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. AT e
POLITICAL.
ADDRESS of the secretary of war
To tke People of the 21st Congremioaal District
of PenaaylrSDia.
A Treaty has been aignea for the annexation of
Texas to the territories of the United States. 1 now
feel called upon to state to you, my fellow citizens
and late constituents, the grounds of my acquies
cence in this momentous measure.
I have thought much upon this subject, and en.
deavored to give it a candid and impartial consider.
tion, which has produced the most decided convic
tion in my mind, that it is of the highest importance
to the welfare and happiness of the whole country,
and sspecislly conducive to the great interests of
you who so lately honored me with your confidence
and support.
To the United States as a nation it gives a com
pact territory, which is so essentail for defence in
war and so useful in peace, by removing all cause
of collision arising from infraction of revenue laws
and from disputes about common rights in naviga
ting rivers.
Eight year* ago, Texas gained her independence
on the fields of San Jacinto and has ever s ince
maintained it. She hag been recognised by the
first powers of Europe, has preserved the character
ofan independent and sovereign state througb|all
that time, is now as thoroughly severed from Mex
ico as the latter republic is from iho Kingdom of
Spain, to which she belonged not more than twenty,
two years ago. I cannot perceive how the right
of Texas to negotiate with foreign powers, to form
alliances or to transfer her territory to another gov-
ernment, can be questioned. In 1810 we ceded
Texas to Spain. In 1822 we recognised the
independence of Mexico. In March 1825, one
of the first acts of the now administration, Mr.
Adams President, Mr. Clay secretary of State, both
uniting in the measure, was the offer to purchase
Texas from Mexico, in the face of the solemn pro.
test of Spain, and while war, stilt pending between
that kingdom and its revolted province. The im
portant fortress of San Juand’Ulloa, which comman-
<led the principal port, and almost the entire trade
of Mexico, was during all this timo, in the posses
sion of Spain; and was not finally evacuated until
Dec. 23, 1825. The naval warfare did not cease
for many years afterwards; Spain actually not
recognizing the independence of Mexico, unli I after
Texas had established hers. If ihere be any force
in the objection, that Texas is still unrecognized by
Mexico, it would have been much stronger to the
proposed negotiation of Messrs. Adams and Clay
in 1825; for Mexico was then not only unrecog
nised by Spain, but, also, by other of the pvincipal
powers of Europe. This proposition was made less
than six years aAer we had by solemn treaty ceded
Texas to Spain; Nor is there at this moment
any war pending between Texas and Mexico other
than by paper bulletins, and even this has been
suspended by a late armistice . What wrong then
is done to Mexico/ What will she lose. Not
Texas! for that is already lost. There will be no
loss. Mexico will gain a peaeful and friendly
neighbor, having both the will and determination
to guarantee the integrity of all her actual territo
ries against aiiy European power. Tlio law of
nations authorises this treaty with Texas, for her
independence is recognised and established. Our
treaty with Mexico is rescinded by the rev
olutiou in Texas just as our prior treaty with
Spain was abrogated by the successful revolt
of Mexico herself. It is not and never lias
been a principle of the law of nations, that a revol
ted province is not fully and absolutely sovereign,
until she is recognised by the power front which
she has been severed by the revolution. This
power must, necessarily, be the very last among
nations to recognize such independence.
This people were first invited to settle the wild
lands of Texas by the King of Spain, and after
wards encouraged in extending their settlements
by the very government of Mexico—all under the
pledge ot the protection of those rights, held so
dear and sacred by every American. A disregard
of these pledges and attempt at subjugation, were
met on the part of the poopie of Texas by resis-
tcnce and successful revolt, which now constitute
them a sovereign and independent people.
The vast territory, nearly three hundred lltous
and square miles, which belongs to Texas without
any conflict with the actual poseasions of the re
public of Mexico, starling from the Gulf, is bound
ed on the south, by the river the Rio Bravo del
Norte, to the point where that beautiful stream
breaks forth from its mountain passes, and from
thence north is separated to the westward from the
well known Santa Fe province by a strongly defin-
cd natural boundary of mountainous and prairie
country, which, if not uninhabitable, will for a long
time be left free to the Indian, buffalo, and roving
trapper.
The most indisputable proof exists that Spain,
in 1819 when she sold Florida to tho union, and the
latter ceded Texas to Spain, had actually instruc
ted her minister to acknowledge, if necessaty,
our title to the whole of Texas as a part of the
Louisans territory, purchased by us in 1803,
The question of annexation has been discussed
■n the various newspapors published over the coun
try. Every one, who trusts in the perpetuity of our
union of which no true American ever doubts,
knows thst the bonds of connection have strength
ened with the increase of territory, and that the
confederate system beuttfully adapts itself to any
extent of country. Local legislation by congress
°r its interfsrence with the strict province of the
•lutes, becomes impossible when national objects
and interests engross its atlnetlon. In aconleder-
•cy of great extent, threats of disunion, when con
fined tu so small a sphere as the limits of a single
statu, carry with them no cause for alarm, and can
never instil into the moil traitorous bosom any
hupes of success.
i'lte elevated mountainous districts of Texas ex
tend on the southwest to within one hundred mile*
of the Gulf coast. Its high table lands, with its
. *H* and vallies, will be best adapted to the grow-
iog of grain, or raising stock, which class of labor
"appropriate to the small proprietor and freeman.
