The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-04-07
AntimAnnexatiOn


The late news from Texas is highly cheering to the
opponents Of annexation, Our readers may recolect
that in one or two OF our earIy pupors upon this sub
jec we stated the rejection orthe proposition by Tex
as, ground Of hope that this scheme Of niqu-
~ might be nPped in the bud. We also stated that
we considered the question now, Cor the FIRST time,
fairly before the country. Subsequent events have
confirmed both OF these opinions. The country is
just now waking up to the importance orhe measure,
and beginning to debate il in earnest Those who
opposed It from mere pnrty views, but were at heart
(irom what motives will not sny,) its friends,
have been compelled throw Off the mask, and have
oil course lost much of their power TO do mischief
Some of its real mot mnskod,) opponents, who, mis-
led by the confident boast Of is friends and dsheat-
ened by the detection of its sham foes, inclined
TO give up the cause will now recover their true po-
snon, and army themselves the side of the
country. The instinct Of preservation must arm
the North against the measure, ir but opportuni-
~ is given for calm reflection. 1t impossible
that two-ihirds ofthis people should commit political
suicide, at the command of the remaining third How
ever the struggle in Texas may end, the forced pnuse
which it will create and the inquiry which it must
awaken cannot but be favorable the right decision
ofthe question by this country.
1t is important TO consider by what and by
what means the niiiaory measure was carried thro'
Congress contrary all expectation The slave-hold-
ing influence was, doubt the chief; and Of this,
legiiimateiy used, cannot complain. Slavehold-
ers lay hold Of whatever props in their reach, for
a support ola falling institution. The anto-oficia
action Of our peculiarly diHient President does not
seem to us of legitimate character. The patronage
of slavehoding administration, to carry slave
holding MEASURE, at with the feangs and priuci-
pies of the North, will hardly help reconcile North
people to the enormous sacrifice. The cry for
annexation by shareholders, in and out of Congress-
was aided by that of the holders Of Office and the
eEpectants Of Office, by the numerous purchasers of
Texan land scrip and government stock and, more
over, by that part of the people who are in favor Of
the most violent and revolutionary measures proposed
by their leaders. The opposition in Texas whether
successful their or not will lead the Northern people
to enquire into the immense amount OF the irregular
influences, which have led to the "cOasenr' TO enter
tain application for admission the part Of Texas
In addition TO tho given tho question by op
position in Texas, the certainly that MEXICO will do
all that she dare, strong sensation at
the North among merchants, shippers, insurers and
others, who usually give party politics the GO
by. It is certain that Mexico can do great deal
ofhdrm if she tries. a dozen swift sailing rryateers
| sening from her ports on the Pacific, would sweep
our commerce & om those Her dominion in
that quarter extends from the 9th the 42d degree
of North latitude and includes numerous harbors.-
Are we prepared 10 risk the thirty millions floating
over the South Sea, rIom Cape Horn to the Sand
witch Islands, on the chance shat Mexico will not
dare to do that which the Law OF Nations will jusl.
y her in doing, and what she may consider essential
10 her dignity, and perhaps TO her very exsence?-
II is, perhaps not too late TO consider what she will
dGre. We meant is not noto 200 late; for the
COLLATION. with Texas is only begun, and until it is
contaminated, there is call on her part for extreme
measures. If wise, she Will he careful to keep US
! in the wrong, and thus maintaining her vantage
ground in view Of the world AS to her ability in
lct injury, MIR Gushing thinks that privateerng with
other ships than those of her Subjects Of the
question. lie would outlaws and pirates the
subjects Of other Nations, found under the Mexican
flag without the consent of their respective govern
ments. With Difference to Mr. Gushing, the plan is
impracticable. Nothing is more easy than 20 give,
technically. Mexican character TO foreign vessels
and to foreigners sailing in her service. Least of all
would it do for government TO put forward any
new tangled doctrine, after having allowed open re-
cruitng, and the organizing within our limits Of
ed forces against that power, in time of peace MIR
Gushing would deny Mexico the right to do against
US, in time OF war. that which we have done against
her, in time Of peace If government should
take any such stand against foreigners in the Mexican
service, it would 90 well to Tecoec that ex.ermina-
ton is game at which two can play; and that the
foreigner who, with Mexican commission, should
fall a sacrifice consJ uctioe piracy, would probably
be avenged by the slaughter Of every American with
in reach Of the Mexican authorities. --.New York
Mirrer