The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1844-02-07
PHILO.
FOR THE MADIsONIAN,


We have read the letter of Mr.. Walker upon the
subject of the annexation of Texas with great aten-
ton, nor has the pleasure which we have derived
from its perusa been essened by the greatness of
expectations. Our qualification was Of two-fod
character, arising at from the intrinsic merit of
the paper, as production Of great power and re-
search, and also from confidence with which il has
inspired US, that this subject, intimately connected
with the prosperity of the United States, bad at
length been presen ed under form to concentrate
aod fix public attention. Mr.. WIS argument COM
mences in the most natural manner, by demonstrating
well analogically as by appeal TO the laws OF
nations the right Of Texas to cede her territory with
out reference 10 the objections which Mexico may
think proper to set up against it. He adduces MexI-
co as precedent to show that claim to territory
may arise as a simple consequence Of successful
revolution and that Texas acquired the right of dis
possl of her territory by establishing herself
dependent ove.eignty, IN accordance with well
known principle 10 that effect in the international
code. MIR. w. next proceeds TO comment upon the
nature OF the assent given by Texas regard TO
nexation, showing it 10 be fundamental principle in
the organization of her Government, and an object
ardenty desired not only by her authorities but by
her whole People. The door being thus thrown open
TO annexation, and the question fairly before the
United States Government, whether not this offer
on the part of Texas shall be rejected embraced
Mr.. w. first points out the modes of entrance, md
next proceeds advocate the on the ground
Of expediency. Within the limits of this article is
impossible TO more than glance at the positions W hch
MIR. w has seized upon, and so ably m aip,aiued-
] -
which he has removed such slight obi ee,ions as nigh,
be thought TO exist, TO the const tnons power OF
annexation by treaty, and 10 that array of facts,
among which may be cited the incorporation of the
Florida parishes into the State of Louisiana whereby
he conclusively proves tho power of Congress TO
territory by simple act of legislation, as well
as the power of any State, cooperating with Con
gress, TO enlarge her territorial boundaries thus
pointing out three modes, in accordance with the
Constitution, by which Texas may be admitted into
the Union. proper opportunity here presents it,
self, and which Mr.. w does not suffer to pass by un
improved of alludng that defect in the treaty ced
! ing Texas to Spain, which, in the opinion of many OF
our great statesmen, rendered it imperative, anc
which, inssmuch Texas never consented to it
alienation from the United States, constitutes be
still portion Of territory and entities her a
this very time, TO the protection of our Government
Mr. W., however, valves this view and advocate
the annexation of Texas upon the ground that it
the resumption Of a reluctantly surrendere
territory under circumstances which fortunately per
nit it's being secured, without violation Of justic
good faith He supports his opinions Of its cxpe
diency by appeal TO the official acts Of President
]. q. Adams, Jackson, and Van Buren,, all of wi or
used the most strenuous exertions to effect the pu
chase of Texas and its remuneration to the Unite
States. 1t is delightful TO go the whole eroun
. with a writer intimately acquainted with the sui
jcct as Mr.. w. proves himself to be- The reason
for annexation placed in such strong relief, tn.
!, it is impossible not TO be convinced OF their value.
Indeed, do not know whether most to applaud II
aborious perseverance which the statistic al accnra,
, Of the letter sttests to admire the soundne
Of his views, and the perspicuous and elepa
manner of their arrangement. That the ur
! ted Sites must decide at once whether she W
assume that eontreltver the relations af the ~
Icountries which is pow offered her, or see this Ri