ADDRESS TO MR. LAY. AND HIS
RESPONSE. D
We End in the Lexington Observer of the
10th inst. the Address of the Kentucky Electors
to M r. Clay, and his Reply, and hasten to give
them to our readers. They will be read with
no ordinary emotions by the Whigs in every
part of the country.
Upon reaching the door of Mr. Clay’s dwell-
ing Mr. Underwood, surrounded by the other
Electors. by the Governor and Ex-Governors
Metcalfe and Letcher and the people who at-
' tended, read the following address io’llIr._Clay.
llfr. Clag/:—I have been selected by the
members of the Electoral College. to say to
'-you for each one of us, that we have come to
-offer you the homage of our personal regard
‘and profound respect. In this work of‘ the
heart many of your neighbors have likewise
-come to unite with us. On yesterday at
‘-Frankfort, we performed our official duty in
obedience to the will ofthe people of Ken-
tucky, by voting unanimously.for yourself
-and Theodore Frelinghuysen to fiil the offi-
ces of President and Vice President of the
United Status. _
The machinations of your enemi. s, their
frauds upon the elective franchise, and their
duplicity with the people. in promulgating
opposite principles in different sections, have
defeated yous election.
Wehave no hope ofpreferment at your bands
which can temptus to flatter,nor can the pen of
prescription intimidate us in speaking the
truth. Under existing circumstances itgrati-
:fies us to take you by the hand, .i.-. to unite. as
.we do most cordially. in expres ingtlie senti-
-meats ofour hearts and ofthose we repre-
sent in regard to yottt' personal character and
'-‘political principles. _ _ _
Your past services are so interwoven with
the history»-'ofour country for the last forty
years that rnilice and envy cannot prevent
succeeding generations dwelling on your
name with admiration anti gratitude. Your
example will illuminate the path of future
statesmen. when those who hate and revilc
you are forgotten, or are only remembered.
like the incendiary who burnt the temple, for
the evil they have done. _
To you the election has terriiinatcd. with-
out personal loss; but to the Nation, in our
judgment, the injury is incalculable. God
grant that the Confederacy may not hereaf-
ter mourn over the result in dismembered
fragments.
Whilest your enemies have not attempted
to detract from your intellectual character.
they hive with untiring malice attacked your
moral reputation and endeavored to destroy
it. The verbal sl-anders and printed libels
employed as means to accomplish political
objects. have stained the character of our
country and its institutions more than they
have injured yours. _
In your high personal character. in your
political principles and unrivaled zeal and
ability to carry them out, may be found the
.-strong motives for our anxious efforts to se-
--cure your election. 'l‘he Protection of A-
merican labor, a national Currency connec-
ted with a fiscal agent for the Government,
the Distribution among the States of the pro-
cecds ofthe Public Lands, further constitu-
tional restrictions upon Executive power and
atronage. and a limitation upon the eligi-
bility of the President for a second term
were measures, which under your adminis-
tration we hoped to mature and bring‘ into
practical operation. By your defeat they
have been cndangered,if not forever lost.
But we will not speculate on coming e-
vents. , If things work well. we shall find
consolation in the general prosperity. If
apprehended evils come, we are not respon-
sible; and retaining our principles. we shall
enjoy the happy reflection of having done
our duty.
In the shades of Ashland may you long
continue to enjoy peace, quiet and the pos-
session of those great faczilties. which have
rendered iron the admiration of your friends
and the benefactor‘ of your country. And
when at last Death shall demand its victim.
while Kentucky will contain your ashes. rest
assured thatold and faithful friends—those
who knowing you longest. l0"9<l Y0“ 595‘-
will cherish your memory and Clt_‘lt'Dtl your
reputation. -
Ben Hardin, Jolin Iiinrrrirl.
J. R. Underwoocl. L. I-V. Andrews’,
R. A. Patterson, Green Adams.
Philip ’1‘r2'plct. B. Mills Crcnslrcizo,
W. ‘W’ Soulhgalc, Leslie Combs.
I-V. W. Grisby. IV. J. G-ra-rcs.
MR. CLAY'S REPLY.