1 he division, between the planting and farming
district, U marked by the best natural boundaries,
and no edict of man can chango it. There is nei
ther necessity nor excuse for extending slave labor
beyond the alluvial districts bordering on tlio Gulf
•utl lower than Red river, nor can it be aooxtend.
ed by law. The rich lands of this region running
three degrees further south than the best sugar
lands of Louisiaua, must always be settled, if an
nexed, by a population whose fnlorest will be Amer
ican.
This section of Texas, which must chiefly bo a
sugor growing region, and therefore, identified,
with that portion of Louisiana, now engaged in the
same culture, will unite in supporting the great prin.
ciple of extending full and adequate protection to
American products and industry. Sugar is a crop,
which must always look to the home market for the
surest sale and most retain return. VVe
shall, thus, gain in the southwest a powerful acces
sion of strength upon that great question, which so
deeply involves the interests of your district. I
candidly believe tiiat it will not be long, before a
majority of the people of the south, whan their labor
is thus diverted into different channels, will become
convinced of the sound policy of protecting and
fostering American industry. This will not only
be important and decisive in favor oi such, but will
bo eminently calculated to harmonize and perpet
uate our institutions, a result to he hailed with glad,
ness by every patriotic heart. Iam no advocate
for slavery, nor would I see it introduced into one
region, unless I were at the same lime assured,
that it would withdraw it from another, and that
without increasing it in the aggregate. The an-
nexation of Texas must soon he followed by the
voluntary abolition of the institution of slavery in
our neighboring States, Virginia, Maryland, and
Delaware, and also indeed in Kentucky and Missou
ri. We can all truly rejoice in its withdrawal from
our own immediate vicinity. I am satisfied that
the best interests of that class of our fellow beings,
originally brought to and forced on those Stntes by
British rapacity and injustice, and who must always
be u marked and distinct race, as long ns they abide
among our own people, will behest consulted by
securing the outlet, the only hopo which has ever
presented itself, of their acquiring an independent
home, or attaining a position elevated und equal lo
the people amidst whom they dwell. Such a re
fuge is offered beyond the Rio Bravo, among the
Mexican and South American nations, who have
no prejudice either as to caste or color.
The treaty is nowwith the Senate to be confirmed
or rejocled. You, as a part of the great American
family, are called upon lo consider how it affects
your own immediate interests, ns well as those of
tho nation to which you belong.
The inhabitants of Alleghany county, are a min.
ing, manufacturing, commercial, agricultural, and
navigating people. Every interest of these sever-
af branches of industry will be vastly promoted by
securing to us, under our present tariff, thus exten
ded by annexation over all its territory, the entire
markets of Texas. The navigation of Red river,
one ot the chief tributaries of the Mississippi, fur
nishing one thousand miles of navigation into the
heart of a rich country, now a divided and common
right, will then be exclusively our own; to that add
the important rivers, the Trinity, Brazos, Colorado,
Rio Bravo del Norte, and many other smaller but
navigable streams, and we behold the vast demand
from that region, on tho boat builders nrtd mechan
ics of the Ohio valley, adding at least one hundred
steamboats largo and small, yearly, to the many
now built for the wants of western navigation.
Our boats, which will benefit by the great carry
ing trade between Texas and her sister Slates, will
in return for our manufactures of our iron.cotton,
wool, hemp and glass, and the products of the farms
and forests carried there, receive and bring back
her cotton and sugar, her rice and indigo, and pro
bably even her coffee and other tropical products.
The Santa Fe trade, which hasnlrendy become
so lucrative lo many among you, would be cut off
from us by a foreign, and by no means necessari
ly. friendly power, whose territories intervene be
tween us and that region, if the treaty should fail
to be ratified. Manchester wagons, and Hartley’s
strong harness will no longer serve to carry Amer
ican domestics and Pittsburg wares across the prai
ries, to be converted at Santa Fo into bullion and
Mexican dollars.
On the other hand, with our territories border
ing on New Mexico this trade would soon be vast
ly increased ; for a Pittsburg steamboat with a car
go on board, can ascend the Red river to a point
less than three hundred miles remote from Santa
Fe, and at a distance of 500 miles from Chihuahua,
the first great interior city of the integral provinces
of Mexico, which is but slightly further than that
city is from Sunta Fe, the present mart at which
our traders meet those from the region of Chihua
hua.
