Telegraph and Texas Register (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 9, No. 23, Ed. 1, Wednesday, May 22, 1844 Page: 2 of 4
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Fr'oa. the National InttlligencerApril 27
Mr. CLAY ON TH& jEEXAS QUESTION.
Toths Editors of the National'lnttllig'encer z
Raleigh April 17 1844.
-rj&Gejitltmen : Subsequent to rny departure from Ash-
" lann December last t received various communications
frontpopular assemblages and private individuals rtqucst-
inn expression of my opioion upon the question of the
-;Suhexation of Texas to the United States. I have for-
bofneo reply to them because it was not very convenient
dining the progress of my journey to do so and for other
"reasons laiunoi iuuik iipiujjei uuurtcssaiiij m muo-
-dace at present a new element among the other existing
-T !-??. .UrU nmlnto nr1 anrrrnttlo nlfKlli- mlnn 1 hp
cSUOjeClS WUlliU ugtiaic uim cugiusj mi. jjuuiii. . -
TOP.f.rion of the overture of Texas some years ago to be-
subjects which agitate and engross the public
Traction of the overture of Texas some yea
corae-annexed to the United States had met with general
aoquescence. Nothing had since occurred materially to
to vary the question. I had ssen no evidence of a desire
being' entertained on the part)f any considerable portion
of the American people that Texas should become an in-
tegral part of the United States. During my sojourn in
New Orleans I had indeed been greatly surprised by
information which I received from Texas thatr.in the
course of last fall a voluntary overture had pioceeded
fron. the Executive of the United States to the Aulhori-
ties Jof Texas to conclude a treaty of Annexation ; and
- that "in order to overcome the repugnance felt by any of
them to a negotiation upon the subject strong and as I
believed erroneous representations had beefl made to them
of h state of opinion in the Senate of the United States
favorable to the ratification of such a treaty. According
to these representations it had been ascertained that a num-
ber of Senatorsvarying from thirty-five to forly two were
-ready to sanction such a treaty Iwasa.wate too th:.t
- holders of Texas'lands-and Texos..scrip. and speculators
in them were actively engaged in 'promoting the ol jm of
annexation gfilj I did not believe that any Executive of
-the United SlatesTwould venture .upon so grave and mo
mentous a proceeding not only wilhou r.nv gem ral
- manifestation of public opinion in favot t?i n i .n direct
opposition to strong and decided expressions 01 public ais-
approbation. Rut it appears that I v. as mistakrn. To
the astonishment of the whole nation "we are informal that
a treaty of annexation has been actually concluded and is
-ito'be submitted to the Senate for its consideration The
niqtives-for my silence therefore no longer remain and I
vfeel it to be my dntylo present an exposilibn.of my vieus
sand opinions upon the question for what tluy may be
.worth "to the public consideration I adopt this method
as-befng more convenient than.several replies to the rea-
' pecfive- communications which I have received.
I regret that I have not the advantage of a view of the
treaty itself so as to -enable me to adopt an expression of
my opinion to the actual conditions and stipulations which
.:ii conUins. Net possessing-that opportunity I am con-
-strained to treat the question according to what I presume
to be the terms of the treaty. If without the loss of national
.character .without the hazard of foreign war with the
CgeneraL concurrence of the nation without any danger to
'"the integrity of tbe Union and without giving an unrea-
' sonable price for Texas the question of annexation were
- presentea u woum appear in qune a ainereni ngni nom
that in which I apprehend it is now regarded.
The United States acquired a title to Texas" extending
-asLbelieve to the Rio del Norte by the treaty of Louis-
iana. They ctded and relinguished that title to Spain by
-the treaty of 1819 by which the Sabine was suuslituttd
' ?or the Rio del Norte as our western boundary This
treaty was negotiated under the Administration of Mr.
Munroe and with the concurrence of his Cabiuet of
ivhlch Messrs. Crawford Calhoun and Win being a
'-.jTiajority all Southern gentlemen composed a part
W.hen-ihe treaty was laid before the House of Represcn-
ja lives being a member of that body I expressed the
opihijDt which Ithen entertained and still hold that Texas
was sdcrificedjn the acquisition of Florida. We wanted
Florida; but I thought it must from its position inevita.
bly fall into our possession ; that the point of a few years
sooner or later was of no soitof consequence and that in
giving five millions of dollars and Texas foi it we gave
more than a just equivalent. But if we made a great
sicrifice in the surrender of Texas we o'ught to take care
not to make too great a sacrifice in the attempt to re-acquire
'it.
