Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-01-21
THURSDAY, JANUARY 81, ls47.
PROPHECY AND IT'S FULFILMENr

Al
affairs which demands the serious attention of every
sober-mlnded man. We are engaged in most
bloody and expensive war, which has already last
cd eight months, and which may continue for years
to come. 1t is said by observing men to have cost
us already, by disease and in battle more men than
the last war with Great Britain. The cost in mo-
ney cannot yet be ascertained with certainty, but
We think would not be very wide of the mark
in setting it down at fifty millions of dollars!
what Is to be the grand total Of the expenditure Of
human life and national treasure before il is brought
to close none but Omnscence can foresee!
When we thus see our fellow citizens torn from
their homes and their business to suffer. and per-
haps die, in far-distant land and the Country
burthencd with debt, which it will require years
Of grinding taxation to discharge, are naturally
led to inquire why or how was this state of things
brought upon the land Was there no means of
foreseeing and avoiding it without sacrifice of ma
tonal honor Was it the result of stern and in
evitablc necessity, did it proceed from the rash
ness and folly Of our rulers Iii had its origin in
the former, then it is duty to submit without
murmur to what would seem to be Providential
lntliction, designed perhaps punishment for our
national offences. But if it was the offspring of the
folly or wckcdneSs of those entrusted with the sa
cred duty of administering our government then
tremendous, indeed, is the responsibility which
rests at their doors, for thus wantonly sporting
with the lives and fortunes Of our coun,rymen and
dreadful will be the reribuion which will over
take them when brought to the bar of public opin-
ion to answer for their crimcs
In rejecting upon this subjec, we have been in
duced 10 open our files, and look back TO the warn
ings which were 50 prophetically given to the Ma
tiOn by Mr.. CLAW in his celebrated letter in 1914
assigning the why he thought Texas ought
not TO be annexed TO the L. S. We regret very
much tina our limits are too circumscribed to ena-
bic us 10 repubsh the whole of that mastery doc
ument. We will, however, give some passages
from 1t, in which he predicted the probable conse-
qucnccs of annexation, and then leave it 10 the can
dour Of our readers, without distinction Of party to
say whether il would not have been better for the
country if his counsels had prevailed.
After reviewing the history of the negotiations of
the u. States with Spain, in regard to Texas, and
of the struggle of Texas FOR independence, the great
statesman proceeds 10 say:
"Ihis narrative shows the present actual condi-
ton of Texas, far as have information about it,
Fit be correct Mexico has not abandoned, but per-
SeVereS IN the assertion OF her rights by actual force
of arms which, if suspended, are intended 10 be re-
newed. Under these circumstances, if the Go
vernment of the United States were to acquire
Texas, it would acquire along with it all the in
cumbIances which Texas is under and amonU them
the actual or suspended war between Mexico and
Texas. OF that consequence there cannot be n
doubt. Annexation and war with Mexico are iden-
teal Now, for one, | certainly am not willing to
involve this country in foreign for the object
of acquiring Texas. | know there are those who
regard such war with indifference and as irif-
ling affair, account of the weakness of Mexico.
and her inability to inflict serious injury upon this
country. But do not look upon it thus lightly. |
regard all wars as great calamites to be avoided
If possible, and honorable peace the wisest and
truest policy of this country. What the United
States most need union, peace, and patience
Nor do think that the weakness of Power should
form motive, in any case, for inducing us TO en-
gage in or to deprecate the evils of war. Honor
and good faith aud justice equally due from this
country towards the weak towards the strong
And, if an act of injustice Were TO be perpetrated
towards any Power, it would be more compatible
with the dignity Of the nation, and, in my judg-
ment, less dshonorable, to inilict it upon power
full instead of a weak foreign nation"
Again he says -
"Sbould Texas be annexed to the Union. the
United States will assume and become responsible
for the debt of Texas, be its amount what it NAV
What ii Is, do not know certainly :; but the least
have seen it stated at is thirteen millions OF dol
lars. And this responsibility will exist whether
there be stipulation in the treaty not expressly
assuming the paying of the debt of Texas. For
suppose it to be undeniable that, if nation be-
comes Incorporated in another, all the debts, and OBJ
legations aud membranes, and of the incor-
poraed nation, become the debts. and obligations,
and membranes, and wars of the common nation
created by the incorporation.
Ii any European nation enertains any ambitious
designs upon Texas, such that of colonzing her. or
in any way subjugating her. should regard it as
the imperative duty OF the Government Of the Uni
ted States to oppose to such designs the most firm
and determined resistance, TO the extent. if neces-
eary, of appealing TO arms to prevent the accom-
plishment of any such designs. The Executive of
the United States ought 10 be informed as to the
aims and views Of foreign Powers with regard 10
Texas, and presume that. il there be any OF the
eXceptionabe character which have indicated the
Executive will disclose to the coordinate DEPART
ments of the Government, il not to the public the
evidence Of them. From what ! have seen and
heard believe that Great Britain has recently for
Tnally and solemnly disavowed any such aims or
purp ses--has declared that she is DESTROYS ONLY of
the independence Of Texas, and that she has no in
tontion TO interfere in her domestic institutions r.
she has made such disavowa and declaration pre-
sumo they arc in the possession of the Executive
In the future progress of events, it is probable
that there VIII be voluntary or forcble separation
OF the brltSh North American possessions from the
parent country. am strongly inclined to think
that IL VIII DC pest ior the happiness Of all parties
That Ill that event they should be erected into Sc
parate and independent Republic. With the Ca
madam Republic on one side, that of Texas on the
other, and the United States the friend oP both no
tween them each could advance lis own bonpiness
by such constitutions, laws and measures as were