To the entire people of the United States this
question is of vast and weighty moment. If the
treaty for the annexation should now be rejected,
the re-action of feeling in Texas must then inevit
ably render it a commercial dependency, in fact if
not in name, of Great Britain; You may rest as
sured that even should a free trade treaty not be
concluded between England and Texas, that the
latter will so modify and relax iter tariffby discrim
inating duties, augmenting the imposts upon flour,
grain, beef, pork, lard, and such articles, whilst
taking offthose on iron and nil its manufactures,
glass, cotton bagging, ar.d all cotton and woollen fa
brics and similar articles, thereby excluding
American products, and admitting England’s free
ofduty. Such is the avowed policy of Texas, as a
separate republic, and thus, oven without a trea
ty with England, that country will monopolizo her
markets. But it will not end here, Texas like Gi-
brultur and Portugal lo Spain, will be made the
great inlrepol and channel of British Commerce,
by means of which iter active merchants will in de-
fiunce of all imposts and tariffs, not only flood the
interior of Mexico with British wares, hut through
the channels oflhe Trinity, Sabine, and Red rivers
glut our own country with a multiplicity of her ex
tensive manufactures, breaking up our very best es
tablishments, and carrying ruin and bankruptcy
into every manufacturing district of the United
Stales.
manufactures to all the rest of the world. As a
tariff man, I have always viewed the home as the
best market for our manufactures, and where such
matkets can bo extended with honor and propriety,
it would be madness in the advocate for the protec
tion of domestic industry to oppose such extension.
Titese markets are beyond the rivalry and jealousy
of other nations, and must forever remain exclu
sively our own.
Should Texas be refused admission into the union,
she must become a most dangerous theatre for foreign
intrigue, from which the most deplorable consequences
to our welfare may ensue. Indeed, at some future and
not distant day, we may be compelled, for the safely
and perpotuily of the union, to gain by conquest what
ie now so freely offered for our acceptance.
But with the coast of Texas added to ours, we should
then hav e nearly the entire shore of our own great sea.
the Gulf of Mexico, and would then not only be beyond
the reach of smugglers, but would also set at defiance
any attempt at invasion, directed against New Orleans
or the great', outlet of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers;
Now, my fellow citizens, having given you my views
on this subject, let me recall yuur attention, without
Jeference to Florida, to the acquistion of Louisiaua,
without which wc should not at this moment be the uni
ted and happy people, which constitute this great na
tion. Yet that noble purchase, was not without oppo
sition of a decided and indeed most violent character.
However, no patriot of that day lives to regret that ad
dition to our territories.
1 am, fellow citizens, your grateful and obliged
friend. WM. WILKINS.
Washington, April 13, 1844.
Letter of Mr. Forsyth, Secretary or State.
To General Memucan Hunt, &c. :
Tito undersigned, Secretary of State, of tho Uni.
ted Slates, has had the honor to receive the note of
his excellency, General Hunt, Envoy Extraordina
ry and Minister Plenipotentiary ofTcxns, dated the
4th inst. proposing a negotiation for the purpose
of annexing that country lo the United States.
That communication has been laid before tho
President who lias considered it with just sensibili.
ty.—In giving to the undersigned instructions to
present, in reply, a prompt and decisive indication
of the course it Itus iboen deemed necessary to adopt,
the P resident indulges the confident expectation that
no unfriendly spirit towards the Government or tho
people of Texas wiD or can be imputed to the Uni
ted States.
Neither tho duties nor the settled policy of tho
United States permit them to enter into an examin
ation of the accuracy of tho historical facts related
by Gen. Hunt, nor to allow them, even if admitted
to be correct, to control the decision of the question
presented by hint. The United States were fore
most in acknowledging the independence of Mexi
co, and have un iformly endeavored and desired to
cultivate relations of friendship with that power.
Having always since the formation of their
Government, been exempt front civil wars, they
have learnt the value of internal quiet and
have consequently been anxious yet passive
spectators of tho feuds with which their neigh
bor has been afflicted. Although in the con
troversy between 'Texas and Mexico, circum
stances hnve existed, and events have occurred, pe.
culiarly calculated to enlist the sympathies of out-
people, tlie effort of the Government lias been to
look upon that dispute, with the same rigid impar
tiality with which it has regarded all other Mex
ican commotions.
In determining wit'n respect to the independence
of other countries, the United States have never ta
ken the question of right between tlio contending
parties into consideration. They have deemed it a
dictate of duly and pt ilicy to decide upon the ques.
lion as one of fact m erely. This was the course
pursued with respect to' Mexico herself. It was ad.
bored to when analogous events rendered it prop,
er to investigate the question of Texas indepen
dence. That inquiry was made with duo circum
spection, and the result was not arrived at until its
probable consequences had been accurately weighed.
Tho possibility of a collision of interestsarising
among other causes, fro rn the alledged superior apti.
lude of the climate and soil of Texas for the growth
of some of the staples of tho United States, was not
overlooked. A sense' of duty and a reverence for
consistency, however, it was considered, left the
Government no allernb'.tive, and it therefore led the
way in recognising Toxas. A hope was certainly
entertained that this act, and the motives that con
duced it,oven if no other considerations were to have
influence, would point out to the Government of
Texas the propriety not only of cherishing intimate
and amicable relations with this country, but of ab
staining from other connexions abroad which might
be detrimental to tho United States. Apart from
this, however, it was presumed that Government
would enter upon the execution of the intentions in
timated by its Envoy Extraordinary, with respect
to connexions with foreign powers, with a full un-
derstanding of the just and liberal commercial stipu
lations existing between the United States and other
nations, A pervading principle of those compacts
is impartial treatment of the citizens, vessels, and
productions of the parties in their respective terri
tories. As it was not to bo believed that the com
mercial allies of the United States would swerve
from their engagements, no apprehension was felt
that the interests of this country would suffer from
tho arrangements which Texas might enter into
with them.