I am greatly obliged, Gentlemen, by ‘the
kindness towards me, which has prompted
this visit from the Governor. the I’rvsiilcn-
tial Electors of Kentucky and some of my
fellow citizens in private life. And I thank
you Sir, (Mr. Underwood) their organ on
this occasion, for the feeling and eloquent
address which you have just done me the
honor to deliver. I am under the greatest
obligations to the people of Kentucky. Du-
ring more than forty years of my life, they
have demonstrated their confidence and affec-
tion towards me in every variety of form.-—
This last and crowning evidence of their
long and faithful attachment, exhibited in the
vote which,in their behalf you gave me yester-
(I iy at the seat of the State Government,as the
Electoral College of Kentucky, fills me with
overflowing gratitude. But I should fail to
sxpress the feelings of my heart. if I did not
also offer my profound and gratrfirl acknowl-
edgemeuts to the other States. which have
united with Kentucky in the endeavor to
elect me to the Chief .\/lagistracy of the Un-
ion, and to the million and a quarter of free-
men. embracing so much virtue. intelligence
and patriotism, who wherever residing, have
directed strenuous and enthusiastic exertions
to the same object.
Their effort has been unavailing, and the
issues of the election has not corresponded
with their anxious hopes and confident expec-
tations. You have Sir, assigned some of the
causes which you suppose have occasioned
the result. I will not trust myself to speak
ofthem. My duty is that of perfect submis-
sion to an event which is now irrecoverablc.
I will not affect indifference to the person-
al concern which I had-in the political con-
test just terminated; but unless I am greatly
self deceived, the principal attraction to me of
the ofiice of President of the United States,
arose out of the cheris-lirafl trope that I might
be an humble instrument in the hands ‘of
Providence. to ‘accomplish public good. I
desired to see the former purity of the Gen-
eral Government restored andto-see dangers
"n'd evils, which I sincerely believed encom-
pased it, averted and remedied. I was pox-
ious that the policy ol the country. especi-al.ly
in the great department of its domestic labor
and industry should be fixed and stable, that
all might know how to regulate and accom-
modate their conduct. And fully convinced
of the wisdom of the public tiicasures. which
you have enumerated. I hoped to live to wit-
ness. and to contribute to. their adoption and
establishment.
- So I~tI'flS respects any ‘official agency of
mine, it has been otherwise decree-d, and I
bow respectfully to the decree. The future
course of the Government is altogether un-
known. and wrapt in painful uncertainty. 1
_shall not do the new Administration the in-
justice of condemning it in advance. On the
contrary. I earnestly desire that enlightened
by its own rcflections.’and by a deliberate
review of all the great interests of the coun-
try, or prompted by public opinion, the hen-
efit may yet be secured of the practical exc-
cution ofthose principles and mrasures. for
which we have honestly contended, that this
young but great nation may be rendered l;ar-
monious, prosperous and potverful; '
VVe arenot without consolations under
the rev: nt uhich has happened- The whig
party has fully__arid fairly exhibited to the
country the principles and measures which
it believed best adapted to secure our liberties
and promote the common welfare. It has
made, in their support constant and-_t_i,_i‘gc‘nt
appeals to the reason and judgment of the
people. For m_vsel.' I have the high satis-
faction to know that I have escaped .1 great
and fearful responsibility; and that during
the whole canvass. I have done nothing in-
consistent with the dictates ofthe purest hon-
or. No mortal man is authorised to say that
I held outto him the promise of any office or
appointment whatever.
What now is the duty of the \Vhig party?
I venture to express my opinion witbtlie grea-
test diflidence. The future is enveloped in a
veil impenetrable by human eyes. Icannot
contemplate it without feelings of great dis-
discouragement. But I know of only one safe
rulo in all the vicisitudes of,human life, pub-
lit‘. and private, and that is conscientiously to
satisfy ourselves of what is right and firmly
and undeviatingly to pursue it under all tri-
als and circumstances. confiding in the great
Ruler of the Universe for ultimate success
The Whigs are deliberately convinced of the
truth and wisdom ofthe principles and meas-
ures which they have espoused. It seems,
therefore. to me. that they should persevere
in contending for them; and that adhering
to their sepcrtte and distinct organization.
they should treat all who have the good of
their cotintry in view with respect and sym-
pathy, and invite their cooperation in secur-
ing the patriotic-obj»-cts which it h:is been
their aim and purpose, to nccornplish.
[heartily thank you Sir, for your friendly
wishes for my happiness, in the retirement.
which henceforward best becomes me. Here
I hope to enjoy peace and tranquility, seek-
ing faitlifully to perform. in the walks of
plivaie life, what ever duties may yet pertain
to me. And I shall never cease. whilst life
remains, to look with lively interest and deep
solicitude. upon the government &. operation
of our free system of Government, and to
hope that under the smiles of an all wise
Providence, the Republic may be ever just,
honorable, prosperous and great.
—CONGRESSIONAL.
