Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-03-28
THE UNITED STATES AND TEXAS.

treaty lot he annexation ot Texas TO the
United States, were substantially correct. We
make the following extracts from the Intelli-
gencer's article:
sit is proper that we should state 10 our
readers what knowledge we have recently ac-
CURED ON this subject, from sources to be re-
lied upon, aud endeavor to open their eyes to
the dark cloud which overhangs the public
peace aud the national welfare, il not the ex-
istence of The Union.
II is now some months ago-probablv not
long altss tac retirement of Mr.. WEBSTER
from the Department Of State-that an over
'ure was made, by This Government, through
the Secretary OF State, inuit;ng from the Exc
cu'ive of Texas Gen. IIoUsToN) a PROPOSE
ton FOR the annexation Of Texas to the United
Staies.-lhis overture was, at first, il we under
stand rightly, rather coolly received by the
Chiei OF the young Republic. But, since the
meeting of Congress, the Government of Tex
as having been again approached-we will
not say imPoruned, though circumstances al
most Justify the use of that phrase-by the
Executive the United States, Gen. HoUsroN
did at length consent to negotiate on the sub
Jcct The terms of an arrangement between
the high contracting parties are already ar
be reduced forthwith 10 the form of a Treaty.
through the agency of Special Minister from
Texas, Mr. HENDERSON, who is already on
his way To this city for the purpose, if, before
this paper goes TO press, he have not already
arrived,
So far as The President of the United States
and the President of Texas are concerned. the
Treaty is all but made.
This inflammation b,c ,,o oo,.cA..
minds with humiliation and apprehension.
Humiliation at the unauthorized and almost
clandestine manner in which, after having
heretofore solemuly rejected, FIR uranswera-
ole reasons, proposition for annexation,
when sought by the Government of Texas.
our own Government has gone a-wooing to
that OF Texas and solicited lis favors: and
apprehension of the consequences of the con-
summation of the Treaty, which the President
AT least has been made To believe will be
promptly ratified by ii constitutional majority
oi tie Senate Of the United States.
The sudden occurrence of this question. we
have already minated, is one of those occa-
si"ns oil engrossing interest, which, like that
OF foreign INVASION. or rebellion at home
PcstIleLce, or an earthquake-ought to sus-
pend Tor time all mere party differences and
contentious. 1t is question of peace or war,
oil MISREPRESENTATION, of national existence, IN
comparison with which the ordinary topics
oi party controversy dNindle into absolute in
Significance
"hIle speaking thus, we know and feel
'hai we are expressing sentiments not in ac-
cord with those of some of our political
friends. We sincerely regret it, on our &C
count and on theirs. But when, in our ooin.
ion, ii great danger impends, we must not be
deferred by such considerations from sound
ing tie alarm, and calling upon public opn-
ION tn make Itself heard u. the Capital in tones
winch can neither be misunderstood nor dis
regarded.
The annexation of Texas to this Union. I'M
der present circumstances, is opposed, IN orr
Judgment, by host of considerations, of
Which 1t will not be possible for us to-day
more than to enumerate the chief.
Our first objection TO the annexation of
Texas Is, that II cannot be accomplished with
out involving the country in war; too great
price to pay for any territorial ACQUISITION
whatever, which the National honor does moi
demand.
Our second objection is, that. far from de-
handing this acquisition, the National honor
iorbids it. So long as war continues between
Mexico and Texas. and solemn Treaty of
feace and Amity exists between us and Mex
co, we cannot, without violating the sacred
faith Of treaties, undertake to possess our
selves Of the Territory, to which Mexico still
maintains her right We have, it is true. ac-
knowledged the independence of Texas, as
we had n right 10 do, for certain international
purposes but that recognition did not extir,-
guISh or in any manner affect the rights of
Mexico upon Texas. The obligations of our
Treaty with Mexico remain untouched and
Mexico would have the same right to possess
hersel! Qf she could) Of any State of this I'm
ION as the Government OF the United States
has to Pu7soeo heoif OF Texas
Our third great objection (Which would DO
conclusive without the preceding) is, that the
Territory OF the United States is already large
enough. 1t is infinitely more importan, that
we should people and improve what we
have than grasp after more, especially when
It's acquisition would be inevitably attended
with dlscord and dissatisfaction. 1t is far more
important TO the happiness Of the people of
the United States that they should enjoy in
peace, conteniment, and harmony, what they
dready have, than that they should place all
those blessings at hazard by this new expert
ment.
Our fourth objection is, that, if the "annex-
anon oil Texas were in other respects desra-
able, one entire third of this Union at least
iorblds the bans, doubts the constitutional
right 10 establish the connexiori, and declares
It's determination 20 resist IL. The proposition
10 annex or incorporate Foreign Nation in
tEIs Union, moreover, is entirely new, aud the
authority TO do it is solemnly questioned.
Ibis Objection would have much less force
had we, IN this case, instead OF recognizing the
independence Of Texas, negotiated with Mexi-
co, win or without the consent of the People
OF Texas, Tor The acquisition Of that territory.