, 1844-12-21

were left TO the wisdom of the future to determine. Ii pre-
scented, l repeat, the issoated question of annexation; and
that in that form it has been submitted to the ordeal Of pub
lie sentiment. A controlling minority of the people, and a
large majority of the states, have declared in favor OF i'm
mediate annexation. Instructions have thus come to both
branches Of congress-, from their respective constituents, in
terms the NEST emphatic.
1t is the will of both the people and the states, that Texas
shall be annexed to the union, 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 be formed out of the territory, when the time
has arrived for deciding that question. So with all others.
BY the treaty the United States assumed the payment Of the
debts Of Texas, TO an amount not exceeding Sl0,OOO,OOO,
TO be paid, with the exception Of a sum falling short of $500
900 exclusively out of the proceeds of the sales Of her
public lands. We could not, with honor, take the lands,
without assuming the full payment, Of all membranes upon
them.
Nothing has occurred since our last session, TO induce a
doubt that the disposition of Texas remains unaltered. No
inimation of an altered determination, on the part OF her
g0ve,.;~,' and peoPls, hrs he'll furnished "n%sl / to the sxsentivef
orr laws, and to partake of the blessings of our iederative
system; while every American interest would seem 10 re-
duire il. The extension of our coast wise AM foreign trade
10 an amount almost incalcul .5le-the enlargement of the
rarket for our manuIactur"s-a cnnsr -''v growing market
for our agricultural proluctions-$afaty 10 our frontiers, and
additional strength and stability to the uninn-the>e are The
results which would rapidly develop themselves, upon the
conSummatDn of the measure o! annexation. In such E.
vent, I will not doubt but that Mexico would find her true
interest to consist in meeting the advances Of this govern
Inent in a spirit of amity.
Nor do / apprehend any serious complaint frGm any Vim
er quarter; no sufficient ground c<i.:S for sr,In COMPLAINT.
We should interfere in no respect VII, the rights of any
other nation. There cannot ue gathered from the act, any
design on our part to do so with their possessions on this
continent. We have interposed no impedimentsi in the way
of acquisitions of territory, large and extensive as many
of them are, as the leading powers of Europe have made,
from time TO time, in every part OF the world. Weseek no
conquest made by war. No intrigue will have been re-
sorted to, or acts Of diplomacy essayed to accomplish the
oav,E oc Tax,s Erao and ipdepapdapf harsalf rbaI
asks TO be received into our union. 1t $ a question for our
own decision, whether she shall be received or not.
The two governments having already agreed, through
their respective organs, on the terms of annexation l would
recommeHat their adoption by congress in the form Of a joint
resolution, or act, to be perfected and made binding on the
two countries. when adopted in like manner by the govern
ment of Texas.
In order that the subject may be fully presented in all its
bearings, the correspondence which has taken place, in ref
erence to 1t, since the adjournment of congress, between
the United States, Texas and Mexico, is herewith trans
mitted.
The amendments proposed by the senate to the conven-
ton concluded between the United States and Mexico on
the goth November, lS43, have been transmitted through
our Minister, for the concurrence of the Mexican govern
ment; but although urged the veto, no action has vt been had
on the subject; nor has any answer been given which would
authorize a favorable conclusion in the future.
The decree of September, ls43, in relation to the retail
trade, the order for the expulsion of foreigners, and that of
a more recent date in regard to passports-ail Of which are
in violation of the treaty of amity and commerce between
the two countries, have led TO a correspondence of cOnsid-
cradle length between the Minister for foreign relations and
our representative at Mexico, but without any satisfactory
result. They remain still unadjusted, and many and seri-
Gus inconveniencies have already resulted to our citizens in
consequence Of them.
Questions growing on; of the act of disarming a body of
Iexian Troops under the command of maj. Snively, by an
officer In the service of the United States, acting under the
orders Of our government. and the forcible entry into the
custom house at Bryarlys' landing, on Red river, BY certain
citizens of the United States, and taking away therefrom the
goods seized BY the collector of the customs as forfeited I'M
Ger the laws of Texas, have been adjusted, so far as the
powers of the executive extend. The correspondence be-
Tween the two governments, in reference to both subjects,
win he found amongst the accompanying documents. 1t
contains q full statement of all the facts and circumstances
with the views taken on both sides, and the principles on
which the Questions have been adjusted. 1t remains for
congress to make the necessary appropriation to carry the
arrangement into effect, which respectfully commend.
The greatly improved condition of the treasury, affords a
subject for general congratulated. The paralysis which had
fallen on trade and commerce an7 which subjected the gov
ernment to the necessity Of resortine TO loans, and the Issue
OF treasury notes, TO large amount has passed away; and
after the payment of upwards Of $7.000.IOO, on account OF
the public debt, which falls due or H." first of Ja nuary next,
and setting apart upwards o. +2000.000 for the payment
Of outstanding treasury notes, and meeting an .nstalm, mt o.
the debts of the corporate cities Of the district Of Columbia
an estimated surplus of upwar!s o. 81. 0C0. 600. over anil
above the existing appropriations. will remain in The treas ,
ury at the close Of The fiscal year. p,
Should the treasury notes coctinue outstanding, as here
totore, that surplus will be considerably augmented. Al
though all interest has ceased upon them, ana the govern I
ment has invited their return to the treasury. vet they re-
main outstanding, afording great facilities 10 commerce. and
the fact that, under a well regulated system Of
finance, the government has resources within itself, which
render it Independent in time OF need, not only of private I
loans, but also of bank facilities. i
The only remaining subject Of regret is, that the remain t
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