Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1844-10-24
TIE v A y .
CLAY'S SIX MANIFESTOE'
MANIFESTO |.

private individuals requesting an expression OF
INV opipion upon the question OF the Annexation
of Texas 10 the United States have folborne
10 reply 10 them because il was not very cohVe-
nient, during the progress oil my Journey, 10 90
so. and for other reasons: did not think II pro-
per, unnecessarily 10 Introduce al present new
element among the other exciting subjects which
aei,ate aud cngross the public mind The reJec-
ton of the overture OF Texas, some years ago,
IN become annexed to the United States, had met
with general acquiescencc. Nothing had since
occurred materially 10 vary the question. haa
, seen no evidence OF a desire being entertained,
ON the part of any considerable portion OF The
American people, that Texas should become an
integral part OF the United States. during my
soourn in New Orleans, had, indeeu, been
greatly surprised, BY information which re-
ceived from Texas, that, in the course OF The last
Fall. a voluntary overture had proceeded from
The Executive OF the United States 10 The Autho-
rites of Texas 10 conclude Treaty OF Annex
alton: and that, in order 10 overcome The repug-
nance felt bv any oil them TO negotiation upon
The subject, strong, and, as believed, erroneous
representations had been made 10 them oil state
of opinion in the Senate of the United States, Ia
yorabe 10 the ratification OF such treaty. &C
cording 10 these representations, IL haa oee as
certained that a number OF Senators, varying
from ,hirty-Gve TO forty-two, were ready TO sane
Il
ers OF Texas lands, and Texas scrip, and specu-
lators in them, were actively engaged 10 promo-
ing the object of Annexation. Still, did not be-
lieve that any Executive OF the United States
would venture upon 30 grave and momen'ouS a
proceeding, not only without any general mani
festatlon OF public opinion in favor OF II, but IN
direct opposition 10 strong and decided express
sions of public disapprobation. But il appears
that was mistaken. To the astoniSsmeht Of
.,..> nj nrt,
Treaty OF Annexation has been actually conciuG-
ed and is to be submitted 10 the Senate Tor lis
consideration The motives for my silence. there
fore no longer remain. and | feel il 10 be nv du-
" TO present an exposition OF my views and OPT
Mons upon the question, Tor what they may he
worth. to the public consideration. adopt this
method as being more convenient than several
replies to the respective communications which
have received.
regret that have not the advantage OF
view OF the Treaty itself, so as 10 enable me 10
adapt an expression of my opinion TO the actual
conditions and stipulatious which 1t contains
Not possessing that opportunity, am constrained
10 treat the question according 10 what presume
to be the terms Of The Treaty. II, without the
loss OF national character, without the hazard
of foreign war, with tue general concurrence OF
the nation, without any danger 10 the Integrity oil
the Union, and without giving an unreasonable
price for Texas, the question of Annexation were
presented, it would appear in quite different
light from that in which, aPprchend 1t is now 10
be regarded.
The United States acquired ,itic to Texas,
extending, as believe, To the Rio del Norte, by
the Treaty of Louisiana. They ceded and re-
linoushed that title 10 Spain by the Treaty Of
1919, By which the Sabine was substituted Tor
The Rio del Norte as our Western boundary
This Treaty was negotiated under the Admins
tration OF Mr.. Monroe and with the concurrence
Of his Cabinet, OF which MessrS Crawford, Cal
houn, and Writ, being majority, all Southern
gentlemen, composed part. When the Treaty
was laid before III. House OF Representatives,
being member Of that bo!r. | expressed the
opinion, which then entertained, and still hold,
tha, Texas was sacrificed 10 The acquisition OF
Florida we wanted Florida. bui thouShtit must,
from lis position, inevitably tall into our posses
sion; that the point of Z few years, sooner or Ia
Ter. was Of no sort OF consequence, and that IN
giving iise millions OF dollars and Texas for ii,
we cave more than Just equivalent. But II we
made great sacrifice in the surrender Of Texas,
we ought 10 take care not 10 make too great
sacrifice in tue attempt TO re-acqure Ii.
