Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1844-06-07

! "The annexation OF Texas is moi mere ques-
| ton of cXpedencv-it Is not even one III sympa-
thy-bul. il is great and paramount question of
patriotism II is narrowed down 10 The single
| question whether we will take what is cqui!ably
our own; whether we shall affiliate with our kin
drcd, and neiehbor; and iriends-'bone of our
bone. and flesh Of our neSh"-whose valor and
proves have won for them an m7erishablc
| name and who now ask 10 add their Lone Star 10
the proud banner of our Union: or whether We
| shall drive them from us, and force item into
the embraces of our arrogant rival. and the only
power on earth who envics our prosperity. and
cordially hates Us? This. repeat is the naked
question. shall we take Texas as an independent
State, or allow Great Britain 10 take il dis colo
ny
Il will not stop 10 argue the Importance Of an
nexalion, in a military or commercial point oi
view, because that has already been done ire
| futaby and mansscrably, by Senator Walker;
| and not less forciblv, though more briefly by
! Gen. Jackson; but | would simply ASK what
must ultimately be our condition. if we suffer
Texas 10 pass under the control ofGreal Britain!
With New Brunswick and Nova Scotia on the
East the Canadas on the North, a manifest de-
termination 10 hold Oregon in the West, and
| Texas and her West India possessions in the
South, with her vast naval armament TO watch
| our Atlantic border, our situation would be
one OF shameful humiliaiion-almos Of dc"ra-
| dalon--in our own ewes, and in The eyes OF
the whole civilized world Sgbert 10 such
an ANNOYING surveillance, from our slceplesS
enemy and rival. we could not cXpcclo preserve
| the freedom of commerce and the seas, nor the in
stituions of our country, either local or general,
without constant ifri!ations and collisions, which
would necessarily end in another great and san
! culinary conflict for the maintenance OF our ma
iona honor and independence.
Notwithstanding ali this, however, it is gene
rally understood that the Wings Of he Senate are
determined to make a mere party and pTSoa"f
question of it, and reject the treaty. And, is their
love of Mr. CLAY, or their hatred 10 Mr. Tyler
| or Mr. Calhoun To result in an act so fatal 10
| their counLyl Was cyol paris maicvolance so
stupid and so blind? Aud this, too, in the very
face of the fact that Great Britain has been, and
is now, ,no.-ing Heaven and earth 10 circumvenl
ls--to defeat the ratification Of The treaty, and 10
Get il herself What signify the disclaimers OF
the Intclli9enccr and others devoted loher service
in this country? Documents and proofs rrelra
oibe are now in possession Of the Government.
| to convince the world If the eGl designs, and Of
the failhle>sness and duplicity of thai arrogant
power, in regard Ia this question. This is no
| mere rl,mor | state The fact upon high auihori
ty-Such as cannot he gainsayed nor questioned.
oJmsng from the tune ot The lnleligenccr-
| which furnishes arguments, not only Tor Great
Britain but maifes objections for MrAicc and all
others who oppose anneSalion-We are 10 inter,
that itthe Treaty is ratified, dissolution OF The
Union will follow. will not say that the converse
ofthe proposition is also true: but this will say,
that have no idea tina; Tie people othe Southern
and Western States will permit Texas TO pass I'M
der the political control oiany power on earth cx-
cept than OF the United States The reasons lor
such course Of policy o. Tor my opinions IN re-
gard 10 it, il is Of no importance Eow Ia specify
But. there. is one turlherremark however in con-
necion with the subject, which feel constrained
TO make; and thai is, thai the most papable mus
tice his been done, by the opponents OF anneSa-
lion. both TO the President and TO Mr.. Calhoun in
regard to the motives which have prompted them
10 accelerated action in this matter. MIR. 1'y-
Ter was actua,cd by The patriotic considcra-
ton, that It's acquisition was 10 rc-esablish
and preserve the integrity Of our ancient terrific
rial limits; 10 give usa frontier, marked by the
bold natural features VI rivers, deserts, and
mountains which must forever insure n wide and
almost impossible barrier between the people OF
the respective Governments. The favorable mo-
ment occurred for such an acquisition. Policy
and patriotism alike prompted him 10 seize The
propitious moment. He did not stop TO inquire,
whether the acquisition OF such boon tor his
country was 10 tavcr or cmbarrasS the rreicn-
sions of any asprant for the Presidency. II there
was any lleIil III ~ ou'ioaS-ti my - W? -
was willing that his countrymen should Judge
of il, and accord TO him whatever measure OF
praise they might determine he deserved. SO in
regard to the question of slavery, which has be-
come involved in the subject 1t twill be found, that
Mr.. Calhoun neither introduced Ii nor discussed
il, except upon compnl>on. His object was not
as has been falsely charged, 10 extend the limits
of slavery, neither could he under any clrcum-
slances consent that Great Britain should cstab-
lish il as a free State AMI, if he has been
obliged to alluJle TO ii in any way, in connection
with this subject, i, has been because It's discus
sion was forced on him; and the most thorough
paced Abolilionist himself, could not, under such
circumstances Justly impule to him blame for it,
aThe treaty has been made. Il is now before
the Senate It's negotiation, its conditions, and
its objects, are alike honorable to those who pro
pose 10 cede, and 10 those who propose 10 accept