The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1845-02-18
ANNEXATION OF TEXAS.
SPEECH OF MR.. BUCHANAN,
OF Pennsylvania,
In Senate,

FEBRUARY IA, l645.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the joint
resolution for the annexation of Texas when
Mr.. BUCHANAN, of Pennsylvania, rose and ad-
dressed the Senate nearly as follows
am deeply impressed with conviction of the
vast importance of the present question Shall Con-
gress, to the language of the Constitution admit
the New State of Texas into this Union or shall
Texas maintain the position of an independent Pow
err Shall we exhibit in our history those mutual
jealousies and wars which have ever been the mis-.
fortune of nelghbor,ng and rival nations Shall the
lone star of Texas be blended with our glorious con
stellation, and shed its benign influence over the
length and breadth of our land or, comet-ke, shall
1t threaten diseases, pestilence, and war" to our
Unioni
again occur in our history for many centuries that
legislative body Is called upon to decide question
which must exercise such important Influence for
ages to come, both on the fate Of this North Amer-
can Continent and Of the whole world. Wars may
be waged by ambition, and countries may be deIuged
with blood but bounteous nature soon repairs the
devastation. The field Of Waterloo is now covered
with cheerful green, and the happy cutvator of the
soil drives his plough ahead the plain where
but few short years ago The hostile armies of all
Europe fought the most terrible battle recorded in
history. The devastation has passed away, and no
trace OF il remains. But should Texas become an
independent rival Power, should foreign influence
be excrted over her counse, it most certainly will
be, to disseminate disseDsons between her and
selves the fatal effects will live long as the two
nations shall endure. Texas will remain either TO
bless us by reunion and to promote harmony among
the Anglo-American race or like the Philistnes TO
the lsareles Of old, be perpetual thorn in the side
OF this Republic.
For my own part rejoice that my humble name
has in small degree been connected with this ques-
ton shall eDdeavor to elevate myself TO its high
standard shall endeavor to soar above all personal
party Jesousies, above all sectional feelings and
treat IT as purely national question. 1t is matter
Of comparatively small importance 10 the country by
whom this great boon is acquired, that it shall be
secured.
Texas first offered herself to us in 1897, and was
then rejected by the Executive, Government 10 that
decision, under the circumstances then existing
heartily coDcurred. In 1874 she again offered her
self but the treaty was rejected by the Senate 1t
has been now proposed to admit her into the Union
by act OF Congress- and the House Of
have passed the bill The entire responsibility of her
rejection again devoves upon the Senate RI we q
third time turn deaf to her application the Cd.
portunity may be gone forever.
Mr.. Is. went on to say that il he had been consult
ed IN the preparation Of these resolutions for the nd
mission OF Texas, there provisions now in
cluded IN them 10 which he should have objected -
He concurred with the honorable Senator from EN-
lucky Mr. Morehead in the opinion that the United
Stales Government ought to have control over the
public lands of Texas that we should also have the
and that she should cede her public domain TO the
United States Nor did he like the provision tina,
Texas was to be consulted in the creation of ne "
States from her territory But let the resolutions mas,
as they stood, and we could do justice Texas and
to ourselves hereafter He considered il unjust To de
prve her OF her revenue from custom houses and OF
all her public property, without making any provision
which would enable her to pay her debts Nor did
he approve the granting to her all her public domain
this ought to be coded TO the United States for q fa
equivalent But, he had said BEFORE let us but oh
tain the precious boon Of her admission and all n,no
difficulties could readily be adjusted at the prope
time.
Mr.. B. said he was greatly pleased with the first i
, this series Of resolutions, because it provided To
immediate admission, so far that was practicable
For, was it not matter of vast importance that
question which had sgitated this Union for wear
past which bad disturbed our social peace which
had fomented feelings OF strife and personal epmty
raising up man against man, from end of ou
country to the other and which, he undertook to saw
had been decided by The people at the late Presiden
tIsl election, should soon practicable be put
rest
They had heard, and should hear again. a. be-,
happened when Louisiana was admitted, threats O
the dissolution of the Union doubtless the emi.ss
4 ries of dscord would be busy until the aeitstin
A question should have been decided; but now a. then
these lowering clouds would pass from the politica
heavens; we should all again worship together at thu
sacred altar Of union and those who had been loud
sst in their opposition would find that their own Tor
tons d the couptry were The largest sharers in M
blessings sDd benefits of this great national msssurs
: What, he asked. would Now England have bee,
without the acquisition Of LouisiaDai Bold, brave