The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-08-26
THE UNION.
From the Texas Banner, Angus, 3.


My DEAR SIR: Within a few days have seen a letter
in the Weekly Union OF the 18th ut, the signature
of exPresdent Tyler II II were not for facts sta
ted in the letter. demanding, conceived some notice
from me, would not trouble you with this communica-
ton Or if the facts stated not material the truth
of history and the character OF those who at the time,
were the chief functonaries of the Texan government
should feel it less incumbent on myself 10 solicit some
explanation of the facts alleged The statements emana
ting from so high and respectable well cal
cuated 10 enforce them upon the minds of readers au
hetc and not as matters arising from the misappehen-
sion OF truth
The ex-Presdent when stating the reasons which in.
duced him TO propose the subject OF annexation TO Texas
amongst Others says: ''Nor until received dH-
hienc information that other nations were exerting al
their efforts TO induce course OF action the part OF
Texas, at war. as firmly believed with the permanent
interests of the United States, that gave directions to
my lamen,ed friend. Abel p Upshur, then Secretary OF
State, 10 break up and scatter 10 the winds the web OF
their inrgues by direct proposition for annexation 1t
seems from this position, assumed by Mr. Tyler, that he
either imagined the authorities of Texas were favorable
TO those ingues, and were willing to compromt her
rights and interests nation, that they could not
perceive the force and effect OF the eb lrch edp
ing around her destiny Now, either inference would
do injustice to her character The authorities of Texas
had relied Tor years upon plan and frank proposition
manly acceptance. They were disappointed Texas
was treated with coldness palpabe dscour-
agemen In this condition OF our affairs common sense
without sagacty, suggested the only feasible
plan to attain the desired object; and that was to excite
jealousy and alarm the part OF the politicians and peo
pie OF the United States in RELATION to the future CONNER
cia and political connexions Of Texas with European ma
tons. This easily accomplished by treating with ST.
lence all the charges which made by editors OF va
rous newspapers in the United States.
The chief magistrate OF Texas was charged with Ted-
Ison"-Seiting IeraS to Engldnd-Subsid2tng her 10
France-dnd, a short time, fascinating disclosures
Iof all these transactions poud take place! All these
charges remained unconradcted by the journals OF Tex
as and the effect all that could be desired jealousy
toward England and France was ava ened This begat
exeitement which originated phantasies and conued up
hnJp
nation.
The facts as well as the diplomatic correspondence OF
Texas, in all these matters, will vindcae those engaged
in the administration of the government, as well as the
representatives OF foreign nations.
Mr. Tyler further says in reference TO the measure OF
annexation; "Nay, may go even further, and declare
ries were nearly all arranged, their completion beng
alone prevented by the death of Mr. Upshr, and the a
pontment of adjunct commissioner TO Mr. Van Zandt
by Texas, SC. From this 1t mig ht readily be inferred
that obstacles have been nteposed to conclusion OF
the premnares by the appointment OF an adjunct com
missioner 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 APP
pontment OF commissioner was made under the PROPOSE
ton Previous to the proposition by Mr. upshur through
Mr. Murphy, United States charge dallaires, Mr. Van
Zandt had been instructed to make known to the govern
ment of the United States that the proposition for annex
alton araS no longer open to discussion!
This no doubt, in conneXon with the proclamation OF
armstice between Texas and Mexico, corroboraed by
the authentic information referred to by Mr. Tyler,
caused the direct proposition to be made Tor annexation
In December 1871, the executive OF Texas found the
country surrounded by, and involved In the most nri-
cate and perious difficulties. To redeem the nation, it
necessary TO accomplish one OF three objects; and
he designed his plans accordingly. His FIRST object was
to obtain annexation If in that he did not succeed, his
next to secure the independence OF Texas by the
recognition oexco; and he should fail in these the
third was to form treaty with power, defensive
against Mexico. In advancing his policy his first move
ment was TO send minister (r. Rely TO the United
States with instructions to present TO the government at
p,th,a Of finn Syc had lnIp
dormant for three years Immediately preceding that period
These instructions were carried out in the best manner by
Mr. Rely, but met by encouragement on the part
of the government of the United States. In 1912, Mr.
Rely resigned, and Mr. Van Zandt was sent on IN his
stead, when the proposition for annexation was renewed
The renewal OF the proposition was heard, and met with
habitua apathy About this time the causes which /
have alluded To began to operate while there were means
used which infused into them new lic. The success of
the measure Of annexation depended upon the internal
political condition of the United States, and not upon any
intrigues OF foreign powers or of Texas
The Executive OF Texas was not moved by the dlrect
proposition for annexation but by the pledges given to
him by Mr. Murphy, charge d'ataires OF the United
States. Before adjunct commissioner was appointed
by the President, pledges were demanded by HIM OF MIR.
Murphy, based upon Mr. upshur's letter, that military
and naval force OF the United States. sufficient for the
defence of Texas should be placed at the disposition of
the President and held subject to his orders This was
as far as Mr. Murphy felt authorized to go in the matter
Upon this the Executive of Texas waived other demands,
which were, that in the event of failure the part OF
the government of the United States to consummate
neXation after negotiations were opened between
the two governments, should be bound 10 guarantee the
independence OF Texas, or enter into treaty defensive
against Mexico These demands waived for the
present, with the that previous to opening
gotations at Washington city, these pledges should be
given to Texas through her commissioners the matter
was rest nothing less than perfect guaranty for
the security of Texas would be satisfactory to the Pres
ident.
In November, 1912, the United States, England, and
France, had all been invoked by Texas, and requested to
act Jointly, severay, producing peace between Tex
as and Mexico Texas found these powers all equally
well disposed to leave her to her fate, rather than risk
ANYTHING in her behalf On the part of Texas this look
with by others. This certainly left ueb Of intrigue 10
scatter to the gcsnds.
The object of all should be- reprehend in others
what is wrong in itselfor, in truth, to rebuke whatever
deserves rebuke but TO charge either nations ndyd-
uas with faults crimes which do not exist because it
is paatable to morbid taste which may prevail for a
time, is not suited TO the intelligence OF the age!
1t affords pleasure $50 far as was connected with
the transactions OF that day. TO assert that delight
ed when Mr.. Tyler took the official 'nitiave' in the
measure of annexation | thought his bold and manly
course, IN assuming just and proper responsibility was
such should characterize the head OF great nation
Accusations have been frequently made against the
authorities OF Texas nd,rey and against the represent
taves of foreign governments directly, that have felt
myself mperatively called upon to avow TO all who feel
interest in learning embracing the truth regard TO
this matter that there any intrigue connected
with Texas and other powers nor was there ever any
foundation for such charge uhough often reiterated)
only in the fevensh excitement OF heated fancy, the
mschievous designs of the wicked.
feel constrained to say thus much in vindicaton of
myself and friends, who actors with me, and who
sustained me through the period alluded TO, well as
the representatives of other governments who rendered
us kndnesses without ever proposing aught which could