The North-Carolina standard., 1844-05-01
The TEXAS QUESTION.

We publish in another column the Letter of
Mr.. Clay on the question of Annexation. The
magnitude of this question, and the source from
which the letter emanates, will doubtless ensure
for it a careful and attentive perusal.
Mr.. Van Buren has also written Letter upon
this subject, in which he has embodied his views
and presented them to the consideration oil the
country. 1t appeared simultaneously with the
Letter of Mr. Clay, (both having been published
on the 9th ultimo,) and though we present Mr.
CIay's in eur paper of today, that of Mr. Van
Buren is entirely too lengthy to be inserted this
week 1t will occupy at least ten columns of our
paper, and shall appear in our next
Mr. Van Buren discusses the constitutionality
as we'll as the expediency of the measure, and
shows conclusively that there is no want of con-
stitutional power on the part of Congress to admit
into the Union the Territory of Texas. The
question of expediency-that is, of Immediately
annexing Texas 10 the United States, or so soon
as her consent to such annexation may be obtain
ed-he argues at considerable length, and init
mates, in the course of the argument, that mas
much as Mexico and Texas are still at war, and
have only suspended hostilities for purposes of
negotiation, an immediate annexation Of Texas to
the United States would place the latter in the at
titude of beligerant of Mexico. He says also
that he can have no faith in the rumor that Texas
if not admitted Immediately, will be forever lost
to this country, and that he cannot bring himself
to believe that any European government which
has not already made up its mind to provoke
war with this country, twill ever attempt to colo
nze Texas, either in form or in substance" He
says moreover g. have no access to the sources
of true information in respect to the degree of
credit which may be due to these rumors; but
cur government ought, without doubt, to exercise
most jealous vigilance against the extension of
British influence either in Texas, or in any Of the
portions ofthe continent bordering on the Gulf of
Mexico. If the time ever comes (he continues)
when the question resolves itself into whether
Texas shall become British dependency orcolony,
or constitutional portion of this Union, the great
principle of selfdefencs applicable as we'll to ma
tions as to individuals, would, without doubt pro-
duce as great a unanimity amongst US in favor of
the latter alternative, as can ever be expected
on any great question of foreign or domestic
policy"
Mr. Van Buren concludes his Letter as fol-
lows:
shall add few words another aspect of the oues-
ton. and then dismiss the subject Mexico may carry
her persistence in refusing to acknowledge the ndepen-
dence of Texas and in destructive but rutless efforts
reconquer that State far to produce, connexon
with other circumstances decided conviction the
part of majority OF the people OF the United States that
the welfare if not absolute safety make
necessary that the proposed annexation should be ef
fccted be the consequences what they may The oues-
finn he kad hat nnde Oil .
would be the you would make of the executive pow
Entrusted to your hands? Would tbe welded defeat
or carry into effect the asceFtaned wishes of peo
pie My reply to such supposition is, that l
eeVe Of public questions in respect TO which it is
eminenty proper that the opinions and wishes of
the people of the different States should be consulted
aud being asceraned treated with greater respect than
those which relate either to the admission of
Der into the confederacy, the acquisition of additional
territory with view to such result; and that if any
application for annexation, under such circumstances
made to me, would feel it TO be my duty to sub
nit the to Congress for public expression of their
opinion, we'll upon the proPrety of annexation in
regard to the terms upon which it should take place IT.
after the whole subject had been brought before the
country and fully discussed, it will be, the Sen
ate and House of Representatives, large portion of the
former, and the whole of the latter having been chosen
by the people, after the question of annexation had been
brought before the country for its mature consider
should express opinion favor of annexation would
hold it to be my farther duty to employ the executive
power TO carry into full and fair effect the wishes of
majority of the people of the existing States, thus
situtionaly and sOlemnly expressed.
here may, Notwithstanding, be those, on both sides
of this great question, who unwilling confer their
sufrages who is not prepared 10 give them spec-
fc pledges in regard to the he would if elected
pursue in respect to the various aspects in which this
matter may hereafter be presented To all such have
only to say-and do so with the greatest sncerify-j
that have Lot the slightest disposition to question their
right TO regulate their conduct and will be the last to
complain of its exercise. ftherc be any who they
believe be safely trusted with their interest
this or other of the great questions of public policy
which likely to arise in the administration of the gov
ernment whose TO his future
more satisfactory to them, they will, without doubt, be
we'll warranted in giving him the preference and they
may be assured that will more cheerfully acqu
esce IN decision made from such motives, than myself
have expressed willingness to discharge, the best
ofmy Abilities the responsible duties of the high Office
in question, should the democracy of the United States
be able and willing TO re-elect to the same. But
can lake steps TO obtain by which my ability dis
charge Its duties mPartally and useuly to every por
lion OF our common country would be impaired can
/, in any extremity, be induced to shade the
motives OF my past ife by changes concealmeRts of
opinions maturey formed upon great national ques-
on for the unworthy purpose of increasing nay chances
for political promotion"
ELECTORAL DISTRICTS.