The question of the annexations of a foreign in
dependent Stato to tlte United States was never
before presented to this Government. Since the
adoption of their constitution, two large additions
hnve been made to the domain origiuuily claimed
by tlio United Stales. In acquiring them this gov
ernment was not actuated by a mere thirst for sway
over it broader space. Paramount interests of ma
ny members oflhe confederacy, end the permanent
well being of all, imperatively urged upon this gov
ernment the necessity of an extension of its juris
diction over Louisiuna and Florida. As peace,
houevcr.was our cherished policy, never to be de.
purled from unless honor should be perilled by
adhering to it, we patiently endured for a time se.
rious inconveniences and privations, and sought a
seas, which it lias always been tlio policy of our
government to iostor. Tni* was clearly foreseen
by Mr. Van Burcn, who in his despatch to Mr. Poin.
suit, the Amorcan minister lo Mexico, on tlte 25th
of August, 1829, tho very first year of General
Jackson’s administration, directly alludes to this
quostion of smuggling, whon instructing that minis
ter to endeavor to procure tlte annexation of Texas
to this union by a purchase and cossion from Mex*
ico.
But the evil does not cease with tho injury to the
sltipping interest. Our revenues trom imposts on
foreign commerce, necessarily falling short of the
wants of tlte government, we shall bo forced to re-
sort to direct toxalion to support and maintain tlte
^InTeathour exports to Texas, which was then
recognized by no other power, amounted to one
and three quarter million of dollars; but now in
stead of having doubled with her population, they
have dwindled down to two hundred thousand dot.
lata in value ; being not one seventh of what they
wore in 1830. In that year those exports to l exa»
embraced over one
The imports, which we must receive from abroad. . ■ v _
instead of being brought ns they now are, chiefly I transfer of those regions by negotiates and not
in American vessels into our ports, will, to escape i by conquest. . ,
the duties, bo carried to Texas, to bo smuggled in. j The issueof those negotiation. was a condt ton.
to the United Slates. This will impair, if not de-! • cession of these countries to the Untied Stale*.
. __ The circumstance, however, of their being colonial
stroy our great navigating interests on the Digit . f „...i ,i„
possessions of France and Spain, and therefore de
pendent on the metropolitan governments, renders
those transactions materially different from that
which would bo presented by the question of the
annexation of Texas. Tho latter is a State with
an independent government, acknowledged as such
by the United States, and claiming a territory be
yond, though bordering on the region ceded by
France, in the treaty of the 30th April, 1803.
Whether the constitution of the United Stales con.
templaled of such a Stale, and if so, in what manner
that object is to he effected, are questions, in the
opinion of tlte President, it would be inexpedient,
under existing circumstances to agitate.
So long as Texas shall remain at war, while tlte
United States are at peace, with her adversary, the
proposition of the Texan Minister Plenipotentiary
necessarily involves tlte question of war with that
adversary. Tlte United States are bound to Mex
ico by a treaty of amity and commerce, which will
be scrupulously observed on their part so long as it
can be reasonably hoped that Mexico will perform
her duties and respect our rights under it. Tho
lourth of tlio total exports of our Untied States might justly be suspected ot R disre.
g ard of the friendly purposes of the compact, if the
0 verlure of Gon. Hunt were lobe even reserved
fo.y future considerations, as this would imply adis-
po sition on our purt to espouse tho quarrel of Tex
as with Mexico; a disposition wholly at variance
wi th the spirit of tho treaty, with the uniform poli
cy and obvious welfare of the United States.
The inducements mentioned by Gen. Hunt, for
ll to United Stales to annex Texas lo their territory
a re duly appreciated, but powerful and weighty as
ci jrtoinly they arc, they are light when opposed in
tl le scale of reason to treaty obligations, and res-
p ect for that integrity of character by which tho
1 Iniled States hnve sought lo distinguish themselves
s ince Iho establishment of lltoir right to claim a
p lace In the great family of nations. It is presum.
ed, however, that the motives by which Texas has
been governed in making this overture, will have
equal force in impelling her to preserve ns an indo-
pendent Power, the most liberal commercial rein,
lions with the United States. Such a disposition
will bo cheerfully met in a corresponding spirit by
this Government. If tho answer which the under
signed lias been directed lo give, to tlio sentiments
of that Government is to induce an attempt to ex
tend commercial relations elsewhere upon terms
prejudicial lo the United Stutes, this Government
will be consoled by a conciousness of the rectitude
of its intentions, and a certainty that although the
hazard of trancient losses may he incurred by a
rigid adherence to just principles, no lasting pros,
perity can he secured when they are disregarded.
Tho undersigned avails himself of tlte occasion
to offur Gen. Hunt renewed assuiances of his very
distinguished consideration.
JOHN FORSYTII.
Department of Statf..
