The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1845-01-08
From The NJ o. J,Dtrsonian Republican
Mr.. BENTON, AND THE ANNEXATION OF


Notwithstanding the repeated declarations Of the
Missouri Senator that he is In favor Of the annsxa
ton OF Texas, fear he will defeat IT, If he has the
power rather that relinqulsh fraction OF hs Pecu
liar, Objectionable and impracticable theories. 1he
opposition Of Mr.. Van Buren,, and other Democrats
showed itself In views which, though founded IN err
ror, did not owe their origin 10 unappeasable ha
tired of individuals. AT the last session Of Congress
Mr.. Benton's favorite theme-when the Texas ques-
ton was up-was denunciation of Mr.. Calhoun
whose motives he assaled In the most uncharilable
manner This is all wrong We have defended
Mr.. Benton for years against the malice Of his ene'
mics but he cannot be sustained in the course he IS
pursuing. This personal warfare on Mr.. Calhoun is
justification of Mr. Benton's contempt OF the pop
ular viii, no where more unequyocal - iaVor oil I'M
mediate annexation than in Missouri. We had hoped
that during the summer vacation, MIR. Benton would
have caught the popular feeling, and recovered his
proper position in the Democratic ranks and, that
when he found the rawheadand bloody bones he had
conured up TO brighten the public made him, In fact,
the object Of derislon, he would have exhibited more
discretion, if not wisdom. But we have been disap-
pointed. Is II yet too late
The bill introduced by Mr.. Benton, at the present
session, is papably absurd and nudcious, that it
should not receive the support of any party. We
had rather not have Texas, than have 1t on such
terms No Southern Wing even can vote for It,
without nicting evils of omnous and durable ma
ture upon his constituents. 1t is hrebrand thrown
slavery. Is Mr.. Benton determined to force this
subject into the arena Not satisfied with the ex-
element that prevails alreacy with the foreign In
fuence brought 10 bear upon 1t and against us-with
the rapid nroads this sweeping fansticsm has alrea
dy made, and the terrible prospects of the future
less Immediately checked by the immediate annexa-
ton of slaveholdlng Texas, with all her present lin
It's, boundaries, and nstitutions-will this Senator
representing slaye-owning constituency, continue TO
refuse his assent to the measure, unless trammeed
by compromise with and concession TO the Adolf
tlonstS Willie exasperee politca parties; add anoth
er element to our distracted councils stihe public sen
ment-shake the perpetuity of the Unob-clrcum-
scribe the progress of free principles and facilitate
the hostile designs of England upon our county
merely because Mr.. Calhoun is the negotiator of
these measures, and is likely to acquire add.
tional popularity from their SUGGEST
We are not the special champion of Mr. Calhoun.
We have written as much, aud said more for Mr.
Benton, than for almost any other statesman. But
we feel that his course is destructive TO himself des-
tuctlve to his country There but one opinion here
in the democratic ranks. 1t is feeling of strong
dsapProval, unanimous opposition TO Mr.. Bentons
bill, mingled with regret at the position in which be
placing himself Is it yet too late for him to act in
accordance with public sentiment this question :
10 abandon the abolitionsts and side with Missouri
and the South 1t cannot be that the anne alton of
Texas can be facilitated by an inquiry in Congress as
to how many slave States and how many free States
shall be carved out of it. Yet such discussion must
grow out of Mr. Benton's bill. 1t is Inevitable
Fierce passions will be aroused. New issues made /:
The measure will be lost and the union of the States
be jeoparded. Yet Mr. Benton is the advocate of
annexation IL he is-if he be sincere-et him
abandon his bill. The south would not have Texas
upon his terms. Texas herself would consent TO no
such humlliatory condition. Let her come in as
Louisiana came in, with her rights, her institutions
and her boundaries untouched and guaranteed. If
not on those terms, we would not have her-and her
spirited government and gallant and intelligent pco
pie, will spurn the Unlon-wI trample on your COM
promises, and disdan our alliance. Texas she is
Texas to the Rio Grande-Ieras tcih her aaufs, OR
NOT ALL.