15
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 184,7
The Ex-President, when stating the reasons which induced him to propose the subject of Annexation to Texas among others, says: " Nor