NV opinions OF the ineXpedicncy OF the Treaty
of 1919 did not prevail. The country and Coa-
aress were satisfied with ii, appropriations were
made 10 carry il into effect, the line OF The Sa-
bine was recognised by US rs our boundary, IN
negotiations both with Spain and Mexico, alter
Mexico became independent, and measures have
been in actual progress 10 marx the line, iron me
Sabine TO the Red river and thence 10 the Pacific
Ocean We have thus fairly alienaed our title
10 Texas BY solemn national compacts ~ the
fnlGlment OF vhich we stand bound by good Gath
and national honor. Il is, therefore, perfectly
idle and ridiculous, if not dshonorable, 10 talk OF
resumins our title 10 Texas As if we had never
parted with il. We can no more do that than
Spain can resume Florida, France Louisiana. or
Great Britain the thirteen colonies now compos-
ing part Of the United States.
During the Administration OF Mr.. Adams MIR.
Poinseit Minister OF the United States AT Next
co. was instructed ~ me- with the Presidents
authority TO propose re-purchase OF Texas but
no forbnre even 10 make an overture for tha, pur-
pose Upon his return TO he United States, he
informed me. at New Orleans, that his reason
fir not making il was. that he knew the purchase
was wholly impracticabe, and that he was per
s,ladcd that if he made the overture, 1t would
have no other effect than 10 a5gravate irritatonS
already existing upon matters OF difference be-
tween the two countries.
The events which have since transpired IN
Texas are well known. She revoled against The
Government of Mexico flew TO arms, and final
IL fought and won the memorable battle OF San
jacinto, annihllaiing Mexican army and max
inc 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 cmigratcd 10 Texas
These succors, if they could not always be pre-
vented By the Government OF the United States,
were furnished in manner and to an extent
which brought npoa us some national reproach
in the eyes of an impartial world. And IN my
opinion they impose on us the obligation OF scrn-
pulously avoiding an imputation of having insii-
I'd a. Do,. N,ifh the nh "a
view of territorial ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. After the
hattie of San Jacinto, the United States recog-
missed the independence OF Texas, i'll conformity
with the principle and practice which have al
WAYS prevailed in their councils OF recognising
the Government "dc facio" without regarding The
uucslion dc lure That recognition did net affect
or impair the rights OF Mexico, or change The
relations which existed between her and Texas.
She on the contrary, has preserved all her rights,
and has continued 10 assert and so far rs know,
vet asserts, her right 10 reduce Texas TO obedi-
cnce, as part of the Republic OF Mexico. Ac-
cordng 10 late intelligence, II is probable that she
has agreed upon temporary suspension OF hos
,ilities; but If that has been done, presume il is
with the purpose, upon the termination OF the ar
nistice. of renewing the war and enforcing her
rights, as she considers them
The narrative shows the present actual condi-
tion of Texas so far as have information about
l. iii be correct, Mexico has not abandoned,
but perseyercs in the assertion of her rights by ac-
tual force of arms which, il suspended, arc in
tended 10 be renewed. Under these circumstan-
ces. if the Government of the United States were
10 acquire Texas, i, would acquire along with It
all the membranes which Texas is under, and
among them the actual or suspended war be-
tween Mexico and Texas. Of that consequence
there cannot be doubt. Annexation and war
with Mexico are identical. Now, for one, Ger
,ainly am not willing TO involve this country in a
foreign war for the object of acquiring Texas
/ know there are those who regard such war
with indifference and as trifling affair on ac-
count of the weakness of Mexico, and her inabi-
lily TO infict serious injury upon This country,
But do not look upon it thus lightly. regard
all wars as great calamilies to be avoided, if pos
sibe, and honorable peace as the wisest and iru,
est policy Of this country What the United
States most need, are Union, peace and patience.
Nor do think that the weakness of a power
IN for