The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-05-18

and such was the relationship existing between
Texas and Mexico at the time the late oyertures
were made for the annexation OF Texas TO the Uni.
! ted States. Before this measure was consummated
so desirable to both governments, II was placed in
issue before that greatest OF all tribunals In all free
goyernments-the whole body of the people II
was discussed canyassed considered, and solemnly
determined by the people of both governments, with
full knowledge Of all the facts, that the union oil
the two countries should be completed by the per-
Torrance OF The rites appropriate TO political act OF
character so important and sacred. The people
OF thls country were TO some extent, divided at tina,
time as IN the policy of admitting Texas as State
into this Union. This admit, was an honest diff
ference of opinion; and the measure was about
which the most patriotic might with propTety at
that time disagree. No man had right 10 assail
the motives of those who differed from him at that
time as to the wisdom Of the policy But, sir, the
question assumes another aspect. Texas has
been admitted into the Union, the people of both
countries have been consulted and they have SOL
EMMY determined to unite their destiny under the
broad and ample folds Of the American banner,
The deed has been consummated and ratified by the
action OF both governments; and Texas has as
much claim upon our protection as any other State
IN this confederacy. The boundary Of the United
States is now extended to the western limit of Tex
as her soil IS soil her people our people; and her
resources contribute to greatness in peace and TO
our deteRce in war. She 10 already represented in
the other branch Of Congress- and has recently
by authority Of law, elected two members Of this
House We have extended over the whole Of her
territory the laws Of the United States, aud made
provision for their regular and proper administration
We have established within her limits districts for
the COLLECTION Of revenue passed laws for establish
ing post-routss, and all other laws necessary to
afford them equal rights and privileges as compo-
nent part Of the American Union. We have done
all this, and il Is now too late TO urge objections to
the policy Of this measure; and at a time like this
when our country has been invaded by hostile
troops-when soldiers have been captured
wounded, and killed in unequal and desperate con-
hlct and our army Is exposed 10 peril from the
poWenng numbers OF the enemy, II Is reasonable
TO withhold the supplies necessary Tor their relief
and no good but much evil must result from pro-
Ionged discussion upon the policy of anneXIng Tex
to the United States, and The proprety or Impro-
prIety of the conduct OF the President IN directing
he occu patton by the army Of the country between
the Nueces aud the Rio Grande. What If Mexico
did protest solemnly against this act, and did an
nounce that she would consider il declaration Of
war on the part Of the United States What # she
did unceremonIOusly withdraw her minister IN con
sequence of the action of the general government
IN giving It's consent 10 the annexation Of Texas
What It she did claim Texas as an integral part Of
the Mexican republic. the right to reconquer which
she never would reIInqush, These declarations
and acts occurred before the measure was consum-
mated, and they did not influence our action then;
much less should they control US nov, when these
menaces have been carried out 10y the invasion OF
Texas and the slaughter Of our cItlZens. And we
have been called upon TO furnish men and means to
chastse these invaders Ol soil, and speedily 10
terminate the war they have commenced. But sir,
some OF the opponents Of the administration on
thus floor have voted against the measures recon.
mended Ivy the p esldeut IN his special message in
relation to the state Of things on our south western
Cron .nA la Ipt, 4,
few days ago by an overwhelming majority. | was
glad to that thus number was 30 small, and
sincerely regretted that there should be any, even
solitary man, who, on an important occasion
like this, should feel constrained by his sense OF
property and regard for the constitution to with
hold from the Executive the whole power and re-
sources of the government If necessary repel IN
vason from our SOIL and TO punish the aggression
made upon territory.
Sir, # these fourteen members had contented
themselves with giving silent vote. # in their
attempts to Justify themselves before the country,
they had not made audled attack upon the Exec
uuve, should have been contened that their votes
and their speeches should have gone before the
world without notice remark from me. But the
small band who voted in opposition have gained an
accession to their number; and have been assisted in
their assaults upon the administration by others
who voted for the measure, they now assert with
mental reservation as TO certain expressions con-
tanned IN the preamble, and against which they both
then and now enter their solemn protest. The act
of Congress asserts that the war actually existing
was commenced by the republic Of Mexico, and
then makes provision for raising $4,000 volunteers
and approprlates ten million dollars to prosecute
this war already existing to a successful termns-
ton. | will do these gentlemen the justice to say
that they the advocates on this floor of all the
necessary supplies Of men and money for the de-
fence Of the country. They have so declared, and
| am unwilling TO believe that there is an American
citizen OF any party section of this Union who
would withhold the means for defence against u
hostile invasion from any quarter 1t is enough for
us to know that soil has been desecrated; that
our country has been invaded, and that a hostile
band of armed soldiers have killed and wounded
our citizens, and that the American army, under
General Taylor, is in hazardous situation, and in
need Of assistance. Alta time like this shall we he
struggling for a mere party triumph? Can no Cir
cumstances or condition of the country, perils
however great induce gentlemen in the opposition TO
cease their cavllIing against the Administrations or
postpone their hostility to the President Is not
this occasion when, for time, all party dstinc-
tons and differences shall be forgotten and with one
voice, with one heart, and with hand, all
shall march forward in defence of the SOIL the
rights, and the honor of the country Admit for
the sake of the argument merely that the President
has mistaken the duties of his station and has COM
mitted an aggression upon Mexico by ordering the
army to occupy position on the left bank of the
Rio Grande opposite to Matamoras: is this time
for to institute an investigation of his conduct Is
this the proper time to be weakening the moral
force and power of the administration, upon whom
the responsibility Of prosecuting the war necessari-
ly devolvcs' Does patriotism require atyour hands,
the faithful representatives of the PEG Pile that you
should now, in your elevated position denounce the
President for violation of the constitution by
making an unauthorized and unholy invasion
on the soil and territory of Mexico Does
your regard for the constitution of the country
qure you to deneunce this war with Mexico as I'M
authorized, unjust, and damnable? What can gen.
tlemen who assume such positions at crisis like
this promise themselves or their country Will
you promote the success Of our arms by destroying
# such thing were possible, the influence of the
President? Are you encouraging enllstments for the
service of the country by proclamng to your coun-
trymen that your government is the aggressor'that
the President has, In violation of the constitution,
without authority of Congress, made an aggressive
unjust, and damnabe war against an unofending
sister republic beg such gentlemen to pause and
reflect before they give uterance to such sentiments
IN this place. at a time like this. Retrace your
steps, and withdraw, for time, these charges, per