Moivoxv Dec. 16th.
The annual report of the Secretary of the
Treasury on the state ofthe Finances was
presented to Congress to day.
The public debt is stated at $24,745,188.
It proposes to anticipate the redemption of
the US. stock.
It recoiuends ad valorcm instead of spe-
cific duties on wines. '
To reduce the duties to the standard of
the necessary revenue. is, saystheSocretary,
a Lisk not uithout some difficulties. The
probability of a deficiency of revenue is, he
says, to be avoided most carefully.
The report rtrcommends no immediate rc-
duction ofthe Tariff. It suggests a general
revision and reduction. and leaves time for
obtainin_;r«such information as may allow the
change to be made wisely and considerately
' and gradually.
Receipts oftlie. last fiscalyear . . . . . - . $30,381,000.
Balance in the Treasury lstJan. 1842, l0,4‘24.507.
Making the sum of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40,818,287.
The expenditures ofthe fiscal year were $32,958,-
3:l{‘)lie balance in the Treasury is,tlierefore,$7,-
01, I .
The estimated receipts for 1845, are $34,204,874,
of which $2, 127,000 are from lands.
The Secretary is in favor of it good reve-
nue and a good credit, but he opposes the
idea of locking up revenue.
Asto the public deposits, he says that
none of the old deposits have been changed.
but new ones addi.-.d,——with a view to pro-
mote the public convenience. to prevent over.
grown accumulations in certain Banks. to
diffuse the benefits ofthe deposits,arid obtain
greater security for them.
In the Senate to day, some discusion took
place on the resolution for an inqriiry. by
the Judiciary comm. into the expediency of
altering the naturalization laws.
The scheme ofaltering the law finds no
favor. The resolution was adopted.
Mr. Phelps offered a resolution inquiring
ofthe President the amount of the public
debt of Texas. Resolution passed.
The Senate spent a short time in execu-
tive session.
Mr. Duncan’s election bill, fixing a uni.
form time for the election of I-‘resident and
Vice President was passed to a third reading
—Yeasl87. nays l. __
The House suspended the rules to permit
Mr-. Duncan to introduce a bill {or the
Jurisdiction of the United States over the
Territory of Oi'cg_on._ , It was referred to the
Committee on Territories. The object of
this bill is evidently favored in the House,
TUESDAY, Dec. 17.
Mr. Burke brought up his everlasting de-
hate on his attack upon the people ofRhode
Island, without any definite action being bad
u on it.
Mr. C. J. Ingersoll offered a resolution
mod:fying the Tariff Bill of 1842, as far as
_it_ relates to imposts on wines. silks ac. con-
trary to treaties, and as far as it is otherwise
objactionable—and also to impose ano_miiial
duty on articles now admitted free. For this
bill Mr. Ingersoll expressed himself respon-
sible, personally or any how.-—'-Laid over.
Mr. Droomgoole moved that the comm.
on the Library be instructed to talreinto con-
sideration the propriety of publishing five or
six volumes ofthe writings of Madison not
hitherto published.
_' Mr. Fish said that he had received a let.
tcr from Mrs. Hamilton. the widow of Al»-.x-
ander Hainilton. stating that similar papers.
by her husband were also in existence. A.-
thcre were some ofthe said Madison papers
referring to Hamilton, he moved that they be
both printed together. Resolution passed.
A bill for organizing the Territory of N9-
braskie. Read twice, referred to comm. on
'I‘erritories. and ordered printed. '
Mr. Phtznix introduced a bill for refun-
ding duty on Railroad Iron in certain ca~es.
After some discussion and rare confusion.
the House adj. without disposing ofthe bill.
\Vr:ria*i;s1>Ar, Dec. 18.
After the House had met, Mr. Adairis
was notified by one of the messengers, that
some person in the lobby wished to speak
to him.‘ Mr. Adims went and met the per-
son. called Capt. Sangstcr. a resident oltliis
city, who asasiled him with some words and
struck at him. \Nhen the blow was attempt-
ed to be repeated, Mr. Adams caught holdof
the fellow’s arm —some bystanders iritcrfered,
and there the matter ended. Mr. Adrirn‘sre--
tnrned, in‘ perfect composure, to his seat, and
the ci-dcvaut captain. who is said to be crazy.
was arrested. Mr. Adams had never seen
or heard of the individual before. .
Mr. Phornix’s bill for the remission oldu-
ry on railroad iron. in certain cases, was ta-
ken up, as the unfinished busincss of _v.-st.-r-
day, and Mr. Foster. of Pennsylvania, oppo-
sed the bill as destructive of the interests of
Pennsylvania.
