The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1845-03-14
THE OTTAWA FREE TRADER.

we'll as the interests of the whole
Union, would be promoted by it.
| In the earlier ages of our national exis-
tence, the opinion prevailed with some,
1 that our system of confedera,ed States
could not operate successfully over an ca
tended territory. and serious objections
have. at different times, been made TO the
enlargement of our boundaries. These
objections were earnestly urged when we
acquired Louisiana. Experience has
shown that they were not well founded.
The title OF numerous Indian tribes to
vast tracts Of country has been ex,inguish-
ed. New States have been admitted into
the Union; new territories have been
created, and our jurisdiction and laws ex-
tended over them. AS our population has
expanded. the Union has been cemented
and strengthened; as our boundaries have
been enlarged. and our agricultural popu-
laiion has spread over large surface. our
ledcraiive system has acquired additional,
strength aud security. 1t may well be
doubted whether it would not be in great,
er danger OF overthrow If our present pop
u!ation were confined to the narrow linn
it's Of the original thirteen States, than 1t
is now tina, they are sparsely settled over
more expanded territory. 1t is conf
IDENTITY believed that our system may be
safely extended to the utmost bounds of
our territorial limits aud that, as it shall
be extended. the bounds of our Union, so
far from being weakened, will become
stronger.
None can fail to see the danger 10 our
safety and future peace, if Texas remains
an independent State, or becomes an ally
or dependency of some foreign nation
more powerful than herself. Is there one
among our citizens who would not prefer
perpetual peace with Texas, to occasion
al wars, which so often occur between
bordering independent nations! Is there
one who would not prefer free intercourse
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 no! prefer an unrestricted
communication with her citizens, TO the
! frontier Instructions which must occur if
she remains out Of the Union Whatev-
err 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 presen. States will be res
ponsible for them, any more than they
are for the local institutions Of each other.
They have con(ederated together Tor Ger.
tain specified objects.
Upon the same principle that they
would refuse TO form perpetual union
with Texas, because Of her local instltu
tons, our foreiathers would have been
prevented from forming our present Uni
ON. Percelving no valid objection to the
measure, and many reasons for its adop-
ton, 'vitalIy affecting the peace, the safe
ty, and the prosperity of both countries,
shall, on the broad principle which form
ed the basis and produced the adoption
OF our constitution, and not in any mar
row spirit Of sectional policy, endeavor,
by all constitutional, honorable, and ap-
propria!e means, TO consummac the ex-
pressed will of the people and govern
ment of the United States, by the re-an-
nexaton Of Texas to our Union al the
earliest practicable period.
Nor will it become in less degree my
duty TO assert and maintain by all consti-
tuional means, the RICH, Of tho United
States to that portion of our territory
which lies beyond the Rocky mountains.
Oar title to the country Of the Oregon is
''cear and unquoslionable )" and already
are our people preparing 10 perfect that
title, by occupying it with their wives and
children. But eighty years ago. our pop
uIa,ion was confined on the West by the
ridge of the Alleghenies. Within that
period-wilhin the lifetime, might say
Of some OF my hcarcrs-our people, in
creasing 10 many millions, have filed the
eastern valley of the Mississippi; adven-
turously assembled the Missouri to its
head springs; and are already engaged in
establishing the blessings of seli-govern.
ment in valleys which flow to the Pa
cilic. The world beholds the peaceful
iriumphs of the industry of our emgrants.
TO us belongs the duty of protecting
them, adequately, wherever they may be
upon our soil. The jurisdiction of our
laws. and the benefits of our republican
institutions, should be extended over them
in the distant regions which they have Sc
leced for their homes. The increasing
facilities of intercourse will easily bring
the States, Of which the formation in that
part of our territory canno, be long de-
layed, within the sphere Of our lederailve
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