Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-09-15
GEN. HOUSTON'S LETTTER-THE HIS
TORY OF ANNEXATION.
HUNTsvrLLE, Tcyas, July Is. 1917

letter In the weekly Union OF the 18th ult. Ovel
the signature of Ex-Presdent Tyler. If it were
not for some facts stated in the letter, demanding
as conceive, some notice from me, ! would not
trouble you with this communication; or. if the
facts stated were not material 30 the truth of hiso
ny and the character of those who at the time were
the chief functionares of the Texan Government,
should feel II less incumbent on myself to solicit
some explanation of the facts alledged The state
ments emanating from 50 high and respectable a
source are well calculated to enforce them upon the
minds OF readers as authentic, and as matters a
rising from the misapprehension Of truth
The Ex-Presdent, when stating the reasons
which induced him TO propose the subject of Annex
alton - Texas, among others, says:
IN Ar was it until received aut..at.c informa.
ton ht other nations exertng all their efforts
to induce of action OH the part Of Texas at
war, as firmly believed, with the permanent in
tereSts OF the United States, that gave directions
to my lamented friend, Abel p Upshur, then Sec
rotary of State break up and scatter to the winds
the web of their intrgues by direct proposition for
Annexation"
1t seems from this position assumed by Mr. Tyler
that he either imag ined the authorities of Texas
We're favorable to those intrgues and were willing
to compromise her rights and interests as nation,
or that they could not perceive the force and effect
OF the 'ceb 'ciich Was ,ceacing 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 annex
alton, and had hoped to be met by cordial and
manly acceptance. They were disappointed. Tex
as was treated with GOODNESS, reserve or palpable
Encouragement. In this condition of our affairs
common sense, without uncommon sagacly. sug-
gesied the only feasible plan TO attain the desired
object, and that was. to excite jealousy and alarm
on the part of the politicians and people of the Uni
ted States IN relation to the future commercial and
political connection ofGeXas with European nations
This was easily omplished--by treating with ST.
lence all the charges which were made by editors
OF various newspapers in the United States.
The Chief Magistrate of Texas was charged
with 'treason"-selling Texas to England-sub-
sldizing her TO France! and in a short time "as-
founding disclosures" of all these transactions would
take place! All these charges remained uncontra-
dicted by the journals of Texas. and the effect was
all that could be desired Jealousy toward Eng
land and France was awakened. This begat eX-
cltement which originated FANTASIES and conured
up notions OF inlrgues, which had existence only in
imagination
The facts, well as the diplomatic correspon-
dence OF Texas In all these matters, will vndicae
those engaged in the administration of the Govern
ment, as well the representatives Of foreign ma
tons.
MIR. Tyler farther says: In reference to the meas
ure of Annexation "Nay may 90 even farther
and declare, before the initiative was taken and
when the performances were nearly all arranged
their completion being alone prevented by the death
of Mr.. Upshur, and the appointment of an adjunct
Commissioner 10 MIR. Van Zandt, by Texas" Sc
From this 1t might readily be inferred that obstacles
had been inierposed % conclusion of the prelimi-
narles, by the appointment of an adjunct Commits
sloner, by Texas. No steps were authorized to be
taken by any agent ON the subject of the PROPOSE
tion Previous 10 the proposition by Mr. Upshur
through MIR. Murphy u. 5. Charge d Afiares, Mr.
Van Landt had been instructed to make known to
the Government OF the United States, that the pro
position for .anneraion ocaS longer open TO dis
cuSSiOn!
This, no doubt, in connection with the proclarna-
ton OF an arms'lce between Texas and Mexico
corrobOrated by the authentic information referred
TO by Mr.. Tyler, caused the direct proposition
to be made for annexation.
In December, 1871, the Executive OF Texas
found the country surrounded by and involved in the
most intricate and perilous difficulties To redeem
the nation, 1t was necessary to accomplish one oil
three Objects and he designed his plans according
ly. His first object was to obtain annexation II
i'll that he did not succeed his next was to secure
the independence of Texas, by the recognition o.
Mexico, and if ne should fail in these, the third
was to form treaty with some power, defensive a
galnst Mexico. in advancing his policy. his frs
| ~
the United States, with instructions to present t,
the Government at Washington the subject of an.
nexaton, which had lain dormant for three year
Immediately preceding that period. These instruc.
tons were carried out in the best manner by Mr.
| Rely, but met by Encouragement on the part O
| the Government Of the United States I'm 1912
Mr.. Rely resigned and Mr.. Van Zandt was sen
on In his stead when the proposition for annexation
was renewed The renewal of the proposition wa
rd nd 4, hob Al
time the causes which have alluded TO beoa n t,
operate, while there were means used which infused
into them new life. The success of the measure o
annexation depended upon the internal political con
diton of the United States, and not upon any an
/ trlgues of foreign powers, of Texas
The Executive Of Texas was not moved by thu
! 'drect proposition for annexation" but bv TN
| pledges given to him by Mr. Murphy, Charu
d'Atlalres ofthe United States. Before an adlunc
Commissioned was appointed by the President
| pledges were demanded by him of Mr.. Murphy
! based upon Mr.. Upshur's letter, that military am
naval force OF the United States sufficient for th
defence of1exas, should be placed at the disposition
Of the President. and held subject to his ORDERS
This was as far as Mr.. Murphy felt authorized t
! go In the matter. Upon this, the Executive @
| Texas waived other demands, which were That il
| the event OF failure on the part ofihe Government
/ OF the United States. to consurnnate annexation
after negotiations were once opened between tn
! two Governments, she should be bound to puarante
the Independence Of Texas, or enter into treat
defensive against Mexico These demands wer
waived for the present, with the assurance that
previous TO opening negotiations at Washingio
City. these pledges should be given to Texas. thrC
! her Commissioners, or the matter was to rest a
nothing less than perfect guaranty for the securit
| OF Texas would be satisfactory to the President.
In November, 1912, ;he United States. Enolau
and France had all been Invoked by Texas, and re
quested 10 act jointly, or severaly, in producin
peace between Texas and Mexico Texas foun
these powers all equally well disposed to leave hC