Bill laid on the table.-—Yeas 155. Nays
40.
So, the Tariffcannot be attacked in detail.
and a general review and revision of it,
seems to be out ofthe question. for the press-nt.
Mr. Duncan gave notice of a resolution
for abolishing the ‘one hour rule.’
The House adjournedbefore three o’clock
-—slieiting that they do not intend to weary
themselves with much application to busi-
ness at this s=.~ssion. .
In the Senate, Mr. Johnson, of La., intro
duced a bill giving the U. S. Circuit Courts
jurisdiction over lakes and harbors.
Mr. Breese offered a resolution for the
sale of the U. S. Lead Mines in Iowa, Illi-
nois, and VVi.-cousin.
Mr. Bt-nton’s resolutions offered yesterd iy.
calling for an enquiry concerning specula-
tions in Texan l‘lDCI and scrip by persons
employed in the employment ofthe Govern-
ment; whether Lord Aberdcen’s letter of
Dec. 26. 1843. to Mr. Packenham was not
preceded by the commencement of the Tex-
an Treaty; and also for_obtaining a copy of
the London letter and the name of its author,
was adopted withoutcomment.
Several resolutions heretofore offered for
inquiry respecting naturalization frauderic.
were adopted. ' - ‘
The Bill granting $75,000 to the heirs of
the late Robert Fulton, was passed, years 26
nays l4.
The Senate spent a short time in execu-
tive session.
The Senate have confirmed the nornina
tion of Gov. Van Ness, as collector of the
port ofNcw York. by a unanimous vote!
This result was expected here, for it has
been understood that the Gover or makes an
acceptable and efficient officer. .
THURSDAY, Dec. 19.
The reference to Mr. Atchinson‘s bill, for
the Organization of a Government for the
Territory of Oregon, was made quite a party
question in the Senate. The motion was to
refer it to the Committee on Territories.-
This was opposed. The motion was then
put to refer it to the Committee on Foreign
Relations. Against this speech- s were
made by Allen. Benton, Walker, Foster of
N. Y. doc. Mr. Walker called the Yeas
and Nays, which were ordered—Yeas 20;
Nays 24.
Mr. Washington Hunt of New York,
gave notice of his intention to propose an
alteration in the Constitution of the United
States, to render the President ineligible to a
second election. This ought to be carried
through. i
The ‘War message’ has finally come, and a
pretty concern it is. The first hall is as pretty
a war message as could be gotten up; but
it dwindies away, rather, at the latter end.-
It ‘tapers off’ from words of war to terms of
peace. No other man in the world, save
John Tyler, could have commenced in such
a strain and ended off so. .
Ithink it extremely doubtful whether Mr.
C. J. Ingersoll's resolution can be got
through the House of Representatives. Th»-
proposition will meet with much less favor
in the Senate. The probability is that
neither Mr. McDufl‘i--‘s resolution, or Mr.
Benton‘: bill can pass the Senate. The
Whig Senators believe that this Texas busi-
ness was a mere President making trick;
that it was not a movement originated by the
people. but by the party leaders. They will
therefore take care of our own country as
far as possible, keeping our ship of State
clear from the dangers that surround her.-
They will leave. this new scheme to the de-
liberations of the first Polk Congress and {let
them settle it.
I know not how Mr. Shanon is to get
along. He proposes to hold no further in-
tercourse with Mexico till he bears some-
thing definite from his Government; his
Government proposes no remedy but to
annex Texas. ‘Will Mr. Shannon stay in
Mexico till Texas is annexed, without doing
anything for his pay ?
FRIDAY, Dec. 20.
The Senate did not sit to day.
The House took up the Sub Treasury
Bill in committee of the VVhole. I
This is the hill providing for the deposite.
traitsfer. disbursement, and safe-keeping of
the public moneys, \\ hich was before the
House at the last session. ‘ A
Mr. Dromgoole introduced the bill, and
he and some others expressed the hope that
it would be allowed to pass without debate.
and repudiated Sub-Treasury scheme.”
prescribed that "no money shall be drawn
from the Treasury. without authority of law,”
but this bill provided not only for transfers
of the public money, but for "pat/ments" to
be made from this sub-treasury. The sys-
tem. would tliereforc be unconstitutional.
Mr. Shenck. of Ohio, subsequently took it
similar view of the subject.
Most of the debate, which was kept up
till a late hour. trirned on the question
\\'l]t'l.l')t‘f' the Sub‘-Treasury was one of the
issues before the people at the late electron,
and what other issues were decided upon.
