Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1845-03-14

the popular branch of Congress are elected for
short terms by the sufirages Of those millions who
must, in their persons bear all the burdens and
mseries of war; our government cannot be other
wise than pacific. Foreign powers should there
fore, look on the annexation of Texas TO the Uni
ted States, not as the conquest of nation seeking
to extend her domnons by arms and violence, but
us the peaceful acquisition of territory once her
own, by adding another member to our confedera-
ton, with the consent Of that member thereby dl
minishing the chances of war; and opening to them
new and ever increasing markets for their products
To Texas the e-union is important; because the
strong protecting arm of our government would be
extended over her, and the vast resources OF her
fertile soil and genial climate would be speedily de-
veloped: while the safety of New Orleans, and of
our whole southwestern frontier, against hostile
aggression, as well as the interests of the whole
Union, would be promoted by it.
In the earlier stages of our national existence,
the opinion prevailed with some that our system Of
confederated States could not operate successfully
over an extended territory, and serious objections
have, at different times been made to the enlarge
ment Of our boundaries. These objections were
earnestly urged when We acquired Louisiana. En-
perience has shown that they were not well found
ed. The title of numerous Indian tribes TO vast
tracts of country has been extinguishcd. New
states have been admitted into the Union; new ter
ritories have been created and jurisdiction and
laws extended over them. As our population has
expanded, the Union has been cemented and
strengthened; as our boundaries have been enlar-
ged, and our agricultural population has been
spread over q large surface, our federative system
has acquired additional strength and security. It
may well be doubted whether it would not be in
greater danger of overthrow if our present popula-
ton were confined to the comparatively narrow lin
its of the original thirteen states that it is, that
they are sparsely settled over more expanded ter
rtory. 1t is confidently believed that our system
l.,
our territorial limits and that, as it shall be eXtcn.
ded, the bonds Of our Union SO far from being
weakened, will become stronger.
None can fail to see the danger to OR safety and
future peace, if Texas remains an independent
State, or becomes all ally or dependency of some
foreign nation more powerful than herself Is there
one among our citizens who would not prefer per-
petual peace with Texas, to occasional wars which
so often occur between bordering Independent ma
tons. Is there one who would not prefer free in
tercourse with her. to high duties on all our pro-
ducts and manufactures which enter her ports or
cross her frontiers? Is there one who would not
prefer an unrestricted communication with her cit
liens, 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 Tor them, any more than they are for
the local institutions of each other. They have
confeGerated together for certain specified objects
Upon the same principle that they would refuse to
form perpetual Union with Texas, because her
local institutions, our forefathers would have been
prevented from forming our present Union. Per
ceving no valid objection to the measure, and ma
ny reasons for its adoption, vitality affecting the
peace the safety, and the prosperity of both
tries shall, on the broad principle which formed
the basis and produced the adoption of our Consti-
tution and not in any spirit of sectional pol
h.,
appropriate means, to consummac the expressed
will of the people and government of the United
States, by the re annexation Of Texas to our Union
at the earliest practicable period.
Nor will it become in less degree my duty to
assert and maintain by all constitutional means the
right of the United States 20 that portion of our
territory which lies beyond the Rocky Mountains
Our title 70 the country of the Oregon is " clear
and unquestionable; !" and already are our people
preparing to perfect that title by occupying with
their wives and their children. But eighty years
ago, our population was confined on The west ridge
of the Alleghanies Within that period-within
the llte-tlme might say, of some OF my hearers
our people, Increasing to many millions, have filled
the eastern valley Of the Mississippi, adventurous.
ly ascending the Missouri to its head springs and
are already engaged in establishing the blessings
OF selt-government in valleys, of which the rivers
flow to the Pacific. The world beholds the peace
tu trinmphs Of the industry of our enigants. To
us belongs the duty of protecting them adequately,
wherever they may be upon our soil The iurisdic-
uon OF our laws and the benefits of our republican
Institutions, should be extended over them in the
distant regions which they have selected for their
homes The increasing 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 fedcratve Union. In the
mean time, every obligation imposed by treaty or
conventional spulations should be sacredly res
pected.
In the management Of our foreign relations it
VIII be my aim to observe careful respect for the
rights Of other Nations, while our own will be the
subject of constant wathfuness. Equal and exact
justice should characterize all our intercourse with
foreign countries All alliances having u tenden-
cy TO leopard the welfare and honor of our country,
or sacrifice any one of the National interests, will
be studlously avoided; and yet no opportunity will
be lost to cultivate favorable understanding with
foreign governments, by which our navigation and
commerce may be extended, and the ample products
OF our fertile soil, as well the manufactures of
our skillfu artlzans, find ready market and renu-
meratng prices in foreign countries.
In taking " care that the laws be faithfully exc
cuted, stict performance of duty will be exacted
from all public officers. From those officers espe.
cially, who are charged with collection and dis
bursenent of the public revenue will prompt and
rigd accountability be required. Any culpable
failure or delay on their part to account for the NON
ey entrusted 10 lheh, at the time, and IN the man
ner required by law, will in every instance, term-
nate the official connection Of such defaulting Off
Ger with the government
Although in our country, the Chief Magistrate
must almost of necessity be chosen by a party,
and stand pledged to its principles and measures,
yet IN his official action, he should not be the Pres
ldent OF part only, but of the whole people of the
United States. While he executes the laws with
an impartial hand, shrnks from no proper response
6ility, and faithfully carries out in the executive
department of the government, the principles and
policy OF those who have chosen him, he should
not be unmindiul that our fellow citizens who have
differed with him in opinion are entitled to the full
and free exercise of their opinions and judgments,
and that the rights of all are entitled to respect and
regard.
Confidently relying upon the aid and assistance
OF the coo ordinate departments of the government
IN conducting our public affairs | enter upon the
discharge of the high duties which have been as
signed me by the people, again humby supplica.