Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1845-12-11

Z
rest with US in maintaining the freedom oil
/ the seas--the country which, by the ces-
sion of Louisiana, first opened 10 US access
+ 10 the Gulf Of MeXico--the country with
which we have been every year drawing
more and more closely the bonds Of sue
cessful commerce-most Unexpectedly,
and to our unfeigned regret, took part in
an effort 10 prevent annexation, and 10 i'm
pose on Texas, as a condition of the re-
| cogniiion Of her independence by Mexico,
that she should never join herself TO the
! United States. We may rejoice that the
tranquil and pervading influence of the
American principle Of sel.-goyernment
was sufficient 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 a
peaceful and effective rebuke. From this
example, European governments may
learn how vain diplomatic arts and in
trigues must ever prove upon this conti-
nent against that system Of selt-govern-
ment which seems natural 10 our soil, and
which will ever resist foreign interference.
Towards Texas, / do not doubt that a
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
clone star" 10 our glorious constellation.
regret TO inform you that our relations
with Mexico, since your last session, have
not been of the amicable character which
i, is our desire to cultivate with all foreign
nations. On the 9th day of March last.
the Mexican envoy extraordinary and
minister plenipotentiary to the United
States made formal protest. in the name
Of his government, against the joint reso-
luton passed by Congress, "for the annex
alton of Texas TO the United States. "
which he chose to regard as a violation Of
the rights of Mexico, and, in consequence
of it, he demanded his passports. He was
informed that the government Of the Uni
ted States did not consider this joint reso-
luton as violation of any of the rights OF
Mexico, or that il afforded any just cause
of offence 10 his government; that the Re-
public of Texas was an independent Pow
er, owing no allegiance to Mexico, and
constituting no part of her territory or right
full sovereignty and jurisdiction. He was
also assured that it was the sincere desire
of this government TO maintain with that
of Mexico relations Of peace and good I'M
Outstanding. That functionary, however,
notwithstanding these representations and
assurances, abruptly terminated his mis-
sion, and shortly afterwards left the coun-
try. Our Envoy Extraordinary and Min
lister Plenipotentiary TO Mexico was refus-
ed all official intercourse with that govern
nent, and, after remaining several months
by the permission Of his own government,
he returned to the United States. Thus,
by the acts of Mexico, all diplomatic in
tercourse between the tive countries was
suspended.
Since that time Mexico has, until re-
Gently, occupied an attitude Of hostility
towards the United States-haS been mar
shalling and organizing armies, issuing
proclamations, and avowing the intention
to make war on the United States, either
by an open declaration or by invading
Texas. Both the Congress and Conven-
ton of the people Of Texas invited this go.
vernment to send an army into that tern
tory, to protect and defend them against
the menaced attack. The moment the
terms Of annexation, offered by the United
States, were accepted by Texas, the latter
became so far q part OF our own country,
as to make it duty to afford such protec-
ton and defence. | therefore deemed il
proper as a precautionary measure, TO or
der strong squadron to the coasts of Mex.
leo, and to concentrate an efficient militia
nv force on the western frontier of Texas
+ Our army was ordered to take position in
the country between the Nueces and the
Del Norte, and to repel any invasion Of the
! Texan territory which might be attempt
ed by the Mexican forces. Our Squadron
in the gulf was ordered to cooperate with
the army. But though our army and ma
w were placed in that position to defend
our own, and the rights of Texas, they
were ordered to commitn no act OF hostility
against Mexico, unless she declared war
or was herself the aggressor by striking the
first blow. The result has been, that Mex
ico has made no aggressive movement
and our military aud naval commanders
have executed their orders with such des-
creGon, that the peace Of the two .repub-
lies has not been disturbed.
Texas had declared her independence,
and maintained it by her arms for more
than nine years. She had an organized
government in successful operation during
that period. Her separate existence, as
anindependent State, had been recognised
by the United States and the principal
Powers Of Europe. Treaties o(commerce
and navigation had been concluded with
her by different nations, and 1t become
manifest to the whole world that any fur
ther attempt on the part of Mexico TO con
quer her, or overthrow her government
would be vain. Even Mexico herself hao
become satisfied OF this fact, and whilst the
question Of annexation was pending before
the people of Texas, during the past sum-
mer, the government of Mexico by for
NAL act, agreed 10 recognise the indepen,
dence of Texas on condition that she woulc
not annex herself TO any other Power
The agreement 10 acknowledge the indie
pendenc of Texas, whether with or with
out this condition, is conclusive agans
Mexico. The independence Of Texas is
r ln~..lE Il