The daily national Whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1849, 1847-08-23
N TIONAL WING.
From the National Era Of August ie'l
NEW PLAN
OF CONTINENTAL UNION.

or events. by procaiming the cessation OF
III hos,l;t;es on our side, and in all good
s.;.h in = proper way, submitting to every
Stat. in Mexico, having the requisite num-
her of i6habitants, the proposition TO enter,
e il go choose, into the American Union,
,,oo a footing of equality with the origi-
nal States. This plan may seem startling,
but let us examine
s.. First, its relations to justice;
Secondly, to the Federal Constitution;
Thirdly, to Expediency.
Few persons deny the right of State to
dissolve its connection with the rest, Tor
good and sufficient reason, Of which It must
be the sole Judge. The New England States
have the right, to-day, to secede from
Government which has been prostituted to
the support Of Slavery, and to set up for
themselves. We have never questioned the
right of South Carolina to do what she has
so often threatened; nor will southern states
men, who have always been in the habit Of
contemplating dissolution Of the Union in
certain contingencies, dispute this right Of
independent election, in State, whether
she shall remain in the Union or 60 out Of
it. While in it, of course, she is bound 10
obey the laws it constitutionally imposes.
The alternative is, obedience or secession.
We always denounced the foul dealing Of
the United States towards Mexico, and OPP
posed the annexation Of Texas, on account
of its relation to slavery, but never doubt
ed its perfect right to dispose of itself as il
saw proper. We maintained The same po-
sition as to the right Of the settlers and
natives Of Oregon to dispose Of their terri
tory.
In relation to right or Justice, then, there
could not be the slightest objection to the
submission Of a proposition of annexation
to each of the sovereign States of Mexico,
or to the free acceptance by each Of such
proposition. Free acceptance, for each
should be left perfectly free to decide for
itself, aud its decision ought then to be re-
spected.
The second question regards the consii-
tutionaity, on our part, of such an act.
This, if we understand the matter, has
been settled by precedent. The American
People have ratified the purchase, by Jefier-
son, Of foreign territory, and the same au-
thority has ratified the act of the American
Congress, in passing joint resolution for
the annexation of a foreign State. If a
foreign slave State could thus be annexed,
there can be no doubt as to the power to
annex, in similar way, a foreign free State,
or any number Of them. We shall not now
20 behind that act Of Congress, and its rati-
ticatioa by the American People.
The great question to be discussed, then,
concerns the expediency Of such annexa-
ton; and here we must take wide range,
as the subject is Of vast importance, and
embraces many points Of view.
First US to the praciicablity Cone element
of expediency) Of extending our Govern
ment over this immense territory. Some
may doubt, but we have always held that
the peculiar political system Of this country
is specially adapted to extended empire
State Governments will prevent the oppres-
sion of local interests by the Central Gov
eminent, and provide of themselves eff
GENTLY for their promotion; and we can
see no reason why the great interests Of
peace and war, commerce with foreign ma
tions and between the States, the public
lands, and the treatment Of the aborignes,
Of the whole continent, may not be as well
cared for by one Central or Federal Govern
ment, as by many Thus far, the extension
Of territory and multiplication Of States, BY
weakening the proportionate power of fac
lion, and, generally, Of local interests, add
ing to the dignity of the Federal Govern
ment, and increasing national spirit, have
strengthened the bonds Of union. The
States were in far more danger during the
last war, and before it, of falling apart, than
they have ever been since.
So much for the practicability Of the pro-
ject Let US glance at its advantages.
1t would extend the principle Of free
trade, already in active operation between
the States Of this Union, 10 nearly the whole
North American continent
Il would give TO Mexico the principle Of
Religious federation, without interfering
with her religious faith.
1t would establish, throughout her bor-
ders, free institutions.
ltwould confer upon her people personal
security.
It would open the way for, and hold out
inducements to, en,erprising immigrants.
II would bring her soil under better
cultivation, stimulate the growth of manu-
factures, and augment indefinitely her COM
merce.
1t would lead TO the institution Of the
Common School system of education.
1t would put an end to military rule and
wasting revolutions.
1t would open to the New England
manufacturers new and valuable market
for their wares. Hitherto our trade with
Mexico has been uncomfortable, consider.
ing the proximity and wealth of the two
countries; and, for many years before the
war, il had been steadily decreasing, while
England was carrying on profitable anc
brisk commerce with her.
II would add vastly to the commerce o
ills whole country, and open new felt
for the enterprise Of our citizens.
Ii would increase the power and nfu
ence Of the Union, and forever put to res
all projects for the establishment of mo
narchical system upon this continent, ant
ior the play Of European interests and tao