Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1845-12-06
THE ADMISSION OF TEXAS.

this lecture on the defensibe state of the country =
THE ADMISSION OF TEXAS
Bosros DAiL1 ADvnRTisER on NOVEMBER 81
The people of this State are solicited to give their
signatures to protest to be presented to the Con-
gress of the United States against the admission of
Texas to the Union as States +" with Consttu-
ton which establishes and perpetuates slavery and
the slaye-trade This, it appears to us, is likely
to be a very fruitless effort. There was a time
when an effort on the part of those opposed to the
admission of Texas to the Union as a slave State,
or any other State, judiciously directed, might
fairly be expected to have effective influence In
preventing such an event. But the time when any
further expression of popular opinion on the subject
can have any effect is in opinion, now gone by
The measure, it is true, is not fully consummated
Certain measures for completing the admission of
this foreign territory to the Union as State yet
REQUIRE the concurrent action of both Houses of Con-
gress. If it were supposable that the members elect
of that body had not already made up their minds
upon the question about to be presented to them,
far as its bearings can be distinctly known at this
PERIOD or that they need 70 be informed Of the sent
ments of their constituents upon it, there might be
some use in making known those sentiments by
memorials. But the members Of the Congress about
to assemble have been recently elected with full
an understanding between the electors and their
candidates. of their respective views on this subject
as can ever happen in a case of this nature.
There is every probability that the question Of
the admission Of Texas as State will come up in
form in which opposition, however earnestly made
and whatever the nature of the objections to it. will
be unavailng In such case, protests and evidences
of popular excitement in certain limited portions Of
the Union will have no more effect than the idle
wind. Those members who are opposed to the an
nexatioh, Ia minority, we fear, in both branches Of
Congress,) if the question presents itself in form
which shall make it proper and expedent for them
to oppose it, will of course do SO, and with as much
effect without the aid Of memorials and protests as
with it.
In paper called the Free STATE Rally, published
by the Massachusetts State Texas Committee"
we find published the two following letters from
gentlemen who, for the reasons stated by them re-
spectivey have declined to subscribe the proposed
protest. These reasons appear to us entirely salts
factory. The committee, however, are unsatisfed
with them, and have replied to these notes at con-
siderable length in the paper above-named:
Bosros, NovEmBEm z, Is45.
Mr. DEAR Sin; beg acknowledge the receipt Of your
noe with paper for my signature for the Congress of the
United States protesting against the annexation of Texas
have, you know, opposed the annexation Of Texas and
continued my opposition TO that long an
open question deem further action the subject my
part useless, majority Of the people have decided in favor
Of annexation, and that Texas virtually composes
part Of Union | must therefore, decline your propo
son, and remain, dear sir very faithfully your friend and
obedient servant, ABBOTT LAWRENCE.
To the Hon. G. +. ADAMS.
BosToS, NOVEMBER 10, lS45.
GENTLEMEN have received circular with your sigma
c.L
the taken by the Massachusetts, Texas Commit
tee, and requesting early
With this last request, coming from gentlemen for whom
have individually the highest personal respect feel bound in
courtesy comply cannot however, take part
in this Texas For all practical purposes far
the people concerned consider the question set
tied. have opposed il and contributed funds oppose it,
long there appeared to be chance Of preventing it.
Massachusetts, has done her duty and her Senators and Re
representatives. will continue do theirs Beyond that can
not think good policy efforts upon the i'm.
possible.
observe amongst the parties to this movement great
number If not majority Of those who have distinguished
themselves members Of the Abolition party Now, be-
eve fathers did wisely in establishing the the
States under the existing Constitution is at least ques-
tonable whether the Abolition movement reconciabe with
duty under that Constitution AT any rate that movement as
conducted was calculated in my opinion produce and
has produced nothing but evil has banded the South
solid phaanx in resistance to what they consider mper
tnent and unusfabe interference with their own peculiar
rights and business II has thus exasperaed their feelings,
and by Its operation their fears has increased the severity
Of the slave laws Il has postponed the period Of emancpa
ton in the northern slave States which fast pen
ing for that event Finally, by its political action, has Sc
cured the election Of Mr. Polk and the admission Of Texas
into the Union.
cannot syrnpahze with their cry OF "Accurscd be the
Union, and cannot but regret Of the sentiments
contained in the documents enclosed to cannot furnish
funds to aid in their dissemination. With much respect
am, gentlemen, your most obedent servant,
". APPLETON.
Hon. c. r. ADAMS, ]. g. PALFaxr, G. SUMsER.