- 'My opinions of the inexpediency ol the.treaty of 1819
did not prevail. The countiy and Congress 'were satis-
fied with it appropriations were made to carry it into
effect the line of the Sabine was recognized by us as our
boundary in negotiations both with Spain and Mexico
after Mexico became independent and measures have betn
in actual progress to mark the line from the Sabine to
RedRiver and thence to the Pacific ocean. We have
thus faitly alienated our title to Texas by solemn national
compacts to the fulfilment of which we stand bound by
good faith and national honor. It is thereTore peifect y
idle and rediculous if not dishonorable to talk of resum-
ing our title to Texas as if we had never parted with it.
We can no more do that than Spain can resume Florida
"France Louisiana or Great Britain the thirteen colonies
ow composing a part of the United States.
- During the Administration of Mr Adams Mr Poinsett
Minister of the United States at Mexico was instructed by
me 'with the President's authority to propose a re-purchase
.of Texas ; but he fore bore even to make an ov nt'
or that purpose. Upon his return to the Unittd w a
be iuformed me.'New Orleans that his reason !o i o
making it was. that he knew the purchase was vlily
impracticable and that he was persuided that if In mad.
the overture it would have no other effect than to agg a-
vate irritaitons.'already existing upon matters o: JifFtienee
.ween the two countries.
." The events which have since transpired in Ttxas are
well known. She revolted against the Government of
Mexico flew to arms and finally fought and won the
memorable battle of San Jacinto annihilating a Mexican
"army and making a captive of the Mexican Pifsidmt.
The signal success of that revolution was greatly aided if
not wholly archieved bj citizens of the United States who
-had migrated to Texas. These succors if they could not
4Palways be prevented by the Government of the United
States were furnished in a manner and lo an extent
which brought upon us some national repioach in the eyes
of an impartial world. Add in my opinion they impose
on us the obligation ofscrupulously avoiding the imputa-
tion of having instigated and aided the Revolution with
the ultimate view of territorial aggrandizement After
the battle of San Jacinto the United Statps recognized the
indepeddence of Texas in conformity with the principle
and practice which have always prevailed in their councils
of recognizing the Government "dc facto" without re-
garding the question de jure. That recognition did not
impart or impair the rights of Mexico or change the re-
lations which existed between her and Texas. She on
the contrary has preserved all her rights and has con-
tinued to assert and so far as I know yet asserts her right
to reduce Texas to obedience as a pan of the Republic of
Mexico. According to the late intelligence it is probable
that she has agreed upon a temporary suspension of hos-
tilities; but if that has been done I presume it is with the
purpose upon the termination of the armistice of rtnew-
ing the war and enforcing her rights as she considers
them.
This narrative shows the present actual condition of
Texas so far as I have information about it. If it be cor-
rect Mexico has not abandoned but perseveres in the as-
sertion ol her rights by actual force of arms which if
suspended are intended to be renewed. Under these cir-
cumstances if the Government of the United Slates were
to acquire Texas it would acquire along with it all the
incumbrances which Texas is under and among them the
-actual or suspended war between Mexico and Texas. Of
' that consequence there cannot be a doubt. Annexation
and-war with Mexico are identical. Now for one I
certainly am not willing to involve this country
in a foreign war for the object of acquiring Texas. I
know there are those who regartfsuch a war with indif-
ference and as a trifling affair on account of the weakness
of Mexico and her inability lo inflict serious injury upon
this country. But I do not look upon it thus lightly. I
regard all warsas great calamities to be avoided if possi-
ble and honorable peace as the wisest and truest policy of
this country. What the United States most need ore un
ion peace and patience. Nor do I think that the weak-
ness of ajpower should form a motive in any case for in-
ducing ujteto en'gagein or to depreciate the evils of war.
Honor and goodlfafth and justice are equally due from
this country towards the weak as towards tho strong.
