The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-02-24
DEBATE in the U, S. Senate upon
the House Resolves to annex Texas.


him, but he trusted in Him, in whose hands were the
destnies Of nations, aid him to discharge his duty
to tho Senate and to the country.
If no other objection existed against the measure
the simple fact that we have territory enough would
DO sufficient. lie for standing on the old plat
form, on the old territory of our own country.
There was another objection to the measure. 1t
was a violation of national faith. Mexico was still
ally, bound 10 by treaties, and we ought not
to annex part OF her territory contrary to the consent
of Mexico.
III opposed the measure last session, oppose il
now. lf it was unjust and ungcnerous then to at
tack weaker neghboring nation, it is still unjust
Mr. President, every Nation on earth owes it to it,
self TO protect untarnished its National faith Enfee-
bic the claims which we have on the world for Ma
tional faith, and You ruin Country. | am unwil-
ling, them to admit Texas till Mexico has nssented.
But may be told that we have recognized the in
dependence Of Texas, and other nations have done
SO. Are we sure that Mexico can't re conquer Tex
as? But will not dwell on this part of the ques-
ton.
The resolution from the House proposes TO annex
Texas us State, by bare majority, and, what is
worse, by bare majority Of a quorum of both
Houses The correspondence between our Govern
''~'N S''N'
ground for Strengthening domestic institution of
particular section of the country. Coming from a
State, as do. interested in those institutions, will
not consent to have simple majority of Congress
egsa,e for the Strengthening of this institution That
would give strength to another and antagonist party,
and would not give any excuse for such result
The measure proposed takes every thing rom Tex
as but her public lands 1t takes away her sovcr-
eighty, the last thing to be surrounded by any ma
ton. The creditors of Texas have just lien upon
the public land the the resources the national faith,
OF Texas, and we have no right to take any OF these
away from her.
But will not dwell upon these things l come
now to the great question of the constirutionalty Of
the Resolution from the House. Congress is intend
ed to have domestic Influence. In matters relating
to foreign nations, the treaty-mnking power is the
proper one. The precedents cited on this case prove
that the routy-making power is the proper one in
this
Louisiana introduced by treaty. Upon this
point he quoted opinion from Judge Marshall con-
firmng his position. The next case was Texas itself
treaty presented last session. as the constitu-
iionnl manner, and voted on as the constitutional
manner. The general voice Of the Senate was in
favor of the constitutional power annex by treaty
1t remains then, for the friends Of this measure to
prove that Congress has concurrent power.
Has Congress then, the power to annex Texas as |
a new State, according TO the Constitution? (Nlr
Buchanan said, "Th,t's the ques,ion'') My friend /
from Pennsy lvania says "1hat's the question:" and
to that question propose call his particular aen-
lion. (Air VI. here went into lucid explanation of
the meaning Of the Constitution relative 10 the sd-
mission Of a State)
The Constitution Of the United States was intend |
ed for the people Of the United States and those
who should be hereafter the people of the United
States 1t was not intended to apply to foreign
States 1t was intended TO apply mira terriiorum-
The great apostle of Democracy (Jeferson) in n |
letter written August 30th takes this ground-that |
the Constitution, authorizing Congress to admit new
States, did not sPp'y to foreign Territory. He ex-
pressly declares that the Constitution did not conem-
plate admission Of States from other Empires The
great Coryphoeus, he has been called of the De-
mocracy, went against the construction which is now
which he called 'broad construction -
In these days, when the Democracy is Triumphant,
don't knew that have any right TO claim 10 belong
10 any school of Democracy Blu, thought was |
educated in the school of Jeferson--aud think his
opinion is worthy of regard now.
But let us see what would be some of the conse- !
son calls 1t. Suppose we can annex Texas, we can |
also annex Cuba-(Mr Buchanan 81 wish it was ad-
mited.") But suppose, while the friends of the
Southern Institutions anuexing these, that the
Northern power in Congress may become fanatical
and insist on annexng st. Domingo and Siberia, in
Producing Representatives and Senators of different
trade and color. We should then have some gentle
men who would Immediately become strict cons,itu-
ionasts.
But it has been said that we are yet to have the
member from Patagonia. (Refering to a speech
made in the House of Representatives. Well we |
are told that the Patigonians Cannibals-absoute
Man Eaters. five TO have Cunnibas ammo unced |
on this floor, the floor Of the House. must tend
10 keep awe. China would become the ultima |
Thule Of this "broad constru cton'' Surely there |
must be some limit to this power, and there can be
no limit, unless it is confined the limits of our own
original Territory. Ifyoa Texas, and |
Mexico, and South America, you most assured
y annex Europe.
We have territory enough. Is it not best to lie,
cery well alone! If that spirit of aggression be car
RED out, making this Republic include the Continent