Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-09-09
Letter from Gen. sam. Houston.

especially by the old and careful readers of paper.
We claim no credit for extraordinary acueness, but
they know full well that IRE never gave credence
the "Plantasies " spoken Of by Gen. Houston. We
understood the object of :hem full well. But
now only lament what cannot be retrieved. We
always believed, and still believe that Texas could
have been annexed no, only without war. but even
by the consent of Mexico. The whole question.
however, was prosiituted to the vile purposes Of
political managers, with particular reference to
Presidential candidates, and to further the Interior
interests of Saveocracy; and the course Of events
are just what every rational man might have antic-
pated. The ultimate consequences no man, however
wise, can foresee or foreell.
We do not by any means agree with Gen. Houston
TO the influence produced by the letters of General
Jackson. So far able to observe they
had no influence Of moment. 1t was generally
believed that be- as well Others was the subject of
imposition
From the Teras Banner, august 3.
HUNTSVILLE, Texas, July Is, 1917.
10 Col. f. L. Hatch, editor Of the 7sras Banner:
My DEAR SlR:-Within few days have seen a
letter in the Weekly Union of the 18th ult over the
signature of Ex-President Tyler. If it were not for
some facts stated in the letter. demanding, as con-
ceive, notice from me, | would not trouble you
with this communication. Or if the facts stated
were not material TO the truth of history and the
character of those who at the time were the chief
functionares of the Texan Government, should feel
it less incumbent on mysclfto solicit some explana-
tiOn of the facts alleged The emanating
from so high and respectable source are well cacu-
lated to enforce them upon the minds of readers as
authentic and not matters arising from the misap-
prehenslOn Of truth.
The Ex-president, when stating the reasons which
induced him to propose the subject of annexation TO
Texas, among others, says Nor was it until
received authentic information that other nations were
eXertng all their efforts to induce of action
on the part of Texas, at war, as | firmly believed,
with the permanent interests of the United States,
that gave directions To my amenied friend, Abel p.
| Upshur then Secretary of State, TO break up and
scatter to the winds the web of their intrgues, by
direct proposition for annexation" 1t seems from
this position, assumed by MIR. Tyler, that he either
imagined the authorities of Texas favorable to
those lntrlgues, and were willing 10 compromt her
rights and interests as a>naon, or that they could not
perceive the force and effect of the oeb lchich
'ceauiHg around her destiny Now, either inference
would do injustice to her character. The authorities
of Texas had relied for years upon plain and frank
proposition for annexation and had hoped to be met
by cordial aud manly acceptance. They were dis
appointed. Texas treated with GOODNESS, reserve,
or papable Encouragement. In this condition o. our
| affairs, common sense, without uncommon sagaclty.
suggested the only feasible PLAZA to attain the desired
Object and that TO excite jealousy and alarm on
the part of the politicians and people of the United
States in relation to the future commercial and po-
litical connexions of Texas with European nations
This easily accomplished by treating with silence
all the charges which were made by editors of various
newspapers in the United States.
The Chief Magistrate of Texas charged with
Z" treason "--SeHiRg TsrdS 10 EnglaRd-SUJSidi.ing
4 , l.
disclosures OF all these Transactions 1C0uld take place!
All these charges remained uncOntradicted by the
journals of Texas, and the effect ell that could
be desired Jealousy toward England and France
was awakened. This begat excitement, which origi-
mated phanases and coGjured up notions of intrgues,
which had existence only in Imagination.
The facts, as well the diplomatic correspondence
Of Texas, in all these matters, will vindicae those
engaged in the administration of the government, as
well as the representatives Of foreign nations.
MIR. Tyler further says in reference to the
Of annexation Nay may 60 further, and
declare, before the initiative was taken, and when the
preminaries were nearly all arranged, their compile
ton being alone prevented by the death of Mr..
Upsbur and the appointment of an adjunct commits
sioner to Mr.. Van Zandt. by Texas" &C. From this
it might readily be inferred that obstacles have been
interpOsed to conclusion of the prelimEaries by the
appointment of adjunct commissioner by Texas.
No steps were authorized to be taken by any agent
the subject Of the proposition of the United States
by the Executive Of Texas, until the appointment of
commissioner made under the proposition Pre-
vous to the proposition by Mr.. Upshur through Mr..
Murphy, United States charge d'afaires, Mr.. Van
Zandt had been instructed to make known to the
government of the United States that the proposition
for annexation lcas longer open for discussion
This, no doubt, in connexion with the proclamation
of onnstice between Texas and Mexico cOrrOborated
by the authentic information referred to by Mr.. Tyler
caused the direct proposition be made for annexation
In December, 1911, the Executive of Texas found
the country surrounded by. and involved the
intricate and perious difficulties. To redeem the
nation, it was necessary to accomplish one Of three
objects; and he designated his plans accordingly.
His first object was to obtain annexation. If in that
he did not succeed his next was to secure the indie
pendeuce of Texas, by the recognition of Mexico;
and if it should fail in these, the third to form
treaty with some power, defensive against Mexico.
In advancing his policy, his first movement TO
send minister Mr. Reily) to the United States with
instructions TO present TO the government at Wash
ington the subject of annexation, which had lcn
dormant for three years Immediately preceding that
period. These instructions carried out In the
best manner by Mr.. Rely, but were met by dscour
agement on the part of the of the United
States In 1912. Mr.. Rely resigned, and Mr.. Van
Zandt sent in his stead when the proposition
for annexation was renewed. The renewal of the
proposition heard and met with habtual apathy
About this time the which have alluded to be-
gan to operate, while there means used which in
fused into them new life The of the Of
annexation depended upon the internal political condi-
ton of the United States. and not upon any nrigues
of foreign powers, of Texas
The Executive of Texas was not moved by the
81 direct proposition for annexation" but by the
pledges given to him by Mr. Murphy, charge d.
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