Washington, August 25, 1837.
Extract from Governor M’Duffle's Message, of De
cember, 1830, to the Legislature of South Caro
lina.
“ifany consideration could add to the intrinsic
weight of these high inducements lo abstain from
every species of interference with the domestic af
fairs of a neighboring and friendly State, it would
be the tremendous retribution to which wo are so
peculiarly exposed on our southwestern frontier,
from measures of retaliation. Should Mexico do-
dare war against tlio United States, and, aided by
some great Europern Power, hoist tho standard of
servile insurrection in Lojisiana and the neighbor
ing States, how deep would bo our self-reproaches
in reflecting that these atrocious proceedings re
ceived even a colorable apology from our own ex
ample, or from tlte unlawful conduct of our own
citizens !
“There is one quostion connected with this con
troversy, of a defiinite character, upon which it may
ho proper that you should express an opinion.
You nro doubtloss nwnre that tho people of Texas,
by an almost unanimous vote, have expressed their
desire to be admitted into our Confederacy, and ap
plication will probably bo made to Congress for
that purpose. In my opinion, Congress ought not
even to entertain such a proposition in tlte present
state of the controversy. If we adniitTexns into our
Union while Mexico is still waging war against that
province, with a view to re-establish her supra-
macy over it, we shall, by the very act itself, make
ourselves a parly to the war. Nor can we take
this step, without incurring this heavy responsibili
ty, until Mexico herself shall recognise tho iudepen
denee of Iter revolted province.
“We have no official information of the precise
state of our relations with Mexico. Enough is
known, however, to satisfy us that the conjuncture
is eminently critical. Let us be scrupulously care
ful that wo do nothing to countenance, and all we
can, to prevent tlio calamity of a war”’
[correspondence of the charleston codeier.]
Washington, April, 23.
In the House, today, Mr. White, of Ky., late
Speaker, spoke or. tlte subject of tlio tariff. He
did not, however, confine himself to that subject.—
He took occasion to defend Mr. Clay from the
cltargo of “intrigue, bargain and corruption,” urged
against hint in i&25, when lie accepted tlte appoint
ment ns Secretary of Stale from Mr. Adams ; ann
also from the charge of having made a speech in
which lie declared that “we must have white
slaves, if we had not black slaves.”
When Mr. White iiaci taken his seat some con
versation arose among members in itis neighbor
hood upon the subject, and Mr- Rathhun of N. Y-
remarked that tlio charges against Mr. Clay were
true and could bo proved. Mr. White being irritat
ed by tho remarks, made n sharp reply. Mr.
Ratlibun, after the exchange of a word or two with
Mr. White, struck him. Mr. While returned the
blow, and tlio parties were immediately engag
ed in cluse conflict on tlte floor. All this was the
•vork of an instant. Tlte members interfered in
bodies. No harm was done. During the melee
a young man from Kentucky, named Moore, who
had b-ten admitted upon tlio floor, rushed into the
crowd of members, within the bar, in a violent and
menacing manner. He was seized by some mem
bers and dragged out.
Mr. McCuuslio, of Ohio, thrust him out of the
door. The mahogany doors were fastened back,
ns usual, and green cloth doors substituted.—
Moore drew a pistol and fired upon McCatislin
through the dour. The ball missing its object,
took effect upon tire thigh of Mr. J. L. Wirt, one of
the wa.tclimen of the Capitol. The hail entered
tlte inner part of the tliigli and passing around the
bone, lodged. It is hoped that tlio wound is not
very sorious.
The Chairman of tlte Committee resigned his
Beat to the Speaker, and tho Sergent-at-Arms ap
peared among the combatants with tlte mace.—
Tranquility was in a moment restored. As to
Moore ho was seized by Gen. Dodge und kept tran
quil, till lie was arrested in due form by tiie Ser-
gent-at-Arms,
Mr. Dromgoole moved tiiat tlte parties to the
affray be brought to the bar of tlio (louse far trial.
Mr. Saunders suggested that a Committee Le
appointed to inquire into and report upon the
facts.
Mr. White rose, and in a brief and very pro.
per manner, expressed his deep regret at the oc
currence, at.d apologised to the Iluuse fur his par
ticipation in it.
Mr. Rnthbun followed, and submitted himsolf to
the judgment of tho House, apologising to ail around
for what lie had done through a busty temper, and
declaring that he felt nothing but the greatest re-
spect and friendship fur the gentleman from Ken
tucky.
Mr. White, thereupon, offered his hand to Mr.
Ratlibun, declaring, that after the gentleman’s
declaration, it was not in his nature to entertain
any unkind feelings towards him.
This reconciliation had so dramatic an effect
that the whole audience—on the floor and in the
galleries, began siinultunously lo applaud, by clap
ping of hands.
Mr. Dromgoolo withdrew his proposition, and
remarked that he did not consider it necessary to
pursue the subject.
Mr. Saunders thought it due to tlte House tiiat
an enquiry should be ntude. Tlte matter would go
forth to tlio public, and would bo misrepresented
There should be an authentic report of tlte mutter,
if nothing else was done.
