372
TEXAS
TATE LJBR.\RY
There are minds no doubt that will readily a ent to the ju tice of this sentence, .yet neYerthele s, be willing to waive its execution for certain advantages which it is fancied will flow_to our Country from a wise and judicious negotiation. Of those who cheri h thi view of the matter, I would re pectfully enquire, Wbat surety do they propose for the fnlfilmqnt of any stipulations? What good can they hope to result from an extorted treaty? General Santa Anna is our prisoner of war, and a such may be ready to enter into any agreement which our rights may require, or our selfishness exact; but when restored to liberty and power, will he feel any oblio-ation to comply with terms which he had no ao-ency in dictating 1 What he assents to while a prisoner, he may reject when a freeman. Indeed the idea of treating with a man in our power, who views freedom in acquie - cence, and death •in opposition, seems to me more worthy of ridicule than refutation; and to carry on such a negociation with an individual who never was known to fulfil a voluntary promise again this interest, with the remotest expectation that he will act up to an extorted one which his pride and resentment spurn, would evince a confidence in human nature dangerous to act upon, and which I should most sin- cerely deplore if permitted to influence the councils of thi Republic. If it be true, as experience leads us to suspct, that but little reliance is to be placed upon the .faith even of good men when it stands in collision with .their interest, what dependance or confidence shall we repose upon the word of one whose sanguinary crimes are equalled only by his treachery and falsehood Y Yet such is the character of the distin°uished individual with wl1om it is proposed to ncgoeiate for our Independence, and to restore to liberty and power under a verbal or written pledge that he will promote our wishes and serve our cau e. With me such pledges are lighter than the ''m<?Onshines watery beam". I trust them as I would "a dicers oaths." But independent of this consideration, it may be very well doubted whether Santa Anna with every disposition to fuHil any agreement which he may now enter into, will on his return to Iexico have the power to do it. It was public opinion which drove him into war with Texas, and the same public sentiment on his arrival at home, may keep him in the attitude of avoii·ed, if not of actual hostility to this country. ~o matter what may lJe his p1•iyate feeling , self- preservation-the stability of hi power, may depend upon hi eon- tinned oppo ition to our view . How can "·e then expect of him o. compliance with any compact formed for the recognition of our In- dependence, or for any otl,er plll'po e? The advantage propo ed to be gained from bis supposed or prohable integrity cannot of con- sequence be realized-even with every willingne. on.hi part to redeem his pledges. I doubt not in the least, that so on n the new of his defeat and imprisonment shall be sounded in the walls of :Mexico, thnt instant will be lost, all his authority in the land, as he hn long ince lost tho affections-of his people. Ile will be powerlc.s either for good or ill. I am therefore decidedly oppo. ed to all negotintion or arru11ge- ments with him ;-first, because he is ·n prisoner and not free to net; secondly, because he is fnithless nnd thcrefm·e unworthy of confidence; nn<l thirdly, becam;C' of the g1·cat certainty of l1i inability to fulfill his
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