SATURDAY. Dec. 21.
The House ordered that the Sub-treasury
bill be taken out of Committee to da at 2
o'clock. The debate on_ the bill was ycrim-
mence-d by Mr, Washington Hunt. and con-
tinued by Mr. Bl)l'l4‘_V of Accorniick, Mr.
Henley of Indizna, Mr. Diilingham, and
Mr. Carev of Me.
After lliu bill had been rt-port.-d, the pre-
vious question was order: d an the engross
ment of the hill.
Mr. Adams moved to re commit the bill
with instruction to strike out the first section.
I_rO$l.»yeaiS I25. nays 59. The was
finally p'iS$t~’(l-—yr'8S I23. nays 60,
Mr. U. V. Brown reported a bill for the
establishment of a Territorial Government
of Oregon.
'.l‘l!E TYLEIE GUN,
So long rumored. has been unmasked and
fired at last, and will be found rather a liarm-
less afI'air—-oftlie Stockton rather than the Paix-
bnn order. It will be seen that, after telling
his side oftlie Texas story. and complaining as
though it were Mexico that was seclsirrg to de-
spoil us ofa portion ofonr territory, Mr. Tyler
inpnrsofi into a new etitreaty to Congressto litr-
isli thcj ib ofAnuexation foriliwitli! VVe sus-
pect he will not be gratified. Here is the
MESSAGE,
To the Senalc, '
and Ilousc of Represerztalit-es:
I transmit herewith copies of desplitclies
received f.'om our Minster at Mexico. since
the commencement of your present scs.-i-on.
which claim, from their importance, and I
doubt not will receive calm and drlil-.erat~~
consideration. The extraordinary and high-
ly offeiisive language which the Mixican
Goverriment has thought proper to employ
in reply to the rumonstrance of the Execu-
tive through Mr. Shannon, against the re-
newal of the war with Texas while the pt:es-
rion of annexation was pending before Con-
gress and the People, and also the proposed
manner of conducting that war, will not fail
to arrest your attention.
Such remonstrance, urged in no unfriend-
ly spirit to Mexico. was called for by consid-
erations of an imperative character. having
relations as well to the peace of this country
and honor of this Government as to the cause
of humanity and civilization. Texas had
entered into the treaty of Annexation upon
the invitations of the Executive, and when
for that act. she was ll'll't8lt‘I'l(‘(I with a re.-
newal of the war on the part of Mexico, she
naturally looked to this Governmentto inter-
pose its efforts to ward off the threatened
blow. Butane course was left the Execu-
tive, acting within the limits of its constitu-
tional competency, and that was to proicst in
respectful. butatthe same time strong and
decided terms against it. The war thus
threatened to be renewed. was promulgated
by edicts and decrees, which ordered on the
part of the Mexican rnili‘ary. the diatruction
of whole tracts ofcountry. and the distruction
without discrimination, of all ages. S-'xes.and
conditions of existence. Over the manner of
conducting war. Mexico possesses no exclu-
sive control. She has no right to violate at
plcasiire the principles which an enlightened
civilrzation has laid down for the conduct of
nations at war; and thereby retrograde to a
period of barbarism which, happily for the
world, has long since pissed away. All na-
tions are interested in enforcing an _ obser-
vatict‘. of those principles. and the United
States, the eldest of the American Republics,
and the nearest of the civilized powers to the
theatre on which these enormities were pro-
posed to be enacted, could not quietly con-
tent f,liein_se.lvrs to witness such a state of
things. They had through the Executive.
on another occasion, and as was believed
with the approbation ofthe whole country,
I't‘l'I)0IlSlI'dl.t'(I against outrages, s‘milar, but
even less inhuman. than those which by her
new edicts and decrees. she has threatened
to perpetuate, and of which thelate inhuman
massacre at Tobasco was but the precursor.