Mr. Holmes, after some preliminary remarks on
the disgraceful character of these disorders, said
he felt it due to his constituents and to the country
to offer a resolution, which ho sent to the chair,
viz: 11 1 hat the Hon. John While, of Ky. arid tho
Hon. B. Ratlibun, of N. Y. bo expelled (tom th/j
House.”
Mr. CitArrELL, of Geo. supported the resolution
m some eloquent remarks.
Mr. Cave Johnson recommended that future acts
of violence bo prevented by a rigid and inflexible
rule on tlte subject. He wished that the Commit,
tee ott tlte Judiciary should bo instructed to report
a bill lo punish such acts in future.
JJ * 1 ’’ Hamlin opposed Mr. Holmes’motion.
.. dld ,he Rame - ll i"«at be noticed
that Mr. White called upon the reporters espeeiul.
ly to note ins declaration that the rash young man,
Mr. Moore was utterly unknown to him. Though
Mr. Moore was said to be a Kentuckian, he avow,
ed that ho did not know him even by uij»ht.
Tho end of the mutter was that u'll other proposi
tions being rejected or withdrawn, i: e -,. ordered
that a eomr, tier. ,f fi, u l, e appointed io inquire into
and report upon the subject.
Acts of violence on the floor had often occurred
but tins is the first instance of the interference of
a stranger, and an armed man. inthenffrnvs of tlio
House, ott tlte floor, and in full session. It is an
evil precedent, and the more so, inasmuch ns tho
offender is said to bo a responsible and respeetu-
ble man. 1
In the Senate, Mr. Wright, of N. Y. concluded
ins speech against tlte tariff of 1842 and tho pro
tective system. ■ 1
Mr. Clay’s letter against the annexation of Tex
as, will it is said, appear here in a day or two.
Tito Mexican Minister lias taken up Itis con-
exions with this government for the present, ami
ill repair to New York, and remain there, until
the Senate act on tlio treaty;
.r n 1113, Clay '—The following extract, says tlte
V tllago Record, is from a letter received by a gen
tleman in Chostor county. Mrs, Clay, the with of
the farmer of Ashland, illustrates the truth that "a
virtuous woman is a crown to Iter husband.”
A. hint to the IVivcs of Congressmen.
“In these days of economy, industry und repub.
Iicanism, it ,nl, y 1101 ^ uninteresting to some of
your readers, Mr. Editor, to learn that Ashland is
a market farm, and that Lexington is indebted lo
it for large supplies of dairy produce and vegetables
and that during Mr. Citty’s sojourn at Washington,
the active duties of its superintendence are perform-
od by Mrs. Clay. Of how well site is qualified for
these duties we leave to tho determination of the
fair dairy mistresses ofClioster county, not doubt,
mg that they will decide her equally qualified to
preside over the domestic economy at Ashland and
to do the part of hostess at the White House in
1845, when we tell them that Mrs. Clay’s butter is
the most sought after, and Mrs. Clay’s milk cart
brings tho richest milk and cream of any that comes
to Lexington.
Mr. Calhoon a Candidate Again.—A Wash,
ington letter writer of the Charleston Mercury says:
In a few short weeks ATr. Calhoun's name will again
be run up for the Presidency (in 1848.) and nailed
to the mast, all consideration to the contrary, notwith
standing. 1 don’t give this ns my opinion, but us
fact."
WHIG MEETING IN Heard COUNOf.
At a meeting of tho Whigs of Heard county, held in
the "own of Franklin, on Thursday evenin'., the 18th
ui'. Berry. D. Johnson was called 'o the chair, aid Jxu
H. Gass appointed Secretary. Tlte Chairman explain,
ed the object o! the meeting—after which Iho following
preamble and resolutions were introduced, and read by
Col. W. II. Houghton, and on niu..on adopted.
Whereas the timo has arrived when t/io great Whig
parly of tho United Slates should gird on their armor
and go forth to glorious victory—and whereas it lias
been demonstrated tiiat nothing contributes so much to
the spread and disseminat ion of sound political informa
tion as a proper and efficient organization—and as wo
have witnessed with feelings oi the most lively satis
faction, that tlio people throughout our extended coun
try are organizing themselves into political bands—for
the purpose of more efficient and overwhelming success.
And whereas,notwithstanding we have in the ranks of
the great wltig party, a large number of distinguished
men, whose talents, experience and virtues remlerthem
worthy of the highest office within the gift of l he people
yet the people have, with a unanimity unparalleled in
history, except in that of the Father of his Country, se
lected as their chief to lead them lo a certain and glo-
rious victory, tlte distinguished patriot Henry Clay.
Therefore we, a portion of tiie people of Heard county
do resolve,
1st. That Henry Clav is our first choice for .the
Presidency, uniting in himself, as we conceive, all the
elements of true greatness, long ami efficient services
tohis country, and the most exalted patriotism.
2d. Unsolved, l’hat we do hereby organize ourselves
into a Clav Club, to be called the “Clay CJub of Heard
County.”
3d, Resolved, Tiiat our united eBoris shall be exert,
ed to secure the election of our distinguished champion
and the spread of sound political information among the
the people.
