Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1845-03-13

Uul SdICt1 uuu 4otusS PSN~> >AoS
remains an Independent State, or be-
comes an ally or dependency of some
foreign nation more powerful than her
self. Isthereo one among our citizens
who would not prefer perpetual peace
with Texas, to occasional wars, which
so often occur between bordering inde-
pendent nations? Is there one who
would not prefer free intercourse with
her, to high duties on all our products
and manufactures which enter her ports
or cross her frontiers? Is there one
who would not prefer an unrestric-
ted communication with her citizens,
to the frontier distractions which must
occur if she remains out of the Union?
Whatever is good or evil in the local
institutions of Texas, will remain her
own, whether annexed to the United
States or not. None of the present
States will be responsible for them, amy
more than they are for the local institu-
tons of each other. They have con-
federated together for certain specified
objects. Upon the same principle that
they would refuse to form a perpetual
union with Texas, because of her local
Institutions, our forefathers wouldshave
been prevented from forming our pres
ent Union. Perceiving no valid OBJ
lection to the measure, and many rea-
sons for its adoption, vitally affecting
the peace, the safety, and the prospect
ty of both countries, l shall, on the
broad principle which formed the basis
and produced the adoption Of our con-
stltution, and not in any narrow spirit
Ct sectional policy, endeavor, by all
,stitutional, honorable, and appro-
pr, tie means, to consummate the ex-
pressed will of the people and govern
ment of the United States, by the re-an-
nexation of Texas to our Union at the
earliest practicable period. ss a-
Nor will it become in less degree
my duty to assert and maintain, by all
constitutional means, the right of the
United States to that portion of our
territory which lies beyond the Rocky
mountains. Our title TO the country
of the Oregon is "clear and unques-
tionable;;" and already are our peo-
pie preparing to perfect that title, by
occupying it with their wives and chill
dren. But eighty years ago, our pop
ulation was confined on the west by
the ridge of the Alleghanies. Within
that period-within the lifetime, l
might say, of some of my hearers-our
people, increasing to many millions,
have filed the eastern valley of the
Mississippi; adventurously assembled
the Missouri to its head springs; and
are already engaged in establishing the
blessings of self-government in valleys,
of which the rivers flow to the Pacific.
The world beholds the peaceful tri-
umphs of the industry ofouremigrants.
TO us belongs the duty of protecting
them, adequately, wherever they may
be upon our soil. The jurisdiction of
oar laws, and the benefits of our re-
publican institutions, should be extern
ded over them in the distant regions
which they have selected for their
homes. The ;ncreasiong facilities of
intercourse will easily bring the States
of which the formation in that part of
our territory cannot be long delayed,
within the sphere of our federative u
Mon. In the mean time, every obliga-
ton imposed by treaty or conventional
should be sacredlv respec-
ted.
In the management of our foreign
relations, it will be my aim to observe
a careful respect for the rights of other
nations, while our own will be the sub
ject of constant watchfulness. Equal &
exact justice should characterize all
our intercourse with foreign countries.
All alliances having tendency TO Jeo-
pard the welfare andhonor of our coun-
try, or sacrifice any one ofthe national
interests, will be studiously avoided;
and vet no opportunity will be lost to
cultivate a favorable understanding
with foreign governments, by which our
navigation and commerce may be ex-
and the ample products Of
our fertile soil, as well as the manufac-
lures of our skillful artisans, find rea-
dy market and renumerating prices in
foreign countries. !
In taking scare that the laws be
faithfully executed" a strict perform
anoe of duty will be exacted from all
public officers. From those officers,
who are charged with the |
collebtion and disbursement of the pub
lie revenue, will prompt accounta-
bility be required. Any culpable fail
ure or delay on their part to account for
tho moneys intrusted to them, at the
times and in the manner required by |
law, will in every instance, terminate
the official connexion of such defaulting
officer with the government.
IL