Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-08-14
CANDIDATES FOR THE CONVENTION.
Di.iric. Of augusta, ROckbridgs and HfIghisn&
TEXAS

The claim OF Texas to the territory Of New Mex
leo east Of the Rio Grande, and the probable atemp,
on her part to establish, by forcble means, her own
jurisdiction over it, if not amicaby settled by the
immediate action Of Congress- may lead to serious
and fearful results. The question has been brought
to the notice Of the Executive through commune
cation from the Governor Of Texas addressed TO the
late President To this letter, in which COMPLAIN,
is made of the interference Of the United States au-
,horities adverse to the extension of the civil iurs-
dction of Texas over the territory claimed, Mr..
WEBSTER replied both Of which documents, togeth-
er with the message alluded to below, were laid be-.
fore Congress on the l4th inst. Gov BELL alsoad-
dressed letter 10 the Senators and Representatives
of Texas in Congress judging from the extracts
we have seen rather a remarkable paper The i'm
pertinent and authoritative tone of this document,
however udicrous iii itself considered, seems TO in
dictate reliance upon something else, other than the
power of little Texas terselG in case of collision
With the authorities of .ne general government. We
pleased TO notice the frmness and decision with
which This manifesto OF hishighness ofTexas has been
met by the Executive, as exhibited in an able mes
sage lately laid before Congress, setting forth The in
tended course Of the administration and recommend
ms speedy adjustment Of the boundary lines Such
contest as must inevitably take place, should the
the unctonaries Of Texas attempt the execution of
their avowed policy, would be especially lamen!able
ut the present crisis, aud consequences might fol-
low" to use the language of the President "of which
human sagacty foresee either the evils or the
end" If we may Judge from the temper of Gov.
BELLS manilestoan hecourse ofherRepresenta,ives
IN Congress, Texas is courtng and would lain win
the cooperation of the slave States, in case matters
come to a serious issue. II such hope is INDUCED,
we are inclined to think she is 'reckoning without
her hosr'; but, apart from this, such contest is to
De deprecated, in the present ogated state of the
country, as calculated to excite animosities and in
crease sectional ealousies, the augmented peril of
the Union
The message of the President, which was furious.
ly assaited by Mr. Howard, of Texas recommends
as the best mode of avertng the threatened difficult
ties, the establishment Of divisional line between
Texas aud New Mexico, by Congress itself, with the
assent OF the government Of Texas, without resort
to judicial proceedings or settlement by commissions
ers. prompt and satisfactory adjustment of the
question is the desideratum and either of these lat,
Ger plans would necessarily involve much delay.-
We may hope that such an adjustment may be speed
NV effected, although the violent assault of Mr. How
ARD would seem TO indicate resistance Eat all hazards
and to the last extremity If such be the determi-
nation, the President only proceed to the prompt
and efficient execution of the powers vested in him
by the Constitution, without regard to consequences
The conduct of this young member Of the confed-
sracy is decidedly ungratelul, and merits the rebuke
che would most certainly receive in case of con-
test with the Federal authorities. But few wears
since she knocked at the door Of the Union and we
opened unto her-"a stranger and we took her inn
Scarcely, however is she secure within the fold be-
fore she addresses US in the language of defiance
and bravado, willing, for the sake of few barren
acres, to multiply the dangers which threaten the de-
struciion OF our beloved country. Verify, such in
gratitude covers with an eclipse almos, total, the
boosted luStre of the "one starr
We sincerely hope, however, with Mr.. FILLMORE,
that the necessity for harsh measures may be avert
ed aad that IN tue train Of the adjustment of this
question "Ihere will follow a return of harmony and
good will, an increased attachment to the Union, and
the general satisfaction of the counhy.n