The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-04
From the Jackson Miss !southron.

Texas and the General Government.
In our paper o! today will be found the message
OF the President and the letter of Mr. Webster re-
specting the difficulty between Texas and New
Mexico We admire the spirit which runs through
both of these productions. They address them
selves in SO frank and manly manner 10 the rea-
son and intelligence of ALL that they must necessa-
riy receive the closest scrutiny and respect of every
candid mind. friendly and conciliatory tone is
most clearly manifested towards Texas, while, at the
same time, they intimate with becoming delicacy
the necessity under which the President will be
placed in case Texas should commit any overt act
with respect to the matter in dispute. They show
that Mr.. Fillmore is the man for the emergency,
and that he is ready and willing to maintain invi
olate the rights of each and every citizen who seeks
protection under the broad egis Of the Constitu-
ton
The President assumes to himself no right or au-
thority to decide what is or what is not the true
boundary line between Texas and Mexico. He
distinctly says that nothing is more remote from
his wish than to PREJUDICE prejudice the claims
of either party in the slightest degree He takes
for his guide the fact-a fact which is undeniable-
that in the war with Mexico the province of New
Mexico conquered by General Kcarny in the
carly part Of the contcst-that Texas exercised at
that time authority or control whatever over
toms, and Mexican institutions were alone acknowl-
edged, when General Kearny appointed mill
tary governor there by President Polk. He shows
that since the conquest, four years, it has been
held in undsputed possession by the United States.
lie does not design that this should in any way af-
feet any claims that Texas may have to the terri
tory, but that the United States having originally
acquired possession, is entitled, by the principles
Of equity and international law, to hold it until the
whole difficulty shall be fairly and properly adjust
ed by the proper tribunals
The President intiInates no intention Of invading
Texas. lie simply wishes that things may remain
they were under Mr.. Folks administration, with
quasi military government; and this state Of af-
fairs he intends TO preserve, whilst Congress in the
mean time may propose measures which, when
agreed to by Texas, will definitely close the ques
ton
This position is not only cmincntly Just TO Texas
but it manfests conscicntiou. desire on the part
of the President to act strictly according to his oath
as an executive officer. He cvinces no desire to
skulk or avoid the true Issue before him. but states
clearly and cmphatcally what he thinks he ought
to do, and doubt not he will be as good as his
word Texas can now understand with whom she
has to deal, and should she presume to lay aside
constitutional remedies and resort 10 forcibe means
to sustain her claims, she will find at the head Of
government VINO resolved 10 90 ms duty with
out hesitation and at all hazards.
This question Of the Texan boundary ought TO be
settled instantly aud satisfactorily. II is the key
to the difficulties which now embarrass the action
Of tho national councils. IL ovcrshadows all other
matters, because, 20 soon this shall be amicably
adjusted oil the other controversies will be at once
closed II the solemn duty Of the last Congress
to have put end TO this sectional strife, but, as
this was not done, IL becomes the part Of all who
for the Union use their best efforts TO avert
any dangers which may threaten.
There is ono feature Of this matter that should
attract the attention Of every thinking man. And
this il the attempt the part Of some to connect
the difficulty with Texas with the slavery agita-
lion. VIVA, possible identity there Is in the ma
turo Of these two questions we are at loss to de-
tcrmine. Many 90 bold and reckless as to de-
clare that It is the intention of the North TO brbo
Texas by means Of ten millions Of dollars, in order
to strip her Of her territory and make it into free
State. Nothing can be more absurd; for II the Gee
sion shall be made, New Mexico will still have a
territorial government with freedom TO establish or
discard slavery as her inhabitants may wish. The
real design Of agating these two questions in con-
nexiOn. has ts origin in wish TO involve the South
in active hostilites against the General Govern
mcnt. Hence we see certain presses pirate and
buster in the choicest billingsgate about the ncon
tostable rights Of Texas; advising her citizens to
ASSERT and maintain without delay her claims at
the point of the bayonet. The spirit Of dsunion
ranlslcs in many bosoms, and all that is wanted is
a prctoxt 10 prccipiiate at once the country into
civil war They pant for an opportunity TO show
their sectional phronzy amid brstling steel and ad.
vancing columns. Nothing would delight them
more than to sec TeSns actually engaged in hostl.
ties with the General Government.
We trust, however, that no such opportunity
viii arise. The whole difficulty lie likely soon to
be arranged bill, proposed by Mr.. Pearoe, of
Maryland, defining the boundaries Of Te1as, has
passed the Senate by large majority-the Texan
Senators both voting for Il. This bill proposes
that Texas shall surrender her claim TO all terri
tory north Of the line, commencing at the inter-
section Of the lOOh degree of west longitude, with
the parallel Of 800 30 north latitude running
thence that parallel 10 the l03rd degree Of west
longitude thence south to the 32d parallel Of north
latitude, and along that parallel to the Rio Grande;
and thence down that river to the Gulf OF Mexico;
and in consideration Of this surrender, Texas is to
be paid ten millions Of dollars. Should this pass
the House-a matter almost certain TO occur-and
become law, we may expect peace and tranquil
lily TO sit enthroned in the hearts Of all
lovers Of the Union. Fanatics, political abolition
ists, disunioniss per se, and sgitators in general
may then hang 10 their harps and cease 10 disturb
the community with their discordant strains Of
sleep breaking music,