Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1844-12-31
THE ENQUIRER.
Richmond, December 81.
TIE Great Question Of tic Dan.

TIE Great Question ofMc DaH
We can give TO our readers nothing more in
leresing than the following extracts from the Edi-
toras and correspondence Of the ST. Louis Re-
porter OF the 18th inst It will be seen, that the
Senate of Missouri, The proud leader Of Demo-
crazy in the West, has spoken out her sentiments
in behalf Of the annexation of Texas. We have
every confidence that the lower house will re-
cchO the voice of the Senate. We wish 10 see the
Republican party every where cordial and united
in the support OF measure, which was made the
leading issue in the canvass, and which, the
Wings themselves admit, was sanctioned by the
popular will, clearly expressed al The polls The
cry is onward" Ii is loo late, now, 10 frame ex-
cuses for delay. The people have spoken-let
their warning notes be obeyed. If the Democrats
be true 10 themselves and to the country, and
move forward in an unbroken column 10 the
achievement of this national measure, it will give
a moral force 10 the subject, which must tell upon
some Of The Wing Senators now representing De-
mocralic States. The voice of Virginia should
at once be conveyed 10 her Senators in Congress
and we hope that The matter will not be much
longer delayed. 1t is not her usual policy TO be
laggard, when great principles ale at stake. She
cares nothing for men; but when vital principles
are at hazard she has always stepped forth to
mingle in the generous work OF contributing 10
the national glory and interest. She cannot now,
hesitate 10 do her duty and bold will be that SER
want who tallers in carrying out herlTumpct-ioned
commands.
P. S. Since writing the above, we have seen a
later ST. Louis paper, which states, that in the
House, the Senale's iRstrucling Resolutions had
been supported by all the Democratic Speakers,
but that no final action had yet been taken on
them.
From The 81. Louis Rtpori7.
SsTRUcTIoNs.-Conlrary TO our expectations,
the Senate has passed resolutions instructing Col.
Benton 10 vote for immediate annexation The
resolutions properly declare that annexation is
great national measure that the acquisition Of
Texas is necessary 10 the interest and safely Of
both countries and the people OF Missouri demand
tha, |, sha be effected al The earlIcsi practicable
period. They declare that Texas is free and in
dependent, and has an indspntable right 10 trans
fer and the Government of The United States 10
accept her territory, without the consent Of any
other power They approve the course pursued
in the formation Of the treaty, in leaving The line
between The territory Of Texas and Mexico open
10 future negotiation and adjustment between the
United States and Mexico; and they declare
that Texas should be annexed as Territory,
without being divided into slave-holjng and nom
slavehodng States, leaving that question to be
settled BY the people who now, or may hereafter
Thus, SO lar as The action of the Senate goes,
our Senators are instructed ovote for annexation
on The conditions embraced in the rejected treaty;
and we now think it probable the House will
pass the instructions.
| Five Democratic Senators, il will be observed
! voted against the sixth resolution, because il
| seems 10 admit that compromise OF some sort
may become necessary. They regarded the in
strnclons stronger without the sixth resolution
than they would be with it-and they moreover
feared that movements would be made under il
10 evade a compliance with the well known will
Of the people of Missouri on the subject. On
this point Messrs. Anderson, Boggs, Delchemen-
dy, Ellis and Rawlins, were right, as no compro-
mise can be attempted without hazarding the loss
Of Texas forever. Texas has proposed no new
terms-consented 10 none-and, as the President
has again presented the question TO Congress on
the original bases, the only rational conclusion is
that we had. in the treaty, the uhin,ntnm OF Texas
In such posture Of affairs no real friend of an
neXalion will seek compromise or attempt 10
effect one.
But, the first five resolutions are sufficiently ex-
plicit to be understood by our Senators.
These remarks are made on the hypothesis
thai no Senator or Representative from Nilsson
ri would dream OF acting in contravenlon OF the
well ascertained and clearly expressed will of the
Democracy of The Sae-cspecially, when that
will accords with the feelings and views OF the
party throughout the Union.
Correspondence Of lie ST. Louis RcpmtcrD
JEFFERSON Cry, Missouri,
December ~, 1874
caucus of the Democratic members was
held last night, and il was agreed 10 present for
adoption by the Legis ature, the following resolu.
tons on the Texas question:
"Resoired, By the General Assembly of the
State Of Missouri os follows;
l. That in the opinion OF Ibis General Assem-
big, the remuneration Of Texas 10 the United
States is a great national measure demanded BY a
large majority OF the people OF this State and
that the safety and Interests Of both Governments
require and demand il at the earliest practicable
period.
9. That the Republic Of Texas is free and
independent State, and that she acquired her indie
pendence and her territory in 4 manner which lett
no stain upon the honor of her people
3. That Texas has given 10 the world ample
and sufficient evidence of her disposition and abb
lily to maintain her independence and the exalted
station she has assumed among the nations of the
earth.
4, That the Government Of Texas has the
indsputable right TO transfer, and the government
of the United States the right TO accept the terri
tory OF Texas, without the consent OF, and without
giving any just cause Of offence to any other
power; provided, however, that the boundary line
between the annexed territory and Mexico be left
open 10 future negotiation, between the U. States
and Mexico.
5. That in the opinion Of this General Assem-
bly,, great majority Of the people Of the State
prefer that Texas should be re-annexed to The U
States without dividing her territory into slave
holding and non-slaveholding States, but leaving
that question TO be settled By the people who now
or may hereafter occupy the territory that may be
annexed.
G. That the people of Missouri regard the an
nexation Of Texas to the United States SO essen
tial 10 the interests Of this State and of the whole
United States, that rather than fail in the consum
nation Of this object if it cannot be effected il
accordance with the principles set forth in the
above resolutions, they would consent to such rea
sonable and just compromises appro1imating a:
nearly as possible to those principles as may b.
indispensably necessary TO secure The accomplish
ment of the measure, and preserve the peace ant
| harmony of the Union.
T. That our Senators in the Congress of The
United States be instructed, and our members il
the House of Representatives be requested, 10 US,
all honorable means in their power 10 carry on
the requirements set forth in the foregoing resolu
lions.
8. That the Secretary Of State is hereby re
quired to forward to each Of our Senators anc
Representatives 10 Congress copy Of these re
solutions"