Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1845-02-26

We have received the National Register"
printed al Washington, Texas on the 18th Janu-
ary which furnishes the debate in the House of
Representatives Of Texas Of the 18th, on The re-
solutions Of a public meeting Of The citizens of
Rusk county, in opposition 10 annexation with
the u. S. The resolutions were secuted on all
sides OF the Honse, although from their respect for
the right OF petition they were only rejected by a
majority OF one. But most OF the Speakers who
sought 10 justify their voting for reference OF the
resolutions, declared themselves vehemently OPP
posed 10 their object The very member who pre-
senled them, (Mr. Gase,) on The part Of portion
of his constituents, declared thai they were con-
trary 10 his own sentiments, and he did not be-
licve that "a tenth man in Rnsk county is OPP
posed 10 annexation" Mr.. Williamson declared
ale did not believe there was member upon
the floor OF lie House who would oppose annex
alton, if offered upon any terms that The United
States would place upon it," Other members
made similar declarations.
The last "Mobie Register publishes very
late letter 10 its Editors from Galveston, Texas
which says That "Texas affairs arc in critical
situation. The news OF the adoption OF the An
nexaion Resolution by the United States House
of Representatives, reached Galveston the other
dav ard was received with general ccnsraiula-
lions BY the friends Of annexation. In this place
there is a strong party opposed 10 annexation
upon any terms. But most Of these ADM: the
feeling OF The interior 10 be strongly, nearly und-
videdly ior the measure. Congress was all but
unanimous in both Houses, as declared by The
direct vote in one House, and several collateral
votes in The other But this is by no means an
indication that the feeling is permanent, and may
not be soon changed Members who voted for
annexation have told me, that the vote was more
an indication Of sentiment in favor Of The United
Slales, and in part a rebuke Of the supposed dis
position Of The Executive OF Texas 10 thwart pen
ding measures, than a proof that another Con-
sress here, under altered circumstances, would
present majority at ALL in favor ofanncxation.
1t amounts 10 declaration, that nor, and while
the Congress Of the United States are engaged in
discussing the terms which they will propose 10
Texas-Texas is willing and ready for admis-
sion, and will not cavi about terms. But there
is not little dissatisfaction at the subordinate
part which Texas is made 10 assume in n great
political game in The United States; and there
are new circumstances, which, under another dis
appointment and rcpulse may turn the senl-
men, of affection for the United States into indf-
ference, and give another policy the prepon-
derancc Indeed il is understood in Texas, that
Great Britain has materially modified some Of
her views, and is disposed 10 guarantee Texas
independence, without any conditions. The Tex
an Minister 10 England (Ashbel Smith, has re-
turned since the leSdn CODSTCSS duJOUrDeu ana
have reason to believe from what | consider
reliable authority, that he bears general pledge
from The British Government for the indcpen-
dencc Of Texas against Mexico, without any
condition, relating to slavery, commercial ad-
van,ases, or am other stipulation than The re-
lection of union with The United States.
1t seems undcnablc that great Britain stands
ready 10 make any concession, and extend any
aid which Texas may need or ask TO prevent an
nexation, and from what have seen, ain also
persuaded thai a rising OF your Congress without
determination of The question: will turn many
warm annexatonisls here into very lukewarm
friends, or decided friends of different Stale po-
Icy. With such prospects Of a permenent SCI
Element Of their government upon secure basis
Of independence is it likely that men of pride,
intelligence and spirit will wait contenledy 10 be
made The sport OF contendins parties in The u.
States? Iwish these things were well understood
in the United States, particularly at Washing
ton"
Let us not then, be sure Of catching the bird
hereafter. Let her slip through our fingers now.
and We may not have the same opportunity Of
securing the precious prize.