The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-12-19

into the Union. These resolutions pursue the
usual course adopted by Congress in preparing the
way for the admission Of new States, SO far as
the existing relations between the two republics
will permit. Should Texas assent to the terms
and conditions proposed by them, the faith Of
the government Of the United States then becomes
pledged for her admission into the Union, and
the act of Congress redeemng this pledge will
follow as a necessary. consequence. The Presi-
dent can perceive no good reason why this union,
so long desired by the people of the two republics,
may not be contaminated within a brief period
after the commencement of the next session of
Congress- Nothing can prevent this happy result
but the determination Of Texas TO change and mod
ify the conditions presented by these resolutions;
and you cannot too earnestly warn the gov
eminent of that republic against the unhappy con-
sequences which may flow from such policy.
Should any of these conditions appear to be un-
reasonable, she may rely with confidence upon the
clknown justice and lberality of her sister States
to change modify them after she ahall have been
restored to the bosom Of our republican family.
The great object now to be accomplished-that
which far transcends all other objects in impor-
tance-is her prompt admission into the Union.
This once accomplished, all other subordinate ques-
tons can be easily and satisfactorily arranged
trusts that the government Of Texas may take this
view Of the subject, and not suffer the reunion be-
tween the two countries to be delayed or defeated
by the nterposton of minor questions, which, in
the natural course Of events, will settle themselves
hereafter.
Should Texas refuse her assent to the terms and
conditions Of the two first resolutions or present
new conditions for the acceptance of Congress, we
then again at sea, and the Of the great
measure may be placed in jeopardy These new
conditions may become the subject of earnest and
angry debate before Congress, the friends of the
admission of Texas may be divided in opinion re-
garding them; and thus the great work Of union
may be almost indefinitely postponed. Should the
Congress of the United States after debate which
may be protracted until near the termination of the
next session, reject all or any of the conditions
which may be proposed by Texas, these must be
again referred back for the decision Of the govern
ment Of that republic. This must produce long
delay in her admission into the Union. Indeed
nothing could be more tedious and embarrassing
than such an exchange Of conditions and PROPOSE.
tons between the Legislative authorities Of the two
governments, and nothing would have stronge,
end in arrangement. The two governments might
thus involve themselves in inextricable labyrinth
of confusion, and be finally compelled to commence
the great work anew which may now so happily
and so soon be completed The confident expecta.
| ton of the President that Texas would postpone
all minor questions, and consent to an immediate
admission into the Union on the terms proposed
was one Of tho prevailing reasons for his preference
of the two first resolutions.
But cannot mode be suggested entirely consist.
Will OF lexdb intO the
Union, by which she may obtain all that she can
reasonably desires If X should be objected to thai
portion of the conditions proposed which necessa-
rly deprives her of her revenue from customs, with
out furnishing her the means of paying her debts
incurred in the war of Independence, that she would
thus be forced into condition of continued insol-
vency, this objection may be easily avoided. Both
national honor and national justice forbid that the
government of the United States should place her
in such position. But the remedy for this evil is
plainly pointed out by the relative condition of the
two countries. Whilst the President cannot con-
sent that this government should assume the debts
of Texas, nothing is more easy than for her con-
| venton to make distinct and independent proposi-
ton to the government of the United States, the al
most certain acceptance of which by Congress
would relieve her from this embarrassment.
The public lands of Texas ought unquestionably
to belong to the United States This is equally due
to the prosperity of Texas and to that Of the other
States within whose limits there are public lands
Our land system has worked admirably in practice,
and has met the appreciation of the world. Equal
and exact justice to all the States requires that all
the public lands should be subject to the control OF
the federal government, and that they should be adj
ministered under a uniform system. Besides, the
peace of the whole country, as well as the security
Of Texas, demands that this government alone
should possess the power of extinguishng the In
dian title within her limits, and have the absolute
and exclusive control over the Cumanches and other
fierce and warlike tribes which now roam over her
territory The United States must incur the ex-
pense and bear the burden of wars with these tribes
and they ought, therefore, TO possess tho power OF
preserving peace, and regulating all our relations
with them. In short, it is indispensable that our
Indian policy should be extended over Texas.
Under these circumstances, why may not the
convention which will assemble to form constitu-
ton for Texas submit distinct proposition to Con-
gress to ccde to the United States all her public
lands and the exclusive Jurisdiction over the Indians
l - - l.
quate sum of money! The amount may be the sub
ject of future agreement. Whilst this would enable
Texas to pay her debts, it would extend our land
system and our Indian system to territory which
they ought to embrace. Such proposition would
be so Just and reasonable in itself, so consonan
with the established policy the United States, and
SO beneficial to Texas, that scarcely doubt exists
but that it would receive the sanction of Congress
The President would strongly recommend it to Con
gress in the confident hope that would receive the
appreciation of that enlightened body.
| Presented as distinct proposition, in no manner
connected with the question Of admission and aftei
this question shall have been decided favorably, he
does not apprehend that it would encounter any Sc
| rous opposition. But if this were made condition
of admission, members who are honestly and con
scientously hostile to the measure might oppose il
for the purpose of defeating or delaying the accom-
plishment OF an object which they deem injurious tc
| the country.
In every aspect in which the President has view
ed this subject, he believes that the paramount qucs
ton of admission be best settled, and the JUS
rights of Texas can be best secured, by her accept
ance, without qualification, Of the terms and cond
tons proposed by the first two resolutions; and h,
therefore confidently expects that you will exer
your well-known ability and energy to secure thi,
auspicious result by every honorable means within
| your power.
herewith transmit to you the copy Of a note
dated on the 9th inst, addressed to this department
| hui AIn,onte fhe a. apf
| minister plenipotentiary Of the Mexican republic
together with copy of my answer Of this date
These notes require no comment. They will speak
for themselves. You will perceive that they furnish
powerful additional reason in support Of the argu
ments already advanced, why Texas should consent
| TO be admitted into the Union, without proposing
any embarrassing conditions which might render
long delay inevitable
am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
A. J. DoNELsoN, esq, &c, &C., &c.