The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1848-04-20


AGAIN, sir, it has been more than minated
by honorable Senators on the other side of
the chamber, who have participated in this
debate, that the only test of true patriotism
and real love of country is a cordial support
of all the measures recommended by the adj
minstration, for the further prosecution OF
this war; and that opposition to them is OPP
position to the country, and taking sides with
the enemy. Sir, claim to be as patriotic,
and as ready to stand by the country, i'll peace
and in war, as Senators over the way. But
it is one thing to stand by the country, and
quite different thing to stand bv the admin
istration. In standing by the country, find
myself compelled to oppose the measures re-
commended by the administration, because,
in my judgment, if carried out, they would
prove ruinous to the country. But, Mr.
President, the honorable Senator from Hi
nois, (Mr. Douglass,) said he was surprised
to hear this war and the recommendations of
the President for its vigorous prosecution de-
nounced, especially from those Senators who
voted for all the war measures Of the last ses-
sion and the preceding one" The war meas
ures, sir for which we have heretofore voted,
were recommended, the President informed
us, with no view to the acquisition of Next
can territory, by conquest-a just and honor
able peace, and not the forcible dismember-
ment of the Mexican republic, was the pur-
pose avowed for the prosecution Of the war
But, sir, the war, since the last session Of Con-
gress, has assumed new character. It's more
vigorous prosecution is now recommended for
new object, and one that we have never ap-
proved, but uniformaly condemned. We
have never voted men nor money for such q
war as the President now ayows this to be.
The war for which we voted supplies was
war "waged with no view to conquest" The
honorable Senator, therefore, ought to feel
no surprise at the stand we take against this
bib.
But, sir, l will leave this subject and pass
to brief review OF the measures which occa-
stoned the war, viz: the annexation Of Tex
as, and the order of the 18th Of January,
1916, for the march Of the army from Corpus
Christi to the left bank of the Rio Grande.
For these two measures the democratic party
and the President are responsible. And |
therefore charge upon them this war, and all
the blood and treasure it has cost this coun-
try. The annexation of Texas was a party
measure. 1t was q scheme, devised by the
democracy of the south, to prevent the aboli-
ton Of slavery in Texas and, when first an
nounced, it met with no favor from the de-
mocracy of the north. twas denounced with
great violence, and in language somewhat Of
fensive, by the party press, and in the con-
ventions of the people. The Globe, the lead
ing democratic press in this city, joined in the
opposition, and it was continued up to the
meeting of the democratic convention in Bal
timorc in May, 1874. Now, sir, as the hon
orable Senator from Illinois thought it his
duty to convey through the Senate to the
country the denunciations of a portion Of the
clergy and the press against the war of 1912,
| will follow his example, and present to the
country the denunciations of the northern
democracy against the annexation of Texas,
when the scheme was first announced to the
country. l shall do this, sir, with no view
to cast reproach upon the people of Texas,
but to show that, with the northern dcmocra-
cy, obligations to country are sometimes over
come by obligations to party.
On the goth Of November, 1913, the Dover
Gazette, N. H., democratic paper, in an az
ticle against annexation spoke of Texas in
the following language:
"Texas can hardly be in worse state than it is
now-the most wicked, vile, God-abandoned place |
of which we have any knowedge-its history would |
make the savage blush with shame. "
lei UueI0 WHO ueSlIe W eIlGCL an union De-
tween Texas and this country, as if we had not
enough guilt and crime already upon our shoulders
We soist rather that could fD impossible gAfI
6etloeen as and its bOers that Us breath Of pestteRce
a1gM neUer reach or shores. Heaven save us from
union with Texas"
The New Hampshire Nashua Gazette
democratic paper) November 8, 1913, in
speaking of the annexation Of Texas said
"The object and design throughout all is as black
as ink-bitter as hell"
ave hope, and sincerely trust there will be no
trucking the part of northern representatives
when this mighty project shall come up before them
in all its questionable shapes"
The New Hampshire Patriot democratic
paper) of November %, 1913, speaking Of
annexation said