The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-10-09
A LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
SENATOR BAGBY'S COURSE.

Correspondence OF the Journal and Flag.
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
SENATOR BAGBY'S COURSE.
1t has been to me matter Of surprise, and conse-
quenty Of regret to the views and feelings which
have been expressed at several primary meetings,
and in some Of the newspapers in Alabama, con-
corning the course of Senator Bagby upon the Texas
question, at the last session Of Congress Great in
justice has been done to that gentleman, in conse-
quence Of misunderstanding of the actual line of
conduct which he did pursue. Although did not
concur in the policy of his course at the time, yet
am satisfied that those who loud in their CEN
of him. traitorous and unfathf to his trust
greatly misconceive his sentiments, and do not APP
preciate the important effects of the policy he pur
sued.
Az l was present in Washington during the entire
tendency of this question at the last session, and
was an interested spectator Of the many singular
movements and counter-movements touching an
nexation, it is perhaps duty owe to all concern
ed, to place Gov. Bagby's course, as far as ! may,
rightly before the people !,
When the measure of annexation was first broach-
ed at the last session of Congress it found that
there were numerous and conflicting plans for the
accomplishment of that purpose. These set
tied down into two general modes-the one by joint
resolution simple Legislative action; the other by
an exercise of the treay-making power, to be fol-
lowed by congressional approval. This latter plan
had been the one insisted at the previous session
by the advocates of the "ryler treaty'-that is, by
the great body of the democratic party, including
Gov. Bagby. The wings then contended that the
treaty mode was unconstitutional, and that the
measure could not be properly achieved but by the
legislative power ofthe nation. At the last session,
the condition of things was altered; and, strange
enough, both parties now changed sides to consid
cradle extent. The great mass of the democrats,
opposed by the wings, supported the legislative
modes and so the joint resolutions passed the House
of Representatives. When they came to the Senate,
fnund nj the me- of that hodu
mitted against them, in consequence of the discus
sions ON the treaty at the previous sessions Gov.
Bagby was one of these. He had warmly advoca-
ted the treaty plan the only proper and constitu
tonal one, and had voted for the Tyler treaty--a
vote, by-he-by, which then gave great satisfaction
to the people of Alabama. There were several
other democratic senators in the same situation.
Their position was necessarily an unpleasant and
embarrassing one. The wing party, however, with
greater fexibility came to the "right-about wheel"
and took position against the very mode they had
sustained the year before.
To all the lookers-on in Washington, this condi-
ton Of things was exceedingly interesting. The
fate of Texas trembling in the balance Every
influence put in operation to secure the
of the measure. After the closest examination, it
was found that there were sir democratic
tors, embracing Messrs. Benton, Of Missouri, Dix,
of New York, Tappan, of Ohio, Atherton, of New
Hampshire, &c, who would not vote for the House
resolutions; but who would support them, together
with Mr.. johnson, Of Louisiana, if modification,
such as was subsequently adopted, could be Sc
cured. Otherwise, the resolutions and with them
any form of annexation, for that session at least,
must perish In this state of affairs, the of
Gov. Bagby was looked for with much interest, par
tcularly by the citizens Of Alabama who were here
We knew the almost unanimous desire of the peo-
pie Of our State TO accomplish annexation in any
form which was practicable and proper; and felt that
If Gov. Bagby voted against the measure, he would
grossly violate the will of his constituents. With
these feelings, called upon Gov. Bagby, some ten
days before the final vote, and conversed with him
on the subject. He declared that he was honestly
and cordially in favor of annexation; and, both
duty to his constituents and himself would do moth
ing to defeat the measure, but the contrary, in
tended TO take the only course which would secure
its success. He said that there were several sena-
tors whose support could only be gained by an
resolutions, an they stood, seemed bent upon forcing
the measure upon the Senate in this FORM reckless
Of consequences; and that the only plan to prevent
ruin, to meet the advocates of the House reso-
buttons with spirit and determination as decided
their own, and force them to compromise.
did not, at that time, concur in the policy of this
course, and SO informed the governor. He then
sured me that he would, in event, permit his vote
to defeat the measure.
The night of the final passage of the resolutions
presented thrilling in the Senate chamber.
Gov. Bngby had the floor, and proceeded, in a most
plan of annexation by act of Congress, and to adj
vocate the propriety of proceeding by treaty. His
speech was very singular one, and seemed 10
abound in contradictions At one moment, he would
hold out the strongest inducements for the acquis-
ton Of Texas in the abstract; and, in the next, he
would denounce the joint resolutions with the warm.
est invective and sarcasm: The secret purpose of
this course was not understood but by very few of
the spectators. The galleries were crowded with
people, all of whom seemed to be in state of high
excitement In the lobby, you could see, in groups,
the Alabama members Of the House, and others
talking most earnestly, and casting the angriest
glances at the recrean" senator In his large arm
chair, to the right of the Presidents seat Dixon H.
Lewis sat, frowning like Numidian lion. The ex-
citement was universal and most intense. From al
most every lip, the ejaculation uttered, Ttras is
lost!
Some time after Gov. Bagby had concluded this
speech, Senator Walker, Of mississippi, the Ajax
lebanon Of annexation, submitted an amendment
to the House resolutions, providing for the exercise
Of the treaty plan, alternative the option Of
the President. This amendment had been agreed
upon in caucus, by the democrats who were op-
posed to the House resolutions, their ultimafum;
and it was to secure its adoption that Gov. Bagby
made his speech. Il must be confessed that he un-
dertook a dangerous part but it produced the de-
sired effect.
Gov. Bagby's speech has never We. been publish
ed in full; but il was taken down. verbatim by re-
is pubshed, and read with an understanding Of the
facts have stated, il will be regarded as one of the
most cunning and expert pieces Of special pleading
which have ever been made
is now generally conceded in this city, and by
the northern papers, that Gov. Bagby's course Sc
cured the passage Of the resolutions Annexation
would have otherwise been defeated until the next
session of Congress-, if not forever.
There is perhaps another secret connected with
Gov. Bagby's course, which ought to be explained
TO determine his motives Il is well known thai
there was contest between two wings of the demo-
cratic army-the Calhoun and Benton divisions as
they are called-for the honor Of concentrating this
measure. They were both in favor of annexation
upon "proper principles The utmost jealousy and
rivalry existed between these hostile wings. Mel
Their would consent to see the others brow bound
with victorious wreaths." Both were honestly in
favor Of the acquisition of Texas, but they could
not agree upon the mode. Gov Bagby, to some
extent shared in these feelings and doubt that
they colored and influenced his course 10 no limited