Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-05-17

as, as if we had never parted with it. We
can no more do that than Spain can resume
Florida; France Louisiana, or Great Bril-
tain the thirteen colonies, now composing a
part of the United States.
During the administration of Mr. Adams,
Mr. ponsett, Minister Of the United States
at hSxico, was instructed by me, with the
Presidents authority, to propose a re-pur-
chase Of Texas; but he forbore even TO
make an overture for that purpose. Upon
his return to the United States, he inform
ed me, at New Orleans, that his reason for
not making it was, that he knew the pur-
chase was wholly impracticablc, and that he
was persuaded that, ir he made the overture,
it would have no other effect than TO aggra-
vate irrtations already existing, upon mat
tiers of difference between the two countries.
The events which have since transpired
in Texas are well known. She revolied
against the Government of Mexico, flew to
arms, and finally fought and won the mem
orabe battle Of San Jacinto. annihilatng
Mexican army and making captive Of the
Mexican President. The signal success Of
that Revolution was greatly aided, if not
wholly achieved by citizens of the United
States who had migrated to Texas. These
succors, if they could not always be pre-
vented by the Government Of the United
States, were furnished in a manner and TO
an extent which brought upon us some ma
tional reproach in the eyes of an impartial
world And, in my opinion, they impose
on us the obligation of scrupuously avoid
ing the imputation Of having instigated and
aided the Revolution with the ultimate view
of territorial ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
Aher the battle of San Jacinto, the U.
States recognized the independence of Tex
as, in conformity with the principle and
practice which have always prevailed i'll
their councils Of recognizing the Govern
ment "de faetO" without regarding the ques-
ton de jure. That recognition did not at
feet or impair the rights of Mexico, or change
the relations which existed between her and
Texas. She, on the contrary, has preserv-
ed all her rights, and has continued TO as
sert and so far as know yet asserts, her
right to reduce Texas to obedience, as a
part Of the republic of Mexico. According
to late intelligence, it is probable that she
has agreed upon a temporary suspension o
hostlties but, if that has been done, pre-
sumo it is with the purpose, upon the ter
mination of the armistice, of renewing The
war and enforcing her rights, as she consd
ers them.
This narrative shows the present aetna
condition of Texas, so far as | have inior
nation about it, If ii be correct, Mexico
has not abandoned, but perseveres in the as
sertion of her rights by actual force of arms
which, if suspended, are intended TO be re
newed. Under these circumstances, if tn
Government of the United Safes were to &C
quire Texas, it would acquire along with
all the membranes which Texas is under
and among them the actual or suspende
war between Mexico and Texas. OF tia
consequence there cannot be doubt. Al
nexaton and war with Mexico are identica
Now, for one, certainly am not willing I
involve this country in foreign war for III
object of acquiring Texas. know Their
: are those who regard such a war with indi
ference and as irihing affair on accour
Of the weakness of Mexico, and her inabl
ty to infict serious injury upon this countr,
But / do not look upon it thus lightly.
regard all wars as great caamiiies, to
avoided, if possible, and honorable peace 4
the wisest and truest policy of this countr,
What the United States most need are u
E ion, peace and patience. Nor do | thin
that the weakness of Power should forl
a motive, in any case, for inducing US /
3 engage in or TO depreciate the evils of wa
Honor and good faith aud justice are equa
y due from this country towards the wea
; as towards the strong. And, if, an act
injustice were to be perpetrated TOWARD
: any Power, it would be more compatlb
with the dignity Of the nation, and in n
Judgment less dlshonorable, to iniict it u
on powerful instead of a weak foreign n
ton. But are we perfectly sure that "
should be free from injury in a state of VI
: with Mexico? Have we any security tn
countless numbers Of foreign vessels, und
: the authority and flag of Mexico, would II
/, prey upon our deienceless commerce in Il
n Mexican gulf, on the Pacific ocean, and {
J every other sea and ocean? What cor
: merce, on the other hand, does Mexico
: fer, as an indemnity for our losses, to Il
i galantry and enterprise of our countrymer
O This view of the subject supposes that 4
q war would be confined to the United Stat
J, and Mexico as the only beligerents. b
e have we any certain guaranty that Next
u would obtain no allies among the great Il
g ropean Powersl Suppose any such Pc
e ers, jealous of our increasing greatness, a,
u disposed to check our growth and cripE
II us, were to take part in behalf of Mexi
e in the war, how wonld the different belig,
: ents present themselves to Christendom a
the enlightened world We have been
lie riously charged with an inordinate spirit
n territorial ACKNOWLEDGEMENT and, without Z
p hitting the justice of the charge, j. must
f. owned that we have made vast acqnisitio
ID of territory within the last forty years.
III Suppose great Britain and France, or o
e. of them, were to take part with Mexico, a