Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1849-10-25
ANNEXATION.

ANNEXATION.
The prospect for a realization of 'the ideal
dream Of an ocean bound republic,' is daily
Frightening. Our political organization, original
~ composed Of thirteen States, now embraces
more than twice that number. Our Government
has already under IFS control a territory stretching
from one ocean 10 the other, containing every va
riety OF climate, and adapted TO the growth of
nearly every commodity of commerce.. And it
is still the desire of the nation to enlarge its lin
its. We are not among those, who advocate ter
ritorial extension under all circumstances and at
all hazards; nor do we believe with others, who
teach the lmposslbllity OF governing a people,
spread over a large extent of territory, upon re-
publican principles. We are 10 be found among
the advocates Of territorial extension, when the
circumstances attending annexation, and the char
acter OF the territory, induce the belief, that the
extension will result in permanent good to both
parties.
The extension, now creating an excitement, is
not an enlargement proposed by the American
people, but an annexation sought after by the
nelghboiing provinces. An extension of this ma
tnre will not onl result in benefit to the province
annexed, but will form an argument for the su-
premacy OF orr Government. Canada and Cuba.
under the control OF the British and Spanish Gov
%ernmentS, are now enduring political evils, which
IL Is The desire and intention of the people of these
provinces TO remove. Such being the motive of
the people, their natural inquiry has been direct
ed TO the root of the evil. The result of this en-
curry IS, that these evils arise out of the inefi-
ciency OF their Governments to supply their
wants and protect their interests. They have ac-
cotdlngly applied themselves TO the rcnovatlnp
OF their Governments. In this effort, the people
OF both provinces have simultaneously and almost
unanimously turned their eyes towards the great
North American Republic. Universal experience
dictates the Importance of proceeding cautiously
IN making essential changes; and common sense
'eaches, That men are not apt to discard so uni
VefSai a dictate. We, then, are led, before we
lnler The truth OF a system from its reception by
men, to inquire into their opportunities for dis
covering its merits. Situated as are the people
OF Canada and Cuba, in juxtaposilion to our coun-
try, they cannot be Ignorant of the operation of
our laws. And should there be evils IN our Gov
eminent OF greater magnitude than those ofwhich
u1ey complain, their detection would be inevita-
BILE. All Of this will be seen by the inhabitants
of enlightened nations; and, Notwithstanding the
efforts OF monarchs and governments TO destroy
ITS influence, 1t will convince them of the SUPERB
or efficacy of four Government.
IL requires no vast amount of knowledge of the
American Constitution and people to learn, why
The operations OF its Government seldom Cypress
the people. The Constitution, which embodies
The general principles of our Government. does
not set forth measures, but simply defines the
manner IN which they shall be executed. The
people rs the great source from which all meas
ureS flow. The several parts of Government are
themselves but agents authorized to execute the
peoples commands. The people are virtually the
rulers. And they, impellcd with a sense of their
necessities, bring into operation such measures
as VIII answer their demands. Should a meas
ure be oppressive in its operations, it is the effect
oil error, and the means of redress are accessible.
ihe tendency OF the provinces request for an
neyation, is, to draw towards us the attention of
ioreign nations and to induce their inhabitants to
investigate or national policy. The disposition
Tor annexation will naturally engender investiga-
tlon. And 1t requires but little Investigation of
our Government, TO convince men of its superior
eiilcac" IN meeting the demands of the people.
The effect OF the proposed annexation must, then,
oil necessity, be an exhibition OF the merits of our
Government.
England is, no doubt, diSpleased at this mani
iestation in our favor. And is evidently attempt
ing to destroy its effect. The tone of the British
press leaves us to infer, that it is the policy OF
the British nation to bring all of its influence TO
bear against the annexation. Ii is certainly to
the interest of the British nation to retain its pro-
vlnces, but this cannot be the motive. which in
hntneeS us opposition 10 the tuba anReXatOn.-
The truth OF the matter, is, the English have sa-
gacity and knowledge enough TO know, that the
wealth and cnterprize of the adjoining provinces
will be considerably augmented under the pro-
lection OF ouI Governments; and il is to the inter
est OF the British nation to prevent a develop
ment of the influence of our Government on ma
tional prosperity.
1t is not surprising, that these provinces should
ask a shelter under our Government. European
Governments are unstable; and, in a great major
i'y OF cases, are unable to sustain themselves
They are full of revolutions. All of them are pc
cunlarily deeply embarrassed. They are either
ruled by monarchs, whose rigid and oppressive
governments entitle them TO a rank among ty.
rants; or, they live in evolutionary anarchy, un.
der the name Of liberty. While our Government
is based upon correct principles; and our people
are free TO ordain laws, but are constrained tc
obey them when so ordained.
But after all, is it expedient to annex the ad
joining provinces of Great Britain and Spain? A
present, it would not be. But should these pro
vinces throw off the governments of those coun,
, tries, under the protection of which they now exist
and apply to us IN a proper manner, the annexa.
lion ought to be made. Such a union woulc
benefit both the provinces and our own country,
II, indeed, it would not materially benefit til,
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