The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-08-15

stitution and the Laws With whatever mildness
those powers might be executed, or however clear
the case ofnecessity, yet consequences might pew
ertheless follow, of which no human sagacity
can foresee either the evils or the end.
Having thus laid before Congress the oommu-
nication Of his Excellency the Governor of
Texas, and the answer thereto and having made
such observations as have thought the occasion
called for, respecting constitutional obligations
which may arise in the further progress Of things,
and may devolve on me to be performed, hope |
shall not be regarded rs stepping aside from the
line Of duty, notwithstanding that | am aware
that the subject is now before both Houses, il |
express my deep and earnest conviction of the
propriety Of an immediate decision or arrange
ment, or settlement of the question of boundary
between Texas and the Territory of New Mexi.
leo. All considerations Of justice, general expe-
dency, and domestic tranquility, call for this lt
seems TO be, in it's character and by position, the
first, or one Of the first of questions growing out
of the acquisition Of California and New Mex
loo, and now calling for decision.
No Government can be established for New
Mexico, either State or Territorial until it shall
be first ascertained what New Mexico is, and
what are her limits and boundaries. These can
not be fixed or known till the line of division be-
tween her and Texas shall be ascertained and es-
tablished and numerous and weighty reasons
conspire in my judgment, to show that this divis-
ional line should be established by Congress with
the assent of the Government of Texas. In the
1lsJ . ri, 'tSis or sas' a.Eos p S.-t,s
mode of proceeding by which the end can be ac-
---r,,-..-~. .--.---. r. L-s--SL, -
ed TO, such proceedings would necessarily De
slow, and years would pass by in all probability,
before the controversy could be ended. So great
a delay in this case is to be avoided if possible.
1t would be every way inconvenient, and might
be the occasion of disturbances and collisions.
For the same reason, would, with the utmost
Difference to the wisdom of Congress- express a
doubt Of the expediency Of the appointment of
Commissioners, and Of an examination, estimate,
and an award of an indemnity to be made by
them This would be but species of arbitra-
ton, which might last as long as a suit at law.
So far as am able to comprehend the case, the
general facts are now all known, and Congress is
as capable Of deciding on it justly and properly
now, as it probably would be after the report Of
Commissioners
If the claim of title on the part Of Texas ap-
pear to Congress to be we'll founded, in whole or
in part, it is in the competency of Congress to Of
fer her an indemnity for the surrender Of that
claim. In n like this, surrounded as 1t is by
many cogent considerations, all calling for ami
cable adjustment and immediate settlement, the
Government of the United States would be justi-
Texas, not unreasonable and extravagsnt, bat
fair, liberal, and awarded in just spirit Of sc-
commodation.
! thipk. no event would be hailed with more
qualification by the people of.tke United States
than the amicable arrangement of questions Of
difficulty, which have now for a long time sgi-
tated the country, and occupied to the exclusion
of other subjects the time and attention Of Con-
gress
Having thus freely communicated the results
of my own reflections on the most advisable mode
of adjusting the boundary question: | shall new
ertheless cheerfuly acquiesce in any other mode
which the wisdom of Congress may devise.
And, in conclusion, repeat my conviction that
every consideration of the public interest mani
tests the necessity ola provision by Congress for
the settlement of this boundary question before
the present session be brought to a close. The
settlement of other questions connected with the
same subject, within the same period, is greatly
to be desired but the adjustment of this appears
to me to be in the highest degree important. In
the train Of such an adjustment, we may well
hope that there will follow return of harmony
and good will, an increased attachment to the
Union, and the general satisfaction of the coun-
try. MmLARD FILLMORE.
Washington, August 6, 1850.