Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-10-18
THE WESTERN BOUNDARY OF TEXAS

HE WESTERN BOUNDARY OF TEXAS.
FROM THE RICHMOND WING WEDNESDAY.
Yesterday we received from Mr.. Senator Mason
the proceedings of the Senate on the ratification of
the Treaty with Mexico. This document contains
many important papers never before published, and
among others the despatch of Mr.. Buchanan to Mr..
Slidell, dated November 10Th, 1916. This paper
has never been before the public, though extracts,
which were puroined by correspondent of a North
ern paper, have been. It's bearing upon the ques-
ton of the western boundary of Texas is of the
very highest consequence; and, though it makes its
appearance at this late day. we trust it will not be
too late TO have lis proper effect upon the public
mind.
The partisans of Mr. Polk, and his apologists
for his involving this country in an unnecessary
and unconstitutional war, have always rested their
defence upon the alleged fact that the territory on
the eastern side Of the Rio Grando was American
territory. This despatch of Mr.. Buchanan wholly
rcfutes this position. He expressly recognises the
right Of Mexico, and directs Mr. Sidell to offer
Mexico ten millions Give millions for the claims Of
our citizens and five millions in cash) for all the
territory east of the Rio Grande. After presenting
various considerations TO show the worthessness
Of this territory to Mexico the Secretary of State
proceeds:
"But the President desires TO deal literally by
Mexico. You are, therefore, authorized TO offer to
assume the payment of all the just claims of our
citizens against Mexico, and, in addition, TO pay
five millions of dollars, in case the Mexican Gov
eminent shall agree TO establish the boundary be-
tween the two countries from the mouth Of the Rio
Grande up the principal stream to tho point where
it touches the line of New Mexico; thence west of
| no Wv ro1n axtnr liz al
and So as to include the whole within the United
States, until it again interrsec;s the river; thence
up the principal stream of the same TO its source
and thence due north until ii intersccts the 42d de-
gree of north latitude.
ga boundary still preferable 10 this would be an
extension of the line from the northwest corner Of
New Mexico, along the range of mountains until
1t would intersect the I'D parallel.
"Should the Mexican authorities prove unwil-
ling to extend the boundary beyond the Del Nortc
you are In that event, instructed TO offer to assume
the payment OF all the just claims of citizens of the
United States against Mexico, should she agree
that the line shall be established along the bounda-
ny defined by the act of the Congress of Texas
approved December 10Th, 1886, TO wit beginning
at the mouth Of the Rio Grande; thence up the
principal stream of said river TO its source: thence
due north TO the 42d degree Of latitude"
In another paragraph the Secretary Of State su-
thorzes Mr. Slide to give twenty five millions for
O"'ioi'ia' VIC copy lHe paragraph:
"Ihe Government Of California is now but NOM
Inaliy dependent upon Mexico and it is more than
doubtful whether her authority will ever be rein
stated Under these circumstances it is the desire
oil The PRESIDENT that you shall use your best efforts
to obtain cession Of that province from Mexico to
the United States Could you accomplish this OBJ
Ject, you would render immense service To vour
country and establish an enviable reputation for
yourself Money would be no object when com
pared with the value of the acquisition. Still the
ai'ennPl must be made with great prudence and
caution, and IN such manner not TO alarm the
jealousy OF the Mexican Government. Should YOU,
alter sounding the Mexican authorities on the sinh
Ject, discover prospect of success the President
would not hesitate TO give, in addition TO the as
sumption OF the just claims of our citizens ON
Mexico, twenty five millions of dollars for the ces
sion. Should you deem ii cxpedent, YOU are an
| thorized to oier this sum for boundary running
due west tToM the southern extremity Of New Mex
leo TO the Pacific ocean or from anv other no;,t r
lis western boundary which would embrace Mon
terey within our limits. If Monterey cannot be oh
famed. you may, if necessary. in addition to the
assumption Of these claims, offer twenty millions
Oh doiars Tor any boundary commencing at any
! point on the western line of New Mexico and nm
/ ming due west to the Pacific so as TO include the
| bay and harbor Of San Francisco. The LARGER the
! territory sonth Of this bay the better OF course
when speak OF any point on the western bouuda
/ ry OF New Mexico, IL is understood that from The
nei Nor'e 10 that point our boundary shall run ac-
cordng to the first offer which you have been an .
/ thorzed to make j need scarcely add that in an
! thorzing the offer of five millions or twenty five
millions, or twenty millions Of dollars these arc r.,
De considered as maximum sums. If you can ac-
cohPsh either OF the objects contemplated for less
/ the President" FN y"
The Secretary having thus cut up and carved ou,
inc Mexican territory, Offering so much for this ami
/ IN mr. ft,,t