Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1845-12-10
Az soon a. the act 10 admit Texas as

their own voluntary consent.
This accession TO our territory has
been bloodless achievement. No arm
of force has been raised to produce the
result. The sword has had no part 10
the victory. We have not sought to ex-
tend our territorial possessions by con-
quest, or our republican institutions on
yer reluctant people. 1t was the de-
liberate homage of each people to the
great principles of our federative union.
If we consider the extent of territory
;, involved in the annexation its prospec'
tive influence on America-the means
by which 1t has been accomplished,
springing purely from the choice Of the
people themselves to share the blessing
Of our union, the history OF the world
may be challenged to furnish a parallel.
The jurisdiction of the United States,
which at the formation Of the federal con-
stitution, was bounded by the st. Mary's.
on the Atlantic. has passed the Capes
of Florida, and been peacefully exteded
to the Del Norte. In contemplating the
grandeur of this event, it is not to be
forg often that it was achieved in despite
of the diplomatic interference Of Europe-
an monarchies. Even France--the
country which had been our ancient al
ly--lhe country which has common IN
terest with us in maintaining the freedom
of the seas-the country which, by the
cesslon of Louisiana, first opened to us
access to the GuIfof Mexico-the coun-
try with which we have been every year
drawing more and more closely the bonds
Of successful commerce-most unex.
pectedIy, and to our unfeigned regret.
took part in an effort to prevent annexa-
ton, and to impose on Texas, as cons
dition Of the recognition of her inde>
pendence by Mexico, that she would
never join herself to the United States.
We may rejoice that the tranquil and
pervading influence Of the American
principle of self-government was suffi,
cient to defeat the purposes Of British
and French interference, and that the
almost unanimous voice Of the people Of
Texas has given to that interference q
peaceful and effective rebukc. From
this example, European governments
may learn how vain diplomatic arts and
'ntr'gues MIST ever prove upon this con-
tInen:, against that system Of selfgov.
II ernment which seems natural to our soil,
and which will ever resist fore ign inter-
ference.
: Towards Texas, do not doubt that q
liberal and generous spirit will actuate
Congress IN all that concerns her interests
and prosperity, and that she will never
have cause to regret that she has united
her "lone star" to our glorious constela-
ton.
regret to inform you that our relations
+ with Mexico, since your last session, have
not been Of the amicable character which
, it is our desire to cultivate with all foreign
, nations. On the sixth day Of March last,
f the Mexican envoy extraordinaryand min
lister plenipotentiary to the Uuited States
made formal protest, in the name of his
government, against the joint resolution
passed by Congress, "for the annexation
f Of Texas to the United States," which he
, chose to regard as violation Of the rights
of Mexico, and, in consequence of it he
. demanded his passports. He was inform.
ed that the government of the United State:
=. did not consider this Joint resolution as
= violation Of any of the rights of Mexico
or that it afforded any just cause Of offence
9 to his government; that the Republic O
e Texas was an independent power, owing
i. no allegiance to Mexico, and constituting
no part Of her territory or rightful sove
4 reignty and jurisdiction. He was also as
sured that it was the sincere desire Of lhi
f government to maintain with that of Mex
. leo relations Of peace and good understand
:. ing. That functionary, however, notwith
f standing these representations and asuran
>. ces, abruptly terminated his mission, ant
> > shortly afterwards left the country. Ou
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plen
ipotentiary to Mexico was refused all off
cial intercourse with that government, land
after remaining several months, by thu
permission of his own government, he re
n n turned to the United States Thus by th'
u acts of Mexico, all diplomatic intercourse
g between the two countries was suspended.
J. Since that time Mexico has, until recent
u ly, occupied an attitude of hostility toward
Is the United States-has boen marshallns
!, l, and organizing armies, issuing proclama
Il tons, and avowing the intention to make
- war on the United States, either by an opei
. declaration, or by invading Texas. Boil
. the Congress and Convention of the peo
pie of Texas invited this Government t.
}, send an army into that territory, to protec
u and defend them against the menaced at
y tack. The moment the terms of annexa
II tion, offered by the United States, were &C
a cepted by Texas, the latter became so fa
. a part of our own country, as 10 make i
9 our duty to afford such protection and de
= fence. | therefore deemed it proper, as
u precautionary measure, to order strong
Q squadron TO the coasts Of Mexico, and tc
J concentrate an efficient military force OF
l. the western frontier Of Texas. Our army
: was ordered to take position between the