4th. Resolved, That we recommend tlte organization
forthwith of a Clay Club ir, every district in the coun
ty, to ho branch (flubs of this association—that tlio
same hold slated meetings at some central position in
each district, and from time to time correspond with
and report to this Club.
5th. Resolved, That wo do hereby most solemnly
pledge ourselves to use ail laudable efforts to dissemi
nate sound political information among tho people, and
for tins purpose we will freely circulate, and endeavor
to get the people to read, good VVhig papers,documents
speeches and statistics, and exercise ail our personal
influence to convert our neighbors and friends to tho
good old Whig faith.
Tlte meeting was then addressed in a very able and
eloquent manner by A. C. Ferrell, Esq. of LaGrange,
and E. D. M’Kiniey, Esq. of Neivnan.
On motion, the meeting proceeded reorganize a Clay
Club, by iho election ot a President, five Vice Presidents
and a Secretary. The following gentlemen were nom-
inated and elected: Berry D. Johnson. President; Jno.
Stewart, Mason Jones, Win. Davis, |Benj. Askew, and
J. C. Culberson, Vice Presidents, and J elm 11. Gass,
Secretary.
On motion of Col. VVm. II. Houghton, it was
Resolved, That we send tlireo Delegates to the Con-
vention proposed to ho holden at Fayetteville on the
first Monday In June next, for the purpose of selecting
a suit a h e candidate for Congress front the 4th Congress
ional District,
Resolved, That Dr. J. F. Moreland, W. C. Robinson,
and William Stewart, compose said Delegation, and
Unit the Chairman of this meeting be authorized lo fill
any vacancy that may occur therein.
Resolved, That the said Delegation be requested to
urge the claims of William Dougherty, Esq as a suit,
able candidate for Congress from the Fourth Congress
ional District.
On motion, it was
Resolved, unanimously, That it is tho deliberate opin
ion of this ineoting that Texas ought to he annexed re
the United States—that the country as far as the Hie
del Norte, was clearly reded by the Treaty with Franco
and that it is, and of right ought to bo, part and portion
of our common country.
Resolved, That a copy of the preceding resolution be
forwarded, by the Secretary of this meeting, to each ot
cur Senators in Congress.
Oil motion, it was
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting he
signed by tlio Chairman and Secretary, and he publish,
ed in the VVItig papers generally throughout tho State,
and that this meeting adjourn to mcot again on tho first
Tuesday in May.
BERRY £>. JOHNSON, Cfa'u.
John ll. Gass, Scc’y.
MR. CLAY OR THE TEXAS QUESTION.
Tlte following letter from Mr. Clay to the Edi.
tors was forwarded from Raleigh on the day of its
date, but did not reach our hBnde in tima for publi.
eation earlier than to-day.—Nav Inl.,Ytlh April.
| To the Editors of the National Intelligencer.]
Raleigh, April 17,1844.
Gentlemen :—Subsequent tomy departure from
Ashland, in Dcceinbor Inst, I received varioua com
munications from popular assemblages and private
individuals, requesting nft expression of my opinion
iipmi the question of the Annexation of Texas to
tiie United States. 1 hove forborno to reply to
them, because it was not very convenient, during
the progress of my journey, to do eo, and for other
reasons. 1 did not think it proper unnecessarily, to
introduce at present a new element among the olh.
er exciting subjects which agitate end engross the
public mind. Tlte rejection of the overture of Tex
as, "otne years ago, to become annexed to the Uni
ted Stales, had met with general acquiescence.
Nothing had sinCO occurred materially to vary tho
question. 1 had seen t;o evidence of a desire be.
ing entertained, on the part of any considerable
portion of the American people, that Texas should
become an integral part of the U. States. During m y
sojourn in New Orleans, I Itad, indeed, been great
ly surprised, by information which I received from
Texas, that in the course of last full, a voluntary
uverture hud proceeded from the Executive of the
United Stutes to tlte Authorities of Texas lo con
clude a treaty of Annexation; and that, in order to
overcomo the repugnance fell by any of them to a
negotiation upon the subject, strong and os I be
lieved erroneous representations had been made to
them of a stnte ofopinion in the Senate of the Uni.
ted States favorable to tiie ratification of such a
treaty. According to these representations, it had
been ascertained that a number of Senators, vary
ing from thirty five to forty two, were ready to
sanction such a treaty. I was aware, too, that holders
or Texas lands and Texas scrip, and speculators
in them, were actively engaged in promoting the
object of Annexation. Still, Idid not believe that
any Executive ot the Unit—cl States woulo’ venture
upon so grave and momentous a proceeding, not
only without any general manifestation of public
opinion in favor of it, hut tit direct opposition to
strong and decided expressions of public disnppro-
bation. But it appears that I was mistaken. To
the astonishment of the whole nation, wo are now
informed Ihnt a Ironiy of annexation has been ac
tually concluded, and is to be submitted lo the Sen-
ule for its consideration. Tlte motives for my si.
lence, therefore, no longer remain, and I feel it to
bo my duly to present an exposition of my views
and opinions upon the question, for what they may
lie worth, to the public consideration. I adopt this
method ns being more convenient than several re
plies to the respective communications which I have
received.
