The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-07-26

Nho tlloJ Vi ACAaoe Will Lio iSHbioitOhS
for men and money ia carry these
threats into execution, were but means
and pretexts calculated to mislead the
people and turn public attention from
himself, and thereby rivet upon them
still tighter the chains Of slavery. And
it satisfied them that Mexico as then
organized, so far as her diplomatic re-
latlons with this republic was concern
ed, was but the slave of England; that
her rights were trampled upon, and
that her wrongs could not be redressed
but by an instant and entire revolution
of the government.
That revolution produced change
of leaders--a change of advisers--a
change of principle and change of
policy. Freedom and independence is
at once voluntarily rendered to Texas,
and thereby the object Of your mission
gained. All just cause of Dar by their
own act, if any doubt existed before,
instantly disappears, and if it should
follow it will be war of aggression
upon the part of Mexico, and upon
ours that of defence, and in the defence
of our rights we are unconquerabe--
"thrice armed is he whose cause is
just"
Texas is now peacefully and happily
united to this republic, the star spangled
banner has now spread its protecting
folds over the lone star, and the PIN
ions of our national motto now float
undisturbed to the banks Of the Rio Del
Norte, with an eve ever watchful for
the protection Of freedom, and for the
advancement Of republican principles,
she casts an anxious glance over the
territoy beyond.
We regret to find few aspiring in
dividuals, and but few, disposed to de-
tract from the high stand you have just
ly acquired in the discharge Of your du-
ties as Minister to Mexico, but we can
assure you that they have not with
them the evidence of public opinion
they have served you unintentionaIly
a valuable purpose--they have turned
the public mind to an examination OF
the whole matter, the dangers and dit
ficulties attending the mission--the re-
ation existing between the two gov
ernments at the time; and the conse-
quences resulting TO this government
all with your motives and actions
throughout have been weighed in the
scale of well regulated public sentl-
ment, and every good man-every pat
riot-every man who feels proud Of
being an American citizen has and will
approve of the manner in which you
have discharged the duties of that mis-
sion. We sir, vino best know you can
not less than set our seal of appcoba-
ton to the manner in which your whole
duty was performed, nor can we do
less than tender you a thrice happy
welcome home to your family and our
society.
EHaving taken no notes, we give
from recollection, the reply of Gov.
SHANNON, which was nearly as iol
lows:
cannot express to you, my Friends
and Fellow W citizens, the feelings which
at this moment take possession of my
mind, on returning to the green hills of
my native country, my home and val
ued friends. Never, to the latest mo-
ment of my life, can forget the cordial
welcome and greetings, which you
have extended to me on this occasion,
and for which beg you. one and all to
accept my most heartfelt thanks.
ltdoes not become me TO speak OF
the manner in which my duties were
discharged, difficult and arduous as
they were, while in Mexico; but the
flatering terms in which you have al
luded to them, shows clearly that pub
lie agents have only TO perform their
duty, regardless of consequences to
themselves,to meetthe gratitude OF their
patriotic countrymen.
1t has been my lot, within the last
twelve months, to pass through scenes
of the most exciting and dangerous
character. have been amid violence
and revolution. ] have been where
disorder reigned supreme where vice
was encouraged-where virtue was
depressed to the earth. And, when
contrast these things, with the order,
the tranquility land the happy condition
ofmy o wn countrymen. feel proud OF
my native land and its institutions, and
] have been doubly convinced, that we
have the best government on the face
of the globe.
When | left you, Fellow citizens,
had flattered myself tina, possessed at
least an ordinary share Of patriotism.
But what have seen, and what ! have
felt, since that time, has served to in
crease it in a ten-fold degree. No man |