The bloorly and inhuman murder of Fan-
nin and his companions. equalled only in
savage b.-rbarity by the usages of the untu-
tored Indian tribes, proved how little confi-
dence could be placed on the most solmn stip.
ulations of her Generals. while the fate of
others who became her captives in war,
many of whom, no longer able to sustain the
fatigues and privations of long journeys.
were shot do\vn by the way side. while their
companions who survived were subject.--d to
sufferings even more painful than death it-
self——had left an indelible stain on the page
of civilization. The Executive, with the
evidence of an intention on the part of Mexi-
co to renew scenes so revolting to humanity
could do no_less than renew renionstranccs
formerly urged. For fulfilling duties so im-
perative. Mexico has thought propenthrough
her accredited organs. because she has had
represented to her the inhumanity of such
proceedings,to indulge in language unlmotvn
to the courtesy of diplomatic intercourse,
and offensive in the highest degree to this
Government and People. Nor has she of-
fended in this only.‘ She has not only vio-
lated existing conventions between the two
countries, by arbitrary and unjust decrees a-
gainst our trade and intercourse, lint with
holds instalments of debt. due to our citizens,
which she solemnly pledged herself to pay
under circumstances which are fully explain-
ed by the accompanying letter from Mr.
Green. otir Secretary of Legation. And
when our Minister has invited the attention
of her Government to wrongs committed by
her local authorities not only on the proper-
ty but on the personsol our fellow citizens.
cngagedin prosecuting fair and honest pur-
The House determined to have a regular suits.
and old fashioned debate on the ‘exploded even
-5-;-- .... ... 1- . L -.:
:1:
she has added insult to injury, by not
an answer to his representations. Still fur-
Mr. Adams remarked thatthe constitution ther to manifest her unfriendly feelings to-
ward the United States, she has issued de- this subject and its probable consequences Ishall
“995 ‘~‘XP9lllng “Om 50"” 0f ll” Pl'°"'l"L'€5 be exemptfrom the imputation so often hurle’d at the
American citizens engagedmin the peaceful
pursuits of life, and now denirs to those of
our citizens prosecuting the Whale Fishery
on the North west coast of the Pacific, the
privilege which has. through all time. here-
tofore been accorded to them. of exchanging
goods ofsmull amount in vnltiu at her ports
in California for supplies indispensable to
their health and comfort.
Nor will it escape the observation ofiCcn-
gre.-s that, in conducting a corro.-pondenc.
with the Minister of the Unittd States who
cannot and does not know anydistinction be-
tween the geographical sections ofthe Union
charges wholly unfounded are made against
particiila: States, and as an appeal to others
f'.rr aid and protection against supposed
wrong-:. In this S'lITlt:‘ connection, sectional
pl'r'_j!)(lltt('S are alto-mptrd to be excited. and
the h.»z=r lous nnrl unpardonable effort is
made to fozmnt divisions among the States of
the Union, thi rcby to ernbitter their p ace.
Mexico li:is vet to learn that howcver freely
we may indulge in discussions among our-
selvrs. the American people “ill tolr rate no
iriteiference in their domes'ic affairs by any
ft)fc'l'_'I) Govt-rum:-nt; and in all that concerns
the constitutional guaranties and the nation-
al honor, the People of the United Stats.’
have but one mind and one heart. _
Tue subject of Annexation addresses itself
most forturiately to every portion of the Un-
ion. The Executive wouli have been ut -
mindful of his highest obligations, if it could
have adopted a course of policy dictated by
sectional interests and local feelings. On
the contrary. it was b--cause the quastion
was neither local nor sectional btrt iii:-ide its
app:-al to the interests of the whole Union.
and ofevery State in the Union. that the ne-
gotiation, and finally the Treaty of annexa-
tion was entered into; and it has afforded me
no ordinary pleasure to perceive that. so far
as demonstrations have been mad.» upon it
by the people. th--y have prcc--ed.-d from all
parts of the Union. Mexico may seek toex-
cite rlivisons among us by uttering unjust
denunciations against particular States, but
when she comes to know that the invitations
addressed to our fellow citizens by Spain.
and afterwards by herself, to settle 'l‘cx:s.
were accepted by emigrants from all the
States; and when in addition to this she re-
freshes her recollection with the fac‘..that the
first efiort to acquire Texas was during the
administration of ridistinguishcd citizen from
an Eastern State, which was alto-rwartls re-
newed under the auspices of a President
from the Southwest. she will awake to :1
knowledge of the futility of her present pu r-
pose of sowing disscnsions among us, or pro'
docing distraction in our Councils by attacks
either on particular States. or on persons who
are now in the retirement of private life.-
Considering the appeal which she now
makes to eminent citizens by name. can Slit‘
hope to escape censure for having ascribed to
them as well as to others, a design. as -she
pretends now for the first time revealed of
having originated negotiations to dcspoil her
by duplicity and falsehood,ol a portion of her
territory ? Tne opinion then, as now. pre-
vailed with the Execntive, that the Annexa-
tion of Texas to the Union was a matter of
vast importance. In order to acquire that
territory before it had assumed a position a-
mong thc independent powers of the earth.
propositions were madeto Mexico for a ces-
sion of it to the United States. Mexico saw in
those proceedings, at the time, no cause of
complaint. She is now, when simply rearin-
ded ofthem awaken-d to the knowledge of
the fact. which through her Secretary of
State promulgates to the whole world asirue
that those negotiations were founded in de-
ception and falsehood and superinduccd by
unjust and iniquitous motives.