1 regret tlint 1 Imvo not the advantage of a view
oftho treaty itself, so as to enable mo to adapt an
expression of my opinion to the actual conditions
and stipulations which it contains. Not possessing
that opportunity, 1 am constrained to treat the
question according to what I presume to be tlio
terms of tlio trenty. If, without tlte loss of nulion-
nl character, without tho hazard of foreign war,
with the general concurrence of the nation, without
any danger to the integrity of the Union, and with
out giving an unreasonable price for Texas, the
question ol'nnncxation wore presented.it would ap.
pear in quite a different light from that in which
1 apprehend, it is now lobe regarded.
The United .States acquired a title to Texas, ex
tending. as I believe, to tlio Rio del Norte, by the
treaty of Louisiana. They ceded mid relinquished
that title to Spain by the treaty ofl819, by which the
Sabine was substituted for the Riedel Norte as our
western boundary. This treaty was negotiated
under the Administration of Mr. Monroe, and with
tlio concurrence of his Cabinet, of which Messrs.
Cmwlord, Calhoun, and Wirt, being a majority, all
Southern gentlemen composed a part. When the
treaty was laid before the House of Representatives,
being a member of that body, I expressed the opin
ion, which 1 then cnteitaincd, and still hold! that
Texas was sacrificed to the acquisition of Florida,
We wanted Florida ; but I thought it must, from its
position, inevitably fall into our possession; that
the point of a few years, sooner or later, was of no
sort ol consequence, and that in giving five millions
of dollars and Texas for it, we gave more titan a
just equivalent. But, if we made a great sacrifice
in tho surrender of Texas, we ought lo lake care
not lo make too great a sacrifice in the attempt to
re-nequire it.
My opinions of the inexpediency of the treaty of
1819 did not prevail. Tlte country and Congress
wore satisfied witlt it, appropriations were made to
carry it into effect, the line of the Subino was re
cognised by us us our boundary, in negotiations both
with Spain and Mexico after Mexico becumo inde
pendent, and measures have been in actusl progress
to mark the lino, from the Sabine to Red river, and
thence to the Pacific ocean. VVe have thus fairly
alienated our title to Texas, by solemn national com
pacts,!!) the fulfibneut of which wo stand bound by
good I'uitli and tiatioi.nl honor. It is, therefore, per
fectly idle and ridiculous, if not dishonorable, to talk
of resuming our title to '1 exas, as if we bod never
parted with it. We can no more do that than
Spain can resume Florida, France, Louisiana, or
Great Britain tlio thirteen colonies, now composing
u purt of the United States.
During the adu iniat rat ion of Mr. Adams, Mr. Poin
sett, Minister of the United States at Mexico, was
instructed by me, with tlte President’s authority, lo
propose a re-purcliaso of Texas; but lie forbore
even to make an overture for tiiat purpose. Upon
ilia return to the United Slates, he informed me, at
New Orleans, that bis reason for not making it was
that lie knew the purchase was wholly impractica
ble, and tliut lie wits persuaded tiiat, if lie made the
overture, it would imvo no oilier effect than to ag
gravate irritations, already existing, upon matters
of difference between the two countries.
The events which Imvo since transpired in Tex
as are well known. She revolted against the Go
vernment of Mexico, flow to arms, and finally fought
und won the memorable battlu of San Jacinto, an
nihilating a Mexican army and making a captive
of the Mexican President. The signal success of
that Revolution was greatly aided,if not wholly
achieved, by citizens oftho United Stales who had
emigrated to Texas. These succors, if they could
not always bo prevented by tlte Government of the
United Slates, were furnished in a manner and to
nn extent which brought upon usEome national re
proach in tho eyes uf un impartial world. And in
my opinion, they impose on us (he obligation of
scrupulously avoiding the imputation of having in
stigated ana aided the Revolution with the ultimate
view of territorial aggrandizement. After the bat
tlu of Sun Jacinto, the United States recognised the
iudepeuco of Texas, in conformity with the princi
ple and practice which have always prevailed in
lltoir councils of recognising the Government “de
facto," without regnrdingthe question dejure. That
recognition did not affect or impair the rights of
Mexico, or cltunge tho relations which existed be
tween her and Texas. She on the contrary, has
preserved all her rights, and has continued to as
sert. and so far as 1 know yet asserts, Iter right to
reduce Texus to obedience, as a part of the Repub
lic of Mexico. According to late intelligence, it is
probable that she lias agreed upons temporary sus
pension of hoatiljtiea ; but, if that has been done,
I presume it is with the purpose upon the termina
tion of the armistice, of renewing the war and en
forcing her rights, as she considers them.
This narrative shows the present ectuel condi
tion of Texas, so far as 1 have information about it.
If it be correct, Mexico hot not abandoned, but per
severes in tiie assertion of Iter rights by actual force
of arms, which, if suspended, are intended to be re
newed. Under these circumstances, if the Gov
ernment of the United States were to acquire Tex
as, it would acauire along with it all the incumb
rances which Texas ie under, end among them the