And if arr act of injustice were to be perpetrated towards
any Power it would be more compatible with the dignity
of the nation and in my judgment less aisnonoraoie to
inflict it upon a powerful instead of a weak foreign nation.
But are we perfectly sure lhat we should be free from in
jury in a state of war with Mexico? Have we-any secu
rity lhat countless numbers ot toieign vessels unaer tne
authority and flag of Mexico would not prey upon our
defenceless commerce in the Mexican Gulf on the Paci-
fic octan and on every other sea and Ocean ? What
commerce on the other hand does Mexico offer as an in-
demnity for our losses to the gallantry and enterprise of
our countrymen? This view of the subject supposes mat
the war would be confined to the United States and Mex-
ico as ihe only belligerents. But have we any certain
guaranty that Mexico would obtain no allies among
the .great European Powers? Suppose any such powers
jealous of our increasing greatness and disposed to check
our growth and cripple us how would the different bel-
ligerents present themselves to Christendom and the en
lightened world? We have been seriously charged with
an inordinate spirit of territorial aggrandizement; and
without admitting the justice of the charge it must be
owned that we have made vast acquisitions of territory
within the last forty years. Suppose Great Britain and
France or one of" them were to take part with Mexico
and by a manifesto were to proclaim that their objects
wer to assist a weak and helpless ally to cnecH tne spir-
it of encroachment and ambition of an already overgrown
R auhlic seeking still fuither acquisitions of territory to
jnriinlain the independence of -Texas disconnected with
V United States what woiild.be tne c hxct of such allega-
tions upon-tht. ju igment of an impartial and enlightened
world? ---. ' -
Assuming that the annexation of Texas is war with
Mexico is it competent to the treaty-making power to
plunge this country into war not only withoul the con-
currence of but without deigmng to consult Congress lo
which by the Constitution belongs exclusively the pow-
er declaringwar ?
I have hitherto considered the question upon the sup-
position that the annexation is attempted without the as-
sent of Mexico If she y: ' her consent that would ma-
terially affect i in- fo.eijfu t of the question if it did
not remove all diinbulw t On to- assumption of that.ns-
jent. the question would u ojnuma to the domestic con-
siderations which belong to it embracing the terms and
conditions upon which annexation is pioposed. I do not
think that Texas ought to be received into the .Union as
an integral part of it in decided opposition to the wishes
of a considerable and respectable portion of the Confede-
racy. I think it far more wise and important to compose
and haimoniz" the present Confederacy as it now exists
than to introduce a new element ofdiscord and distraction
into it. In my humble opinion it should be the constant
and earnest mdeivor of American statesmen to eradicate
prejudices to cultivate and foster concord and to produce
rreneral contentment among all parts of our Confederacy.
And true wisdom it seems to me points to the duty of
rendering its present members happy presperous and sat-
isfied witii each other rather than to attempt lo introduce
afun members against the common consent and with the
certainty of deep dissatisfaction. Mr Jefferson expressid
the opinion and others believed that it never was in tho
conlempU ion of the fiarners of tiie Constitution to add
foreign territory to the Confederacy out of which new
Stales were lo be formed The acquisition of Louisiana
and Florida may bo defended upon the peculiar giouud
of the relation in which they stood to the States of the Un-
ion. After they were admitted we might well pause a-
while people our vast wastes develop our resources pre-
pare the means of defending what we possess and aug-
ment our strength power and greatness. If hereafter
further territory should be wanted for an increased popu-
lation we need entertain no apprehensions but that it will
be acquired by means it is to be hoped fair honorable
and constitutional.
It is useless to disguise that there are those who espouse
and those whooppose the annexation of Texas upon tbe
ground of the influence which it would exert in the bal-
ance of political po.ver .between two great sections of the
Union. I conceive that no motive for the acquisition of
foreign territory would be more unfortunate or pregnant
with more fatal consequences than that of obtaining it for
the purpose ofstrengthening one part against another part
of the common Confederacy. Such a principle put into
practical operation would menace tbe existence if it did
not certainly sow the seeds of a dissolution of the Union.
