The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-05-16
. w..

In one respect, this volume, like its immediate
predecessor. represents a desirable improvement
upon the first number OF the series. For the
general reader, 1t is useless to reproduce a
special message announcing the transmission of
certain documents, unless the documents them
selves are also printed. The compiler is now
careful to avoid such errors of omission where
national interests of great moment seem to him
to be involved. For example, the controversy
concerning our Northeastern boundary was
settled under the Tyler administration by the
Ashburton treaty with Great Britain. Some
special messages of President Tyler on the sub
ject are accompanied with reports from the
commissioners appointed to explore and survey
the boundary line between the States OF Maino
and New Hampshire and the c~ontcrminous
British provinces, although these reports occupy
some seventy-ive pages.
or moro interest TO lis ut the present time than
the Ashburton treaty is the course pursued I'M
der President Tyler with regard TO the annexa-
ton OF the independent commonwealth OF Texas.
Tho references to this matter in the Presidents
first two annual messages are noticeably scant.
In the second message. there is scarcely any allu-
sion, and, in the first message. dated Dec. 7,
1871, the only passage of any significance Is the
following: THE United States cannot but take
n deep interest in whatever relates to this young
but growing republic lTexasl. Settled prin-
cipally by cmigrants from the United States, we
have the happiness to know that the great prin-
ciples of civil liberty are there destined to flourish
under wise institutions and wholesome laws and
that, through its example. another evidence is to
be afforded of the capacity OF popular institu.
lions to advance the prosperity. happiness, and
permanent glory OF the human race. The great
truth that government was made for the peo-
pie and not the people for government has
already been established in the practice and by
the example of these United States, and we can
do no other than contemplate its further exem-
plification by a sister republic with the deepest
interest" At this time, it is evident that the
annexation of Texas to the United States WAS
not distinctly contemplated. The case was
otherwise two years later. In his third annual
message. Mr.. Tyler said: 1T must hut be re-
garded as not Il little extraordinary that the
Government Of Mexico, in anticipation OF n pub
lie discussion (which 1t has been pleased to infer
from newspaper publications as likely to take
place in Congress relating to the annexation of
Texas to the United Statcs) should have so far
anticipated the result of such discussion as to
have announced its determination to visit any
such anticipated decision with a formal declara-
ton of war against the United States. If de-
signed to prevent Congress from introducing
that question as a ft subject for its calm
elaboration and final Judgment, the Executive
has no reason to doubt that 1t will entirely
fail Of Its object. The representatives OF a
brave and patriotic people will suffer no APP
prehension of future consequences to embarrass
them in tho course OF their proposed delibcra-
tions. nor will the Executive Department of the
Government fail. for my such cause, TO dis
charge its whole duty to the country" Then
follows a passage which may be read with profit
at the present time, because, to q considerable
extent, 1t has n direct and obvious bearing upon
the Cuban question: THE wal which has ex-
listed for 80 long a time between Mexico and
Texas has, since the battle of San Jacinto, con-
sisted for the most part of predatory incursions,
which. while they have been attended with
much OF suffering to individuals, and have kept
the borders OF the two countries In a state OF
constant alarm. have failed to approach to any
detnitive result. Mexico has fitted out no
formidable armament by land or by sea for
tho subjugation OF Texas. Eight years have
now elapsed since Texas declared her indepen-
dence OF Mexico, and during that time she has
been recognized as a sovereign power by several
Of the principal civilized States. Mexico, never
theless, perseveres in her plan of reconquest, and
refuses to recognize her Independence. The
predatory incursions to which / have alluded
have been attended in one instance with the
breaking up OF the courts of justice by the seiE-
ing upon tho persons Of the Judges. Jury. and