Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1844-05-18

move all foreign difficulties. On the assump-
ton of that assent, the question would be con-
fined TO the domestic considerations which be-
long to it, embracing the terms and conditions
upon which annexation is proposed.
| do not think that Texas ought to be
received into the union, as an integral part
OF it, in decided opposition TO the wishes oil
a considerable and respectable portion oil
the confederacy. | think it far more wise
and important to compose and harmonic
the confederacy, as it now exists, than 10
introduce new element Of discord and dis
traction into it.
In my humble opinion, it should be the con
slant and earnest endeavor, OF every American
statesman to eradicate preju1ices, TO cultivate
and foster concord, and 10 produce general con-
tentment among all parts Of the con(ederacy
And true wisdom, it seems to me, points to the
duty of rendering its present members happy,
prosperous, and satisfied with each other, RAJ
Their than to attempt TO introduce alien men,
bers, agans; the common consent and with the
certainty Of deep dissatisfaction. Mr.. Jefferson
expressed the opinion, and others believed,
that it never was in the contemplation of the
trainers of the constitution to add foreign ter
ritory TO the confederacy, out Of which new
states were TO be formed. The acquisition OF
the peculiar ground of the relation in which
they stood to the states Of the union. After
they were admitted, we might well pause a
while, people our vas. wastes, develope our
resources: prepare the means Of defending
what we possess, and augment our strength,
power and greatness. If, hereafter, further
territory should be wanted tor an increased
population, we need entertain no apprehension
but that 1t will be acquired by means, it is to
be hoped, fair, honorable, and constitutional.
1t is useless to disguise that there are those
who espouse and those who oppose the annex
alton Of Texas upon the ground of the infu
ence which it would exert, in the balance OF
political power, between two great sections OF
the union. conceive that the motive for the
acquisition Of foreign territory would be more
unfortunate, or pregnant with more fatal con-
sequences, than that Of obtaining it for the pur-
pose Of strengthening one part against the 9th.
er part Of the common con(ederacy. Such q
principle, put into practical operation, would
menace the existence, if it did not certainly
sow the seeds OF dissolution Of the union. Ii
would be to proclaim TO the world an Unsuitable
and unconquerabe thirst for foreign conqest OF
acquisition of territory. For if TO day, Texas
be acquired to strengthen one part OF the con-
lederacy, tomorrow, Canada may be required
to add strength TO another. And, after that
might have been obtained, still other and fur
Their acquisitions would become necessary to
equalize and adjust the balance Of political pow
er. Finally in the progress of this prit Of
universal dominion, the part Of the confedera-
cy which is now weakest would find itself still
weaker from the impossibili,y of securing new
theatres for those peculiar institutions which il
is charged with being DESTROYS to extend.
But would Texas, ultimately, really, add
strength to that which is now considered the
weakest part of the confederacy? If my infor-
nation be correct, it would not. According to
that, the territory Of Texas is susceptible of
division into five states Of convenient size and
form. Of these, two only would be adapted TO
those peculiar institutions to which have re-
ierred, and the other three, lying west and
north of San Antonio, being only adapted to
farming and grazing purposes, from the ma
ture of their soil, climate and productions,
would not admit Of those institutions. In the
end. therefore, there would be two slave, and
three free states, probably added to the union.
II this view Of the soil and geography of Tex
as be correct, it might serve TO admonsh the
zeal both of those who oppose and those who
are urging annexation.
Should Texas be annexed 10 the union, the
United States will assume and become respon-
sible for the debt Of Texas, be its amount what
il may. What il is, do not know certainly :;
but the least have seen it stated al is thirteen
millions OF dollars. And this responsibility
will exist whether there be stipulation in the
treaty or no, expressly assuming the debt of
Texas. For suppose it to be undeniable that,
II one nation becomes incorporated in another,
all the debts and obligations, and incumbran-
ces, and wars Of the incorporated nation, be-
come the debts, and obligations, and incum-
brances, and wars of the common nation Great
ed by the incorporation.
lfany European nation entertains any am
bilious designs upon Texas, such as that OF
colonlzing her, or in any way subjugaling her,
should regard it as the imperative duty OF
the government of the United States to oppose
to such designs the most firm and determined
resistance, to the extent, if necessary, of app
pealing to arms TO prevent the accomplishment
Of any such designs. The executive of the U
States ought 10 be informed Of the aims and
views of foreign powers with regard to Texas,
and presume that, if there be any of the ex-
ceptionable character which have indicated
the executive will disclose to the CO ordinate de
partments OF government, if not to the public,
the evidence Of them. From what nave seen
and heard, l. believe that q. Britain has re
Gently formally and solemnly dsavowed any
such aims or purposes-has declared that she
is DESTROYS only Of the indie pendence of Texas,
and that she has no intention to interfere 10
her domestic institutions. If she has made
such disavowal and declaration, presume they
are in the possession of the executive.
In the future progress Of events, It is prob
able that there will be a voluntary or for chile
separation Of the British North American pos
SaS ha