The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-04-13

Administration came INTO powers period rendered men,
orabe by the occurrence OF greater number of impor-
tan and exciting Incidents than any other of equal du-
ration that has elapsed the adoption of the
constitution.
Ii will be recolleccd that the principles and policy Of
the Democratic party, distinctly announced by the
national convention assembled in Baltimore in May lsli
The friends OF the democracy throughout the Union.
were called upon to support the nominee that conven-
ton, as being unwaverng democrat of the Je6eso-
man school," and true exponent OF those principles
And they were assured the event of his election that
the pledges and promises then made would be faithfully
observed
tbs proposed TO institute brief and impartial inquiry
into the actngs and dongs OF this Administration with
view TO determine how far and with what fidelity it
has confomed to the expectations and requirements of
its friends.
First in the list OF measures to which the present ad
ministraton pledged is the annexation Of Texas.
This measure had its incpiency under the auspices Of
Mr. Tyler; and very little remained 10 be accomplished
in relation thereto when Mr. Polk came into Office But
whatever had been left undone by Mr. Tyler towards
the consummaton of that measure received the earliest
and prompt attention Of Mr. Polk Without delay, he
entered upon that duty the point where Mr. Tyler had
until the whole arrangement was finally and forever CON-
peed Mr. Polk spared effort to achieve this mpor-
tant object All his measures were admirably adapted
tor this purpose The correspondence of the State De-
partmen with Major Doneson, and his replies were in
the finest style of diplomacy. The irmness and wisdom
of government commanded the fullest confidence Of
Texas; and her State constitution wisely formed and
promptly accepted by the United States.
IT. L.
forms an integral part of this vast and mighty family Of
sovereign States.
So far them as the Texas question is concerned the
pledges of the Baltimore convention have been redeemed
by Mr.. Polk, to the letter.
The next measure to which the present administration
pledged, is the adjustment OF the Oregon boundary
This had long been subject of controversy between
our government and that of Great Britain Various ef
forts had been made by preceding administrations during
period OF more than quarter OF century, to settle the
question All of these efforts had invariably resulted
in leaving the subject involved in greater difficulty
and increased embarrassment. In the meantime,
British -tradng companies were rapidly extending
their settlement, over the most valuable portions
of the territory. In the OF few years more
these companies would have been in actual possession
of almost every foot of that country that at all de-
srable In addition to this the laws OF Canada, I'M
der certain regulations and temporary restrictions had
been extended by an act of the British Parliament,
the whole territory Of Oregon These circumstances
show concusvey to every unprecedented mind the abso
lutte and urgent necessity OF immediate adjustment OF
the question The policy however. for Mr. Polk to
pursue, had been clearly pointed out by the Baltimore
conventions and. indeed, had been made prominent ee
ment in the political of 1874 "Texas and Ore
gon, like the Siamese twins indissouby connect
ed during the whole of that exciting contest and had
become the baieery of the democracy throughout the
length and breadth of the Union After this imperative
and unequiyocal declaration of the popular will in
reference to this subject it was neither for Mr..
Polk, nor for any other man living, to adopt
the policy Of ga mastery inactivity" so strangely,
and under the peculiar circumstances OF the case,
so unwisely recommended. On the contrary, he met
the question he was expected to meet 1t; as 1t
became the President OF mighty nation determined to
assert and maintain his countys rights He boldly pro-
posed at once give the notice; and was this rmness,
30 characteristic of the statesman that caused Great Britain
to pause review her position and modify her proposition
granting us much favorable terms than she had
ever consented to accept Notwithstanding great OBJ
staces and nnumerable dscouragements thrown in
the Presidents way every step, he neither paused
altered in the path of duty, until complete had
crowned his efforts
This arrangement secures to tbs at once the peaceabe
and undisputed possession of and delightful region
Of country, extending five hundred miles along the
coast OF the Pacific ocean; places in direct proximity
with the rich commerce OF the East Indies; opens new
fields of enterprise to Industrious and rapidly in
creasing popuation and what is well worthy OF con-
sderation leaves question of Importance unadjusted
between our government and that of Great Britain.
The credit OF having accomplished all this belongs
clusively to the present administration. And Mr. Polk
has, in this instance again redeemed the pledge Of the
Baltimore convention.
But, passing these measures of policy, abou,
which there ought have been no diversity Of opinion
among political parties we TO the allengrossng
subject of the TARIFF.
This is one of the measures upon which parties were
formed the adoption of the present constitution, and
which has been subject OF controversy since the days
Of Alexander Hamilton. The Federal or modern Wing
party contend that Congress have power under the
tution portion OF the people for the exclu
sve benefit OF another portion The Democratic Re
publican party the contrary insist that the burdens
government should be equally borne by all that the
stution and the genius of government, alike op
posed to the granting Of privileges to class OF
citizens, to the exclusion Of all other classes and espe
caly the and expense OF the others Such, how
ever is the effect and such the intention Of all the wh
tariffs Such especially was the effect OF the tariff o