It would be to proclaim to the world an insatiable and un
quenchable thirst for foreign conquest or acquisition of
territory. For lflo day Texas be acquired to strengthen
one part of the Confederacy to moirow Canada may be
required to add strength to another. And after that might
have been obtained still other and further acquisitions
would become necessary to equalize and adjust the balance
of political power. Finally ; in the progress of this spirit
of universal dominion the part of the Confederacy which
is now weakest would find itself still weaker from the im-
possibility of securing new theatres for those peculiar in-
s.ituiions which itischarg'd with being desirous to extend.
But would T'Xbs uhimately really add strength to
i t'" u .v'f'vh ': )w rojisirleicd theweakest part of the Con-
nf-j t jt im info motion be correct it would not.
i A'' Kding- to lhat. the lerriloiy of Texas is susce ptible of
a ilivisi n m.o five States of convenient size and form Qf
ties two only would be adapted to those peculiar institu-
tions to which 1 have referred and the other three lying
west and north of San Antonio being only adapted lo farm-
ing grazing purposes from the nature of their soil cli-
mate and productions would not admit of those institutions.
In the end therefore there would be two slave and three
free States probably added to the Union If this view of
the soil and geography of Texas be correct it might serve
to diminish the zeal both of those who oppose and those
who are nrging annexation.
Should Texas be ann xed to the Union the United
States will assume and become rsponMblp for the debt of
lexas be its amount what n may. 'What it is I do not
know certainly; but the least I have seen it stated at is
thirteen millions of dollars. And this responsibility will
exist whether there be a stipulation in the treaty or not
expressly assuming the payment of the debt of Texas.
For I suppose it to be undtniuble that if one nation be-
comes incotpowttd "in another alj the debts and obliga-
tions and incumbrances and wars oTTfie incorporated na-
tion become the debts and obligations and incumbrances
and wars of the common nation created by the incorpora-
tion. If any European nation entertains any anbitious designs
upon Texas such as that ot colonizing her or in any way
subjugating her I should regard it as the imperative duty
of the Government of the U. S. to oppose lo such designs
the most firm and determined resistance to the extent if
necessary of appealing lo aims to prevent the accomplish-
ment of any such designs. The Executive of the Uiut-d
States ought to be informed as to the itims and views of
foreign Powers with regasd to Texas and I presume that
if there beany of the exct-plionable character which I
have indicated the Execume will disclose to the co-ordinate
departments ot the Government if not to the public
the evidence of them. From what I have seen and heard
I believe lhat Great Britain has recently formally and
solemnly disavowed any such aims and purposes has de-
clared that she is desirous only of the independence of Tex
as and lhat she has no intention to interfere in her domes-
tic institutions. If she has made such disavowal and de-
claration 1 presume they arq in possession of the Execu-
tive. In the fature progress of events it is probable that there
will be a voluntary or forcible separation of the British
North American possessions from the parent country. 1
am strongly inclined to think that it will he best for the
happiness of all parties lhat in that event they should be
erected into a separate and independent Republic With
the Canadian Republic on one side lhat of Texas on the
other and the United States the friend of both between
them each could advance its own happiness by such con-
stitutions laws and measures as were best adapted to its
peculiar condition. They would be natural allies ready
by cooperation to repel any European or foreign attack
upon either. Each would affoid a secure refuge to trie
persecuted and oppressed driven into exile by either ofthe
others. They would emulate each other in improve-
ments in free institutions and in the science of self-government.
Whilst Texas has adopted our Constitution as the
model of hers she has in several important particulars
greatly improved upon it.
Although I have felt compelled from the nature of the
inquiries addressed to me to extend this communication lo
a much greater length than 1 could have wished I could
not do justice to the subject and lairly and fully expose my
own opinions in a shorter space. In conclusion they may
be stated in alew words to be thai I consider the annexa-
tion of Texas at this time without the assent of Mexico
as a measure compromisingthe national character involv-
ing us certainly in war with Mexico probably with other
foreign Powers dangerous to the integrity of the Union
inexpedient in tbe present financial condition of the coun-
try and not calledor by any general expression of public
opinion.
I am respectfully your odedient servant
H. CLAY.
THE TELEGRAPH.
Houston Wednesday Jtlay 22 1 44.
For President
GEN. EDWARD BUELESON.
For Vice-President
KENNETH L. ANDERSON.
