Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1844-05-09
VOL. 5O....NO. 10.

world And in my opinion, they impose upon us
he obligation of scrupulou'ly avoiding the impu.
alton Of having ins,gaicd 4 aided the Revolution
with Ultimate view Of territorial ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
After the battle Of S,Jacinio the United States re-
cognized the independence Of Texas inconformity
with the principle and practice which have always
prevailed in their councils Of recognising the gov
eminent "de tdeio," without regarding the ques-
ton de jare. That recognition did not infect or
impair the rights Of Mexico, or change the vela-
tons which existed between her and Texas. She
on the contrary, has preserved all her rights, and
has continued to assert and far as ! know vet u.s.
serts, her right to reduce Texas to obedience, ms
part of the Republic of Mexico. According to
the late intelligence, is probable that she has
agreed upon temporary supension Of hos,ilities;
but ,fthat has been done, presume j. is with the
purpose upon the termination Of the armistice, Of
renewing the war and enforcing her rights, as
she considers them.
This narrative shows the present actual condi
ton of Texas, so far MS have information about
it, If it be correct, Mexico hns no, abandoned
but persevores in the assertion ofrigb,s by actual
force of arms, which ifsuspended, are intended to
be renewed Under these circumstances, If the
government, of The United States were to acquire
Texas, it would acquire along with all its incum-
braBces which Texas is under, and among them
the actual suspended war between Mexico and
Texas. OF that consequence there can be no
doubt Annexation and war with Mexico are
identical Now for one, l certainly am not will
ling to involve this country in foreign war from
the object of acquiring Texas. know there are
those who regard such war with indifference
and as a trifing affair, on account of the weak
ness of Mexico and her inability to inhct serious
injury upon this country. But do not look upon
it thus lightly | regard all wars as great calam-
itles, to be avoided if possible, and honorable
peace as the wiscst and truest policy of this coun-
try What the United Suites most need are I'M
ion peace and patience. Nor do | think that
the weakness of power should form a motive,
in any case, for inducing us 10 engage in or to de-
prccate the evils Of war. Honor and good faith
and Justice are equally due from this country tow
as the weak as towards the strong. And, II an
act of injustice were to be perpctrated towards any
power it would be more compatible with the dig
nifty of the nation. and in my judgement less dis.
honorable, to inflict it upon powerful instead OF
weak foreign nation.
But are we perfectly sure that we should be
free from injury in state Of war with Mexico
Have we any security that countless numbers OF
foreign vessels, under the authority and flag Of
Mexico would not prey upon our defenceless com.
merce in the Mexican gulf. on the Pac iRc ocean,
and on every other sea and ocean? What COM
MERGE on the other hand, does Mexico offer, ns
an indemnify for our losses, to the gallantry and
enterprise Of our countrymen This view oil the
/, subject suppose that the war would be confined to
United States and Mexico the only belligerens.
: But have we any certain guaranty that Mexico
would obtain on allies among the great European
, Powers Suppose any such Powers, jealous OF
our increasing greatness and disposed to check our
growth and cripple us were TO take part IN behalf
OF Mexico in the war; how would the different bel
lgerenis present themselves in Christendom and
! he enlightened world7 We have been seriously
charged with inordinae spirit of territorial ag
grandzemen; and, without admitting the justice
, Of the charge must be owned that we have made
vast acquisitions of territory within the last forty
a years Suppose Great Briton or France or one
a of them. were to take part h,h Mexico, and by a
manifesto, were 10 proclaim that their objects were
10 assist weak and helpless ally TO check the spir
it of encroachment and ambition ofnn already over
e grown Republic, seeking still further acquisitions
It ofterritory, TO maintain the independence OF Tex
i as disconnected with the United States and 10 pre-
, vent the further propagation of slavery from th'
, United States, what would be the effect OF such al
d legations upon the judgment Of an impartial and
t. enlightened word2
= Assuming that the annexation Of Texas is wal
with Mexico, is it competent to the Treaty'makine
t. power TO plunge this country into war. not only
without the concurrence of,but without deigning 4
!. consult Congress to which by the Constitution
e belongs exclusively the power of declaring war
e have hitherto considered the question upon IN
} supposon iha, The annexation is attempted with
o out the assent of Mexico If she yield her coz
n sent, that would materially affect the foreign as
lie pec of the question, if it did not remove all foreg
o difficulties. On the assumption Of the assent, III
J. question would be confined TO the domestic consid
n Grafton which belongs TO it embracing the term
r. and conditions upon which annexation is plt
OF posed. do not think that Texas oughtto be II
is ceived into the Union, as an integral part of
10 decided opposition TO the wishes Of considerab
a, and respectable potion of the Confederacy.
n think ii far more wise and important to compos
ID and harmonic the present Confcderacy, as il mo-
exists than 10 introduce new element OF discor
r. and distraction into il, In my humble opinion,
IL should be The constant and earnest endeavor oil
u American statesman 20 eradicate ..prejudces,'
ne cultivate and foster concord and to produce gene
e' raj contenment among all parts OF our Confedera
IL cy. And true wisdom, ii seems to me, points I
iig the duty Of rendering its present members happ
~ prosperous and satisfied with each other, ratbe
he than 10 introduce alien members against the con
ct mon consent and h the certainty Of deep dissa
p isfaction Mr.. Jefferson expressed the opinion
n and others believed, that il in the contemp'