While Texas tvasa dependency of‘ Mexi-
co, the United States opened a negotiation
with the latter power for the CUSSIOII of her
then aclmowletlged territory; and now that
Texas is independcnt of Mexico. and has
maintained :1 separate existence for nice
ycat'S———during which time she has been re-
ccived into the family of nations, and is rep-
resented b_v accredit--A embass-odors at many
of the principal Courts ofEurope——and when
it has becorric obvious to the whole world
that she is forever lost to Mexico. the United
States is charged with deception and false-
hood in all relating to the past and condem-
riatory accusations are made against States
which have had no special agency in the
matter, bi cause the Executive of the whole
Union has negotiated with free and inde-
pendent Texas upon a matter vitally import-
ant to the the interests of both countries.-
And after nine years of unavailing war.
Mexico now announces her intention,
through her Secretary ff Foreign Affairs.
never to consent to the Independence of
Texas, or to abandon the effort to reconquer
that R--public. She thus announces a per-
petual claim, which at the end ofa century
willfurnish her as plausible a ground for
discontent against any nation, which at [lio-
eiid of that time may enter intoa treaty with
Texas. as she possesses this moment against
the United States. The lapse of time can
add nothing to her title to independence.
A course of conduct such as has been de-
scribed, on the part of Mexico, in violation
of all friendly feeling, and of the courtesy,
which should characterize the intercourse
between the nations of the Earth, might well
justify the United States in a r sort to any
measure to vindicate their national honor,
but actuated by a sincere desire to preserve
the general peace, and in view of the pres-
ent condition of Mexico, the Executive rest-
ing upon its integrity, and not fearing but
that thejudgment of the world will duly
appreciate its motives. abstains from recour-
mending to Congress a resort to measures of
redress, and contents itself with re-urging
upon that body prompt and immediate action
on the subject of Annexation. By adopting
that measure, the United States will be in
the exercise of an undoubted right; and if
Mexico, not regarding that forbearance, shall
aggravate the injustice of her conduct by a
declaration of war against them. upon her
head will rest all the responsibility.
Jonu TYLER.
Washington, Dec. l9, I844.
_ For the Gazette.
deigning for months together, to return A,NNgIf3XAiTION—.-\BOLITIONISTS RESPON.
SIBLE, &.c.
Ma. Eoiron-In submiting a few remarks. on
W'liig party, previous to election, charges as false
as they were malignant-—“that it is to secure our
votes, solely, that causes this outcry from the Whig
press, about 'I'exus”-“that Polk is as much opposed
to annexation as Mr. Clay." These charges, which
were dealtont wholesale by the falsely-so-calledLib-
erty Party, might well, now, put every honest man
among them to the blush. The great Whig party
prior to elCCliOl),,:Wel‘e secure in their own strength,
and but for deception and fraud, would have been
victorious. They were notseen patting their aboli-
tion neighbors on the head in order to secure an
unwilling vote. Their votes were sought—yes, de-
niaiided, -loudly and explicitly. The country, and
the country aloiie,'reasonably expected them. It
was expected, that as professed Liberty men, their
siiffragcs would be cast so as to prevent the election-
ofa man whose known principles were averse to
linman rights and human freedom. In the recent:
election, the abolitionists assumed a fcrirftil responsi-
bility. and they now begin to realize it. Mr. Polk
is decidedly in favor of aniiexzition. It was from
the aiinexatioii interest that-he obtained his nomina-
tion, aud that interest, he is impelled, as well from
fidelity as personal preference, to favor. No doubt
is entertained, that their president is it Texas man,
as the 'Wliigs asserted before the election. * '*
Q 5‘ * it 5 ‘I-
As soon as Texas is ptit under the protection of the
American eagle, the wealthy planters with theil
hordes of slaves, who were becoming ti burden to-
them, will migrate to this new field of enterprise,
where their profits will be enhanced, and their in-
vestriients in human flesh ‘will not soon become
wortlilcss. Here, then, vanishes the lastray of hope
for the poor slave. His chains, which were fast
falling off, are riveted more tightly, and that too, by
his professed deliverers. It is an outrage upon hu-
manity-upori every better feeling of the soul I
Could the slave be allowed to utter his just indigna-
tion towards his bezrayers, language would fail.-
The abolitiouists had it in their power to prevent
the election of such a candidate, and the consum-
matiori ofsucli air evil, and they did not use it, but
on the contrary gave their support to the enemy of
freedom, and secured him the power which in no
other way could have been obtained.