- Gross Injustice 'The editor of the National Vin-
dicator is t-ndeavoring to excite the prejudice of tbe people
against Gen Burleson because "Gen. Lamar squandered
large sums of public money during his administration."
We cannot see why Gen. Burleson should be charged
with the errors of Gen. Lamar; for he surely had no
hand in the administration of public affairs. Gen. Burle-
son was ordered by President Lamar lo go and fight ihe
Cherokee s and he obeyed the orders of the President like
a good citizen. Like a good soldier he met the enemy
fouijht nobly and conquered. Some money was requir-
ed to pay his soldiers: bui he did not incur the debt it
was incurred'by President Lamar and he paid it. How
then can Gen Burleson be blamed? The opponents of
Dr A. Jones muht with just as much justice say lhat lit-
is an abolitionistbecausi some of his relatives in his native
Slate of New York are abolitionists. They might also
with as much justice say that he made overtures lo -Capt.
Elliot to induce the British Government to abolish slave-
ry in Texas by buying out our slaves; and purchasing
the right of Mexico to Texas: because one of his country-
men made similar overtures. Any honorable man must
despise such insinuations'against the character of the brave
old border hero. He has nothing to fear from the open
attacks of his foes. Truth cannot harm him. His grov-
el linjr opponents know this and they seek bv base and
mean insinuations to pack the faults of others on his
shoulders His countrymen however are sufficiently in-
telligent to discover their base artifices and sufficiently
grateful to reward him for the generous sac tifices he has
made for his country.
Mr. Clay's Letter. Mr. Clay's first position is
to make an indirect attack upon his political opponent
Mr. Tyler by expressing his "great surprise" that such
a treaty had been proposed charging him with attempt-
ing to deceive the people with misrepresentations &c.
He can hardly believe that Mr. Tyler would venture up-
on "so momentous a proceeding" "in opposition to decid-
ed expressions of public disapprobation." By "public
disapprobation" we shall see that he can mean none but
the abolitionists of the North. He.next makes an admis-
sion (which by the way he could not well avoid) sub-
jecting him we think to the charge of political apos-
tacy and tergiversation before the American people
from which it will heavily task his own well known in-
genuity and popularity to save him. He admits that we
belonged to the Union up lo 1819 lhat Texas was then
"sacrificed" for Florida. This we shall re;fer lo again.
He next says lhat the country was "satisfied'' with this
dismemberment Does he not in this wilfully misrepre-
sent the fact? Has not every expression of public opin-
ion during every administration since that time condemn-
ed the measure in his own strong language as a great
national "sacrifice ?"
But continues he the United Slates "cannot now re-
sume her title as if she had never parted icilh it." Here
he again distorts the question by his political h..tred of
Mr. Tyler who ho well knows is endeavoring to regain
a'titlc to Texas not "as if it had never been parted with"
but in the most unexceptionable and legitimate manner
by the mutual consent of the only parties thai have any
right lo control the question. If the acknowledgement of
our mdepend nee by the United Slates is worth any thing
it precludes Mr. C. and ail others from questioning our
right to treat. It comprehends and admits every treaty
making power known lo sovereign nations. He next says
thai the United States were justly censured by an "im-
partial world? for the relief we received from her citizens
in our struggle against tyranny and oppression and that
therefore they ought to renounce our alliance lest they
may be suspect' d of having helped us in the day of our
trouble with the very criminal desire of re-arquirin their
former territory with the consent of its legitimate propiie-
tprs. He then informs us that the United States only ac-
knowledged our indepenpence de facto and not de jure
that such recognition does not i mpair the rights of Mexico
intimating that this was only a sub modo or conditional
recognition. Can Mr. C show by the laws of nations
that any recognition ever was or could be more complete
or unqualified? And what are those rights which Mexi-
co still retains overus? Are they natural or political
j human or divine? Under the Constitution of '24 Santa
Anna might claim certain political rights over us. But
thiil sacred charter of our rights has long since been swept
away btfore the dessolating influence of Santa Anna's
tyranny. His word is now the supreme law of Mexico
Does Mr. C. think we are under any moral or religious
or political obligation to obey this usurper whose hands
are now stained with the blood of our murdered citizens?
