Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1848-02-12

assurance from the President on the sub.
lect; but do allege that | can conceive no
other reason for their vote upon the reso-
luion at all in keeping with their charac-
lers for high intelligence, firmness of pur.
pose and patriotism, than that they thought
they had an assurance that their mode OF
annexation would be pursued. Sir, how
did it turn OUT The ink was hardly dry
with which the resolution was recorded.
and the name of the President attached 10
It, before, without going through the form
even OF moments subsequent dclbera-
ton, messenger was despatched to the
government of Texas, inviting her into the
Union, under the first aliernative-and
under the first alternative she came into
the Union.
Now, sir, charge upon the President.
that this hasty and i.adviscd step was the
remote cause of the present war. cha,ga
it upon him. that if he had acted prudentiy.
and cautiously. and wisely, he would have
proceeded under the other alternative,
and have saved the dreadful ofusi,n Of
blood the world has been compelled to
witness.
| charge it upon him that the course
which he did pursue was inconsistent with
that uniform policy of his predecessors to
avoid, or to seek to avoid, by every POS.
sibe and honorable means, that direst of
all national evils-war.
Sir, it is no defence that Congress an.
thorized the step he did take. They to be
sure authorized it, but did not command
it. They left with him, unwisely, think
certainly would not have discretion to
adoptit. But he knew-must have known
that some of the wisest and purcst ofsrates
men predicted that it would end in war:
and that some of the wisest and purcst of
the statesmen belonging to his own poli'i-
cal party entertained that opinion. He
knew that a majority Of the Senate. his
constitutional advisers, were firmly Of that
opinion. lie knew they had promptly
rejected treaty upon that very ground.
and that alone; and yet in defiance of all
this, he headIong takes the obnoxious step.
and the war ensues. The responsibility
is upon his head. and heavy, and over
whelmingis that responsibility.
Sir, annexation Of itself would not have been
war-Nexco had no right to make it a causa of
war. Texas independence had been too long
established and undslurbed, to hove her abso
lutte right Of sovereignty called in question:
acknowledged by the principal powers Of the
world, all had right 10 say, that revolution
had ripenod into title. and especially hld the
United States, the neghbof OF the new govern,
ment, that right. Nor do | believe, Mr.. Psesi
dent, that Mexico, proud az! arrogant as she
then was, would have dared, on account Of tie
treaty Of annexation, 10 make war upon the
United States. No. sir, it was the manner, rot
the fact. 1t was the raShness, and under the
circumstans.ances my opinion, the utter rash
ness Of the Presidents course. | repeat, there
fore, my settled conviction that the President i:
on this account answeraJle for the war. BG
upon the second ground to which have referred
his liability is even yet more manifest, aud with
out shadow Of justification @! excuse. Sir,
need not say that mpu,e no improper motives
to the President. He has no doubt, | hope,
acted under mistaken sense OF duty. But If
my opinion. sir the order to march our army tc
the Rio Grande was hagTant violation Of thai
duy-was i'll advised, reckless, aud clearly
against the spirit of the constitution.
Sir, he could not but have known that such a
measure was likely to bring on hos;litjes. He
could not but have known that such hostities
would be, in the judgement OF The nation, war
The war making power is exclusively vested If
Congress, for wise, high and vital reasons Of pub
lie policy. No man would be mad enough to re.
pose such dreaded power in the Executive
The security Of freedom and peace demands tina
those who are to pay the expenses Of the wal
should alone have the right to declare 1t. Con
gress was then in session? why were rot they
consulted! Was it apprehended that they wou't
not, by such step, hazard the peace oil the ma
ton? Was it because it was believed that they
would resort to every possible effort before taking
4 step so likely to involve Us? Sir, hope not
am bound in respect to the President TO believe
not. But, sir. the fact remains. Is there CHI
zen in the United States, Of any intelligence
who can doubt that Congress never would in tht
then condition OF things. have suffered, If they
could prevented, much less ordered that march!
| charge, therefore upon the President, that
as for as the United States and himself ale con
cerned, he is the author Of the war He, aud h.
; only, and upon his head, rests the blood which
has crimsoned its many glorious battle fields
, But this sir, is question between the country
and the President. Mexico had no right on tho
, account to assail our flag.
To her it made no difference under what al
{ horty Of this Government our troops were OF
!, the Rio Grande. We had, repeat, and hoPt
: | have shown, ght to send them here, and he
. attack upon them was, as regards her and oui
selves, war actually begun by her.
Sir, our flag has waved in proud glory owe
: every field OF conflict. The nations heart ha
beat high with pride and gratitude to the BRAY
, spirits who have borne it, for their matchless ga
blush need 10 be seen. They were not permite
, out their knowledge, rashly involved the nation
$ honor. That honor was then illegally as,aiIec
, They had no choice but to vindicate it, Their
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