The Yazoo City Whig. [volume] (Yazoo, Miss.) 1844-1851, 1844-12-27
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v, the Executive was prepared to trearwith
her on the most liberal basis. Hence the
boundaries of Texas were left undefned by
the treaty.
The Executive proposed to settle these up
on terms that all tho world should have pro-
nounced lust and reasonable. No negotiation
upon that point could have been undertaken
bstween the United States and Mexico, in
advance ftho ratification ofths treaty. We
rhould have had no right-nO power-no
authority. 10 have conducted such nsgotia
iien; and 10 have undertaken il weuld have
an assumption equally revealing to the pride
of Mexico and Texas, and subiscting us to
hscharEe sfarrogance; while to have propos-
cd in advance of annexation, TO satisfy Mex
leo for any contingent interest she ght have
in Texas, would have been 10 have treated
Texas, not as an independent power, but as
mere dependency Of Mexico.
This assumption could not have been act
cd ON by the Executive, without setting at
defiance your own solemn declaration that
that republic was an Independents State
Mexico had, il is true, thrsatend war against
iao United States, in the event the Treaty
~ Annexation was ratified. The Executive
could not permit itself TO be Influenced by THIS
threat. II represented in this, tho spirit Of
our people, who ara ready TO 5acrafce much
for peace, but nothing for Intimidation
war, under any circumstances IS greauy 70
be deplored and the United States IS the last
nation to desire il; but If, as the condltloA OF
peace, !; required Of us to iorego the unques
iiopabIe right oftreating with an independent
mower, ofour continent, upon matters highly
interesting to both, and that upon naked
and unsus,ained pretension ofclaim by third
power. 70 control tho Tree will Of the power
we treat-devoled as we may be TO peace,
md anxious 10 cultivate friehdly relations
with the whole world, the Executive does
not hesitate 10 say that, the people OF the
United States would be ready 20 brave all CON
sequences ssener than submit 10 such coAdi-
tion.
But no apprshensionof war was entertain
Cd by the Executive; aud / must express
frankly the opinion that, had the treaty been
ratified by the Senate, il would have been
followed by prompt settlement, to the entire
satisfaction Of Mexico, OF every matter in dif-
ference between two countries. Seeing then
that new preparations for hostile invasion Of
Texas were about 10 be adopted by Mexico,
and that these were brought about because
Texas has adopted the suggestion ofthe EX
ecutivo upon the subject OF Annexation, it
could not passivsly have folded lis arms and
permitted a war, threatened 10 accompanied
by every act, that could mark barbarous
age, 10 be waged against her, because she had
not done so.
Other considerations of a controlling char
aCter influenced the course ofthe Executive
The treaty which had been negotiated, had
failed 10 receive the ratification of the Senate.
One of :hs chief objections which were urg-
cd against il, was found 70 consist IN the tact
that the question Enumeration had not been
submitted to the ordeal Of public opinion IN
~ nh
an objection was esteemed to be in view Of
the uuquesIionable power Of the Executive
fonegotate the treaty, and the great and last
ing interests involved in The question, feel
it TO be my duty TO submit the whole subject
to Congress as the best eXpounders OF pOpu-
lar sentiment. Ne definite action having
been taken on the subject by Congress, the
question referred Itself directly to the decis
ion of the States and people.
The great popular election which just ter
minated, afforded the best opportunity for as
Certainng the will Of the States and the peo-
pie upon il. Pending that issue, it became
the imperative duty Of the Executive TO in
form Mexico that the question Of annexation
was still before the American people; and
that, until their opinion was pronounced, any
serious invasion of Texas would be regard ed
as an attempt 10 forestall theirjudgment, and
could not be looked upon with Indifference.
] am most happy to inform you that no such
invasion has taken place, and l trust that,
whatever your action may be upon it, MeXi-
CO will see the Importance Of deciding the
matter by a resort to peaceful expedisnts in
preference 10 those Of arms.
The decision fthe People and the States
on this great and interesting subject, has been
decsivey manifested. The question Of an
nexation has been presented markedly to theil
consideration. BY the treaty itself, all cOllat
oral and incidental issues, which were cal
culaied 10 divide and distractthe public coun'
ellis, were carefully avoided. These were
left 10 the wisdom ofthe future 20 determine
il presented, / repeat, the isolated question
of annexation, and in that form it has beer
submitted to the ordeal Of public sentiment
A controlling majority of the people, and {
large majority Of the States, have declared
in favor Of immediate annexation. Instruct
ions have thus come up TO both branches o.
Congress, from their respective constituents
in terms the most emphatic.
Il is the will Of both the people and the
States, that Texas shall be annexed to the Un-
ion, promptly and Immediately. 1t may be
hoped that, in carrying into execution the
public will, thus declared, all collateral issues
may be avoided. Future Legislatures can
best decide as to the number Of states which
should BIO formed out of territory, when the
lime has arrived for deciding that question
SO with all others. Py the treaty the United
States assumed the payment Of the debts o.
Texas, to an amount not exceeding $40, Odo,.
600 to be paid, with the exception OF sun
falling short Of S4OO 900, exclusively out o
The proceeds Of tho sales Of her public lands
We could not, with honor, take the lands
without assuming the full payment Of all in
cumbrances upon them.
Nothing has occurred since our last session
20 induce doubt that the dispositions Of Tex
as remain unaltsrsd. No intimaiion Of an al
tered determination, on the part Of the Gov
eminent and the people, has been furnished
TO the Executive. She still desires 10 throw
he rrntoctiOn If O1r. Ia m