The only right that Santa Anna can have must either be
the right that power gives or the divine right of kings
And such right Mr. Clay might as well claim for the
Emperor of China the Autorcrat of Russia the Great
Mogal of Tartary or the Pope of Rome. Either of whom
is just as likely to rule over this territory and much
more likely to rule with clemency and humanity. Next
Mr Clay says that by accepting our alliance the United
States will have to take with us our war with Mexico.
Since the time that Santa Anna was our prisoner when
he formally acknowledged our Independence admitting
tho utter inability of Mexico to re conquer us and was
permitted to return home since that time this war
has been almost entirely confined to. a few of oup
depopulated frontier comities the rest of the coun
try quite as little disturbedjlby it (except by rumors)
as if it had been an integral part of the Union
The perpetual rumors of invasion however retarding
all permanent improvements and discouraging emigra-
tion are quite as serious an obstacle to the general pros-
perity of the country as actual war could be. The very
weakness however of Mexico he makes an objection to
taking part with us he seems to forget that Mexico has
a population of eight millions to our one hundred thou-
sand. He then alludes to the possible alliances that Mex-
ico may form with foreign nations and thus become strong
and powerful and then he makes this strength a still more
formidable objection.- Henextshews himself a candidate
for office recommends peace harmony forbearance
patience. Have not the United States borne patiently
enough with insult indignities and spoielations committed
against her citizens for the last twenty years? He next
thinks that the reacquisition of Texas will be such an in-
stance of '-territorial aggrandizement" as to justify in the
eyes of an "impartial world" a general crusade against the
United States. In this crusade be includes both England
and France although both have acknowledged our indc
pendence and of course our perfect right to enter into this
treaty. The relinquishment of this territory Mr Clay
emphatically pronounces a "sacrifice" on the part of the
United States; and he would perpetuate this "sacrifice"
in older to guard against the imaginary displeasure of
England. He wyll knows that England is every year
making new acquisitions of territory in all parts of the
Globe that these acquisitions are made by force of arms
by treachery or by the intrigues of political diplomacy
never by the consent of those in possession of the soil.
He well knows that England this moment possesses a
territorial dominion many limes the extent of that of the
United States that even her North American possessions
are greater than the whole of the United Slates with
Texas anne.xed that she possesses continents and islands
in and bordering upon almost every sea gulf and ocean
that her territorial power in the West Indies almost
commands thentrance into our Gulf which with her im-
mense power-at sea will easily enable her to control and
direct the trade of this country to her-own advantage
Yet for fear of offending the modesty of England out of
his great respect for her scrupulous andself denying policy
in re'gard to "territorial aggrandizement" he would en-
tail upon his country a perpetual "sacrifice." Does not
such reasoning suit better a candidate for the British
House of Commons than an aspirant tothe'Chief Magis
tracy of the Union ?
Mr. Calhoun says: "So long as Great Britain confines
her policy to the Abolition of Slavery in her own posses
sions and colonies no other country had a right to com-
plain. It belonged to ber exclusively to determine ac-
cording to her own views of policy whether it should be
done or not. But when she goes beyond and avows it
as her settled policy the object of her constant exertions to
abolish it throughout the world she makes it the duty of
all "Qther countries whose safely or prosperity may be
endancered by her policy to adopt such mrasures as they
may deem necessary for their protection" "The United
States have heretofore deelined to meet her wishes (of
Texas to be annexed) but the time has now arrived when
they can no longer refuse consistently with their own
security and peace and the sacred obligation imposed by
their constitutional compact for mutual de'fence and pro-
ection." The above extracts from Mr. Calhoun's letter to Mr.
Packenham dated April 13th may serve to show the
rival policy of England and the United States in relation
to' Texas and the question of Abolition.
We to-day lay before our readers the entire loiter of
Henry Clay upon Annexation. We have given our rea-
deis an analysis of this interesting document for the pur-
pose of presenting them with the facts and arguments un-
disguised with false colorings and that strong party feel-
ing which pervades the letter throughout.
The usual non-committal policy of Mr. Van Buren
seems sufficiently manifest in his Jetter on the same sub-
ject. "He promises to take tbe propriety of Annexation
under consideration when he is again President."