Previous to this election, it was apparent that
southern slavery was eating otit its own vitals. and
the legislatures of the slave states began to be vexed
with petitions from their own citizens, praying its
entire abolition. But for the headlong zeal of abo-
litionists, a few years hence, and in all probability,
slavery would have been known only as it name..
Abolition votes have ordered it otherwise. In effect
they have said to the slave,——-“VVe were strongly in
favor of restoring you to the erijoynieiit of your
liberties, brit “circuiristances alter cases,” and for this‘
ONCE our we concluded to act with our locofoco
friends, inasmtich as they have manifested a. deal of
kind feeling towards us as a party, and displayed-so
much courtesy and sympathy for our success, and
have been so free from intrigue and selfish motives-
in their course towards us, while the whigs—advo-
cares of‘ better principles, undoubtedly-—but lciis
‘courteous-—have nianfested a cold indifference for
our favor, is our justitication for the course we
have taken ; and that our consciences, which have
always been sensitive in the extreme for your weal,.
may not be tortured by any painful recollections, we
will alleviate them by removing you so far from
no and your vvislies, possibly from your children,.
that your appeals for liberty cannot be heard, to dis-
trirb our future tranquility !” Such has been the
language ofcondnct.
\Vlien I see professors of religion, whole piety
none would question, leading uninformed and con-
scientious men through a cloud of mist in order to
impress tipoii them a vague sense of duty, abusing
the confidence which iniiocense and credulity place
at their command ; when I'see Deacons of christian
churclics (Mr. Editor, I deprccate personafallusiorrl
and wliould not name this if I thoughtit would give
publicity to the fact) posting tip electionecriiig
handbills on the eve ofa political contest involving
sticli principles as did our last,tlie very first sentence
ofwliich was an unquallified falsehood, and ending
with art appeal to the pious to “remember their
PRAY}-‘.RS for the poor slave” by casting their suffra-
ges in such a manner as would (and has) bound the
chains more firmly around the necks of their victims;
and" further, see these billsembellishing the shutters
ofevery locofoco grogery in town, I am forced to
ask, where will not spite and feeling lead even the
best of men ?
Ido not wish to be considered as questioning
the piety of any one.
abolition brethren to be men ofpiety and principle,
and therefore I think they deserve even greatercon-
dcmnation. But the die is cast. The perpetuation
ofslavery is not the worst evil to be feared. Would
that it vvas,—would that far down beneath that“Lone
Star,” were notseen a still blacker and more threat-
ning cloud to obscure the harmony of our politica]
firniaiuent. He who is conversant with Southern
feeling, well knows" with what jealous scrutiny
every thing of northern origin is s_caned. Our
Union which seems to have been designed by the
God of nature to harmonize in its every interest,.irr~
made to appear by the distorted representations of‘
Southern demagogues, as presenting interests=di-
rectly opposite, and therefore irreconcilable; and
whatever is enacted in part for the north, is consid-
ered at once as a death blow aimed at the South.—
To this feverish state of feeling kept in irritation by
happy manifestations of feeling which show them-
selves in S. C. and if Texas is annexed—we impart
to the South the power to accomplish that which
she has so long had a will to do, and the cry of
"Disunion,” which rose from the Southa few years
ago, will be but .1 faint prelude to the concert of
action, which a balance of power will throw into the
hands of Southern “hot-heads ” Having the proba-
bility of a protracted war with Mexico, and the
horrors of savage torture, by the numerous tribes of
Indians inhabiting Texas, and who are ready to vie-
witli the Mexicans, not to mention the enormous
public debt of Texas, and the endless perpetuation
of Slavery. I say a faint foresight can see, that to
crown the apex of this plot, disunion and a civil war,
which knows neither end or mercy, spreads its deso-
lating effects over our fair country, and America is
doomed to the fate of unhappy Greece and Rome 3
Such an unhappy state of things may never come '
upon us, and I pray God they never may; ' but
come they, or come they not, the consequences have
the Abolitionists endorsed to the full, and let them
settle it with their consciences and with their God.
Axsrucos.
I believe a majority of our -
designing men, may properly be attributed the un-. ‘
Norwalk Chronicler