The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-02-10

right extended much portion OF her territory
to another lie ceeded next To inquire how this claim
had been regarded by the American Congress since the
annexation and TO show that port of entry was estab
shed Corpus Christ, and that post Offices and post
routes established beyond the Nueces and extend
ing TO Point Isabel In view of these facts, he treated
il as settled point that the Congress of the United States
would not be likely to legislate for Mexico IN time OF
profound peace.
Regarding the subject from every point, this territory
seemed rightuly 10 belong 10 the State OF Texas.
What then the President OF the United States to do,
when Mexico threatening, sworn as he was TO pro-
tect the country from invasion Would he not have
been grossly derec in the performance OF his duty II he
| had permitted Mexican army 10 come IN and occupy
territory which the American Congress had included
within this Union He cared not what were the opln-
ions OF the President in the Congress had legsa
ted for that regon and ii the duty OF the President
| TO protect and defend If from invasion much as any
other portion of the confederacy.
Gentlemen tell US this question ought TO have been
settled by negotiation But how did the Mexican people
and government receive the news of annexation 1t
toy between the Nueces and the Rio Grande but their
object was to recover the whole of Texas
Mr. b went into the history of negotiations which
followed, and showed that the officially out of a
misapprehenson about single word-Mexico agree
ing to receive the commissioner which Mr.. Black I'M
dersood a commissioner He advered to the rejec-
ton of Mr. Slde as an example of most unparalleled
etfronery and inconsistency on the part OF Mexico
claiming commissioner to settle particular question
of difficulty and, at the time, rejecting for want OF
adequate powers, an envoy charged with full power o
settle the particular question OF difficulty, well as all
other matters in dispute.
He then referred to the history of events which led
the collision on the Rio Grande to show that it was
not the object of this government take the initiative
in the conflict The second despatch OF General Taylor
after he took position the RIO Grande and pointed his
cannon into the city of Matamoras contained this sign-
cant declaration; 90 The MeXicans know what mean "
This attitude the general assumed on his response
| bity for which, however, Mr. b did not blame him
for General Taylor knew the people with whom he had
to do well he knew the country where he dated this
despatch--which was "Texas, opposite Ma,amoras.'
host
stion on account of the burning of the town OF Point
Isabel When those flames were lighted, his mind was
made up and he determined not to be trifed with any
| longer"
Mr. B. referred to the position in which the opposition
had accidentally placed themselves by the adoption Of
the declaration submitted by the gentleman from Massa
chusetts, Mr. AsHMUNJ to show that the Rubicon
thus passed by them and that from the issue thus made ii
was now too late for them to retract.
With respect to the proposition to resort TO direct taxes
to show the extraordinary character of the arguments
by which it was supported-Mr B. said that gentlemen
who have quams OF conscience on the subject OF tax
ing the hats coats, and shirts OF the poor man. in
rage of opposition against tax tea and coffee Such
resort at this time he considered to be wholly
sary but he added that whenever should be
he would himself for direct taxation. He believed
in the motto mllons for defence, but not cent Tor
tribute
In conclusion or he did not choose to occupy the full
hour he would say, with reference to this question,
and to every other question of State policy, he would
adopt the famous motto, My country-may she be al
ways right; but, right wrong, my country"
MIR. DUER next obtained the floor, but gave way for
motion that the committee rise, upon which motion no
Mr. c. +. STUART called for the enforcement of the
rule, which directs call of the House such cases. and
the names OF the absenees be recorded upon the jour
nal.
| The roll was accordingly called and quorum OF
members answered TO their names.
The committee rose, and the chairman reported the
names of the absentees, which directed TO be in
serted on the journal
| The House then adjourned