Mr. Benton is opposed also vo annexation but says the
Republican he insists that "As to Texas its natural place
is in the Union its destiny is fixed it must come into
the Union he looks forward to see the recovery to the
United States of her 'mutilated water courses and no
earthly power has any right to interfere between us but
Mexieo and her right must soon cease. Whatever may
be the fate of the present movement her destination is to
return to her natural position that of a party to the A-
merican Union."
News from Europe. By the arrival of the Steam
Ship Acadi t at Boston on the 21st ult. advices-have been
received from Liverpool lo the 4lh April. The price of
cotton had declined d per lb. on the middling sorts of
American cotton and d per lb. on the sorts above midd
ling. It was the general opinion that prices had found
their level and although fcw looked lor an advance in
prices a more extensive demand for the staple and a
healthier tone in the market was anticipated. The prices
.ontlr?2jl April were as follows:
Ne'w Orleans ordinary lo middling 4 to 5; fair. to
good fair 5j to 6; good to fine 6$ to 8.
In the manufacturing districts notwithstanding the de
pressed state of the cotton market trade was comparative-
ly brisk.
Parliament had adjourned forthe Easter holidays. On
an amendment to the Factory bill the Ministerial party had
been defeated by a majority of 8 The Free Trade paity
had been beaten in several elections.
O'Connel had returned lo Ireland. A great banquet
was to have been given to him at Cork on the 8th ult.
It is said he looVs care worn ; and has lost much of the
cheerfulness and good humor for which he was formerly
distinguished.
It is rumored that there are difficulties between the
British Court and the Governments of Russia Austria
and Prus-ia The Holy Alliance it issaid arc jealous of
the intimacy that exists between the British and Ftench
Courts and fear that some scheme is in progress to injure
the despotic Governments of Europe.
The British Anti Slavery Society have issue d a circular
to the ministers of churches in London and the neigbor-
hood calling upon them to sign a memorial to the Ame-
rican churches against slavery. "
0-jeen Christina had arrived in Madrid and was re-
ceived with great enthusiasm. It is said lhat a general
amnesty would be granted for all political offences. -
It. ly is still in a disturbed state. The revolutionary
movements hav& assumed a 'serious character and the
pmy ui wg iuauigia uuuci;uuie quite lormiuaoiP.
A new treaty has beeniconcluded between the United
States of America and theGermanic Confederacy. tThe
effect of this treaty will beip reduce present duties on to-
bacco and rice unportedinto Germany from theUnited v
States ami on the other h md to afford facilities forafhe in- '
troduction into the United States of several branches of
German raanuficturesfor American consumption. The
ireaty has yet to be ratified by the other Slates of the
Customs Union as-weli as by Congress.
Bernadotte King of Sweden is dead. Ho was in his
81st year.
The celebrated sculptor Thqrwalden died at Copen-
hagen on the 24th March In his 74th -year.
A canal communication has been opened from St. Pe-
tersburg to the frontiers .of 'China. The work was -commenced
by Peter the Great. It extends over a" space cf
4472 miles I
The Frtnch Army now amounts to 344000 men. Of
Ihese 73416 are stationed in Algiers.
A very handsome service of plate valued at $8000
has been presented to Mr. Packenham the British Minis-
ter at Washington by the foreign merchants inMexico
as a testimony of regard for his valuable services.
New Corn Mill. We"Iately visited the corn mill
recently erected in this city by Mr. Elam Stockbridg'
and were highly gratified to find it in successful opera-
tion. Three oxen by means of aftread wheel put the
macbineryjn motion and easily grind corn Stthe
rate of six or eightbushels to the hour. The mill stones'
and part of the machinery were fmported by MrGentry
who is the agent for the inventors ofthe mill. The whofef
cost of erecting a mill of this description $s about 400
and it is much cheaper andxapable of grinding a larger
quantity otcprn. than many water or steam mills that cost
twice this sum.
