The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-06-03
A CASE SUPPOSED.


's.ameicaa' spirit Some Gifts statements are, il is
true, confused-some few Of them are Incorrect; but
the tone which we now understand it to take in the
only case to which we attach the slightest conse-
quence, is sufficient to redeem its errors, and
mand our appreciation.
In the first place, we have been somewhat at cross
questions with the "American." He misunder-
stands us, because, perhaps, we misunderstood
him.
We understood him to take the case when the San
nexaton measure" was so far Sin progress that
our propositions had been accepted by Congress
and by the conventions; but that the constitution of
Texas was not yet accepted by our Congress.
What then would we have our government to do
in case of an invasion by Mexico, supported as it
might be by British feet This was the case
which we understood him to assume as the basis of
his interrogatory on Saturday; and which startled
us so much proceeding from the lips ofan Ameri-
cam who had the slightest doubt in his mind as to the
course which we should pursue. This mornings
American, after reminding us that this has not
yet occurred--that our "proposton has not yet
been acted upon by the Texan government"
proceeds to give, as we have no doubt an incorrect
version Of the present state of the question.
Hesat fault for example, upon the present state of
the relations between Texas and the United States
and upon the course which events are likely to
assume 1t is true that propositions have not yet
been (inally) acted upon by the Texian govern
ment; but who doubts that they will be finally
accepted Why does the 'American" talk about
there being ono manifestation on the part Of that
fof In
nay, that there indications, and very strong Ones
that the government Of .7sras is ,moiiiing to accept
the proffered annexation Witness the treaty with
Mexico for separate independence"
"Does not the american" perceive, and If it does
see it, why does it not notice the complete change
which has come over the action of the Texian
government Has it not been struck with the last
proclamation of President Jones, and the terms in
which pit is couchedi and will it be good as to
read the Interpretation which the "National
Register gives to it, in the article which we lay be-
fore our readers this EVENING" Who now attaches
the least consequence to the late alleged movements
of Mr. Jones, or to the recent negotiations Of Capt
Elliott with Mexico'
The "Ameroan'' asks, further, "Are we to draw
distinctions between the government Of Texas and
the people of Texas All, it was with this very
point in view that we proposed the question which
seems TO have rufled the patriotic sensibies Of
the official journal" We know not why it was that
the American put its question But why should it
moot such question at all We draw no distinc-
tons between the government and the people. They
are now, in the present case, one and indivisible
They both intent annexation, and the President
is uniting all his own exertions with the energies
of his people Why, too, ask: "If the treaty Of
independence between Mexico and Texas should be
ratified by the constitutional authorities of the Tex
ian government, are we TO infer that the United
States will regard it nullityi" The "Americann
might as well ask, Suppose the sky were to fall:
should we not catch larks'" We moot no such
questions, because they are founded in a visionary
hypothesis, as the 18th of June will fully attest;
but we are free to say that if such case should oc-
cur, if the government Of Texas should ratify the
treaty with the appreciation of the people, should
be compelled to respect it accordingly.
1t is unnecessary for us to discuss the question
which the "American' is pleased to put to us as to
what we would do, in this intermediate stage of the
discussion, before the Congress of Texas has assem-
bed to ratify our propositions. Such case is not
likely to happen. But the only question which is
calculated to invite discussion, is the which we
proposed on Saturday, and which we now beg leave
to place before the "American." Suppose Congress
and the convention have accepted our propositions
the one about the middle of June, and the other
on the 4th of Juy--and Mexico should invade
Texas, and British feet should support the
movement what then would the " American
proposei Suppose sour relations with Texas
are no longer 'hus indefinite" as the american
| supposes, but defined by our propositions made,
accepted by Texas, (and one doubts that next
Congress will carry them out in good faith:) then
comes the question, will the "Amercan' and the
wing press, and the wings. in that case stand by
their country This may occur; and is the
american prepared to meet III Will it then say
we must defend the soil of Texas against the in
truder, or we must wait until the Congress of the
United States can come together or are we to infer
what the "Americann would do from the general
language it employs, that "while our relations with
Texas are thus indefinite, the nterposton of a
European power is new element in the business;
and toward such intruder the language of our
government should be emphatic and decsive'"
And again: "The real point which the admins
traton meet is the interposition of the powers
of Europe in the public affairs of this continent. II
England and France are to settle the balance of
power in America, il is time we had received notice
to prepare for such humiliation"
There is spirit apparently breaking forth
through these expressions, which, unless we mis-
take their import, we are prepared to hail with
pleasure and with pride.
STEAMBOAT EXPLOSION.
| -. l.an,, ,,ol;,oI,, c..u:.l.I AZ u-u a