The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-03-21


the intellectual labors Of the sage. Ma
tons have generally extended their do
miniohs by conquest; their march to
power involving bloodshed and ruin,
and their attainment Of it often follow-
ed by suffering and calamity TO a des.
pairing and subjugated people. 1t was
left for the Anglo american inhabitants
of the western continent to furnish a
new mode TO enlarge the bounds Of
empire, by the more natural tendency
and operation Of the principles Of their
free government. Whatever objec-.
tons may. have been heretofore urged
to the territorial enlargement Of the
Union, those objections must now be
regarded as overruled, and as being
without practical effect. Annexation
is the natural consequence resulting
from congenial impulses and sympa-
thies; and the operation and influence
oflike sympathies and impulses is des,
tined, as soon as can be important or
necessary, TO settle all conflicts in re-
lation to the claim of the United States
to any territory now in dispute on this
continent.
In accordance with the provisions Of
the new constitution adopted in the con-.
vention, called by me ON. the 4th day
ofJuly last,,a State governments now
perfectly and fully organized, and ], as,
President Of the republic, with my Off
GERS, amnoW present to surrender into
the hands of those whom the people
have chosen, the power and the author
ity which we have some time heidi
This surrender is made with the most
perfect cheerfulness, and in respectful
submission to the public will. For
my individual part, | beg leave further
to add that the only motive which has
heretofore actuated me in consenting to
hold high and responsible oflicein this
my adopted and beloved country, has
been to aid, by the exertions Of such
abilities as | possessed, in extracting
her from her difficulties, and to place
her in some safe and secure condition,
where she might be relieved from the
long pressure of the past, and repose
from the tolls, the sulerings, and threat
ened dangers which have surrounded
her. ! have considered annexation on |
favorable terms as the most secure and
advantageous measure for Texas, sand
as affording the best prospect for the
attainment Of the object had in view,
and have. accordingly, in different ca
pacities labored most assduously TO
open the door in the United States 10
its accomplishment. In this succeed
ed. sincerely wish the terms could
have been made more advantageous,
more definite, and less fraught with sub
jectso OF future dispute; but as they prov
ed entirely acceptable to a vast major
ity of my felow-citizens, felt it to be
my imperative duty, so soon as that
fact was known, faithfully and prompt
ly to carry into full eject the will and
the wishes Of the people. This have
done; land in the execution of this work,
| am happy to add, have received the
cordial support and cooperation of ev-
cry member ofmy cabinet, and Of eve-
ry officer of the government at home
and abroad, whose services ] have had
occasion to employ in connexion with
1t. Annexation has met with no i'm
pediment in Texas, nor has any been
attempted by the government, and |
believe am justifable in saying that it
has been accomplished in the very safest
and best manner acticable, and at the
earliest possible period of time. |
know of no course which could have
been adopted which would have .efiec-
ed this object one single day earlier
In the mean time have obtained from
Mexico formal acknowledgement of
our national independence, thereby re-
moving the principal objection to the
measure on the part Of the U. States.
Satisfied that the happiness and wei
fare of Texas are placed on a strong
and secure foundation, and that she
will now find many friends better quail
lied than myself who will take care OF
her interests, the motive to which !
have alluded as having actuated inc in
holding Office is no Longer operative and
in retiring now to private life, | but in
dulgc my individual wishes, and lay
down the honors and the cares of the
presidency with infinitely more of per-
sonal qualification than / assumed them.
The confidence and the favors which
the partiality Of my fellow citizens has
bestowed upon me, merit and receive
my gratitude and my heartfelt thanks.
Whatever injustice may have been
done me.in the moments ofexcitement,
indulge the belief, that, when correct
information is disseminated in regard
to my whole course. the public mind
will settle down into proper conclu-