t
Arkansas and Red Rivers. The.freshets.ia these
rivers have proved more disastrous than was anticipated
The Little Rock Times of the 29th ult. saa lhattafter Ihe
Arkansas had risen at that place ay high wilhin two feet
as the great overflow in 1833 commenced falling and fell
about four feet when news came from Van Buren That
there was a rise in Grand Riverat its mouth of twelve "
feet. ThLfrise it was fhougbt would bring ihe river to
the high waier marks ofthe freshets in lS. InirSenle
damage had been done and nearly all the plantations in
the bottoms for a distance of several hundred miles were
underwater. The Rad. River -had also overflowed its
banks and inundated the counlry for many miles above
Nachitoches. It had also inundated severalfplantatibns
near Alexandria. :
Drought. There has'been a severe drought in Lou-
isianar Alabama and Mississippi. No rain had fallenJfor
nearly two months in the vicinity of Feliciana; and the
corn and cotton p facts on many plantations were 4ying
for want of moisture
Hayti. The republic of independent negroes and
mulattoes is in a state of complete anarchy. The blacks
cherish the most vindictive hatred against the mulattoes
and are persecuting them most unmercifully. Large
numbers have been assassinated and thousands haverbten
banished from the Island. The blacks are also at war
with the Spaniards. Gen. Hera id has recently lost 2000
men in engagejiients with the" Spaniards- President
Harard discouraged by his reverses and tho turbulence .
ofthe people it is said has resigned his office. This re-
public evidently is in want of a Guardian ; and she is soon
likely to have one; for it is reported that Louis Philipe
is preparing to assume ihe protectorate of Hayti.
Indians. We learn from the La Grange Intelligen-
cer that the hostile Indians have recently been com.milting
depredations on the San Gabriel. A. party of three citi-
zens had gone out to hunt and not returning at the time
appointed their neighbors made search for them and-found
the bodies of two ofthe party. They had evidently been
murdered by savages. The body of the other was not
found bit no doubt is entertained that he also has beea
murdered. One of the men found murdered was a Mr.
Mercer. This new instance of Indian treachery will
we hope induce our frontier settlers to Iceep well on their
guard to prevent any further depredations of these blood-
thirsty savages. We have been informed that the Indians
assembled at the 'Council ground have denied that any
Wacoes were with the hostile Indians that lately commit-
ted depredations on the Colorado. They say that they
were Keachies. It will be recollected that the-Keachies
attended the former councils and made warm protestations
of friendship for the Whites- The Chiefialso signed the
treaty and they received presents from J3en. Houston.
If they according to thetestimony of the Indians themselves
hare been thus treacherous; and ''have imbued the very-
presents they lately received from our government in the
blood of our cftizens how can we expect thai their kind-
red tribes the Wacoes Towaccanies and Caddoes will be
less treacherous than they ? While a single tribe re-
mains hostile the prairie tribes should be prohibited from
approaching near our frontiers; for.it is impossible for
the settlejsto distinguish friends from. foes.
Cotton. About one thousand bales of cotton have
b en brought to Houston within the. last three w:eek3.-
Tne planters on tBeBfazosandppfolCTradb-fiawsuf'
fered so many severelosses from the accidents that'-haye
befallen the steam boats and other crafts that have been
plying in those streams that they prefer to transport their
cotton to this market on iheir own teams. - -
The Mails. We believe the roadi arenow good in
all sections of the republic and there can be no good
excuse for any failure on any of the'inail routes.
We regret to say however that the mails are yet
very irregular. .The latest dateof-lhe paper we received
from Matagorda is to the 18th of April. And we have
not received a paper from San Augustine for two weeks'.
One of our subscribers in Gonzales says he has not re-
ceived a number of our paper by mail for the last threa
months. He says moreover that the papers from Wash-
ington and La Grange have been receivtd there by mail
regularly for the last two monihs. We know that our
paper has been regularly mailed here for Gonzales and
we believe it is sent invariably from the post office here:
for we believe there is not a more honest and faithful post
master in the republic than the present incumbent of the
office here: but we fearj that some post master or
mail carrier on the route to Gonzales is not en-
tirely faithful. We hope Dr Jones will enquire in-
to the matter; for if the mails ' are neglected the
people may not have an opportunity of learning what he
has done to entitle him become a candidate for the high
S
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Moore, Francis, Jr. Telegraph and Texas Register (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 9, No. 23, Ed. 1, Wednesday, May 22, 1844, newspaper, May 22, 1844; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth78051/m1/2/?q=Lamar+University: accessed June 4, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.