyed to US, and that title was
then recognized by all the civilized world as the
only good one. Did we convey it to Mexico
We did not. We conveyed it to Old Spain, and
she did not convey 1t to Mexico. Hew then, does
Mexico derive her title? She pretends to none
except what results from the confederation which
which compact Texas expressly stipulated that her
. arate sovereignty was retained. The overthrow
OF that confederation or compact by military force
gives Mexico no title to the territory, unless she
show that she has conquered One-and il we
examine the claim on the score of conquest, it is
VIGOROUSLY unjust. That claim was sienced by
the battle OF San Jaciato; after which event the
principal powers Of the world recognized Texas as
an independent state. There is, then, no reason
for the opposition now made by Mexico to the an
nexallon of Texas to the United States-none
founded on any just claim to the territory or the
loyalty of the citizens OF Texas.
We are then brought 10 the unembarrassed ques-
ton is it right for us to possess Texas the rea-
sonable terms proposed by her? Is it step neces-
sary to our safety and prosperity? say il is, and
as you have requested my reasons, will briefly
state them.
That territory is represented by Mr.. Thompson,
and other gentlemen OF character, who have the
means Of Judging correctly, as possessing some of
the finest lands In the world. In soil, climate and
productions IL is said to surpass the Florldas, and
To equal Louisiana and Mississippi. AS portion
OF our coate deiacy, then, will Ii not benefit in
the sane manner shat the States just mentioned
and the other new States have done Have not
these States contributed to the wealth, safety and
prosperity Ut the other portions OF the conederacy?
Have they n0t furnished homes for thousands and
thousands OF happy. and tree people, engaged in
the noble pursuit VI agriculture, and have not the
products oi this agriculture, exchanged in our own
ind toreign markets, gwen heathful employment
10 our manufacturing and navigating interests, and
sure Of our prosperity different from that which
is applicable to all otner nations, II Is impossible to
resist the conclusion, that il will be promoted by
the annexation OF Texas. The conclusion deem
seif-syicent.
But great as are the advantages OF annexation in
the encouragement which will result to our indus
trial Observation-Disclosures in which all sections of
the Union will particlpate-they are not SO impor.
II
polat Of view Offers 1t is in this aspect Of the
question that shudder when | look at the course
OF the newspaper press opposed to annexation, and
read the speeches OF many public men-who, alb
s0rbed In the effort to make President, seem To
care ne,hing for the inrigues Of Great Britain to
defeat our true policy
We have labored many years to free the States
composing our Union of the Indian population
succeeded in the Accomplishment OF this humane
policy. These Indians are now placed on our west
ern irontier, and in a territory favorable to their
gradual civilization and protection, against the in
uuslnn OF Influences hostile TO them and TO US. At
present they not accessible to British influence,
except on the northern boundary line. Is il not ap-
parent, however, that the whole of our policy, in
respect 10 their civilization, will be thwared ifany
power acquires control over Texas The line be-
tween Texas and these Indians extends some thou
sands OF miles, and communicates with Oregon in
the most direct and practicable route to the great
river OF that territory Texas therefore, in hostile
hands, could feed and sustain an army that could
not only act against Oregon, but at the same time
act against Louisiana and Arkansas, and by con.
junction with the Indians, could make inroads on
every western State to the lakes. An army thus
force on the lakes, would put the whole west in a
blaze, and cause us more injury in blood and mo-
pey in six months than years Of peace could atone
for.
The sagacious statesmen Of England understand
much better ,han we do the force OF the military
considerations am here suggesting; and hence,
you will find that no pecuniary obligation will be
deemed by them too great to prevent the annexa,
ton 10 this country. The success Of our free sys
TEN, its capacity to secure order, TO promote the
progress OF the arts and Sciences and to stimulate
the energies of our nature to point far higher
than any yet attained under the forms Of govern.
ment in the old world, is alarming to the advocates
of monarchy. The further progress OF our
principles will be a demonstration which the popu-
lar mind throughout the world cannot mistake, and
opposition to these principles therefore neces
sary part Of European policy; and it would be as
short sighted tor to take Tor granted that dfie-
rent feeling wlicontrol their policy, as it would be-
for one of our navigators to embark on the ocean
without chart or needle, to aid him in weatherng
storms and preventing sbpwreck. So settled do
consider this antagonistic feature of monarchy and
republlcanism, in the present state OF the world,
that could feel safe in inferrng that our course
ought to be In reference to this measure Of such
vital national interest, by finding out what was the
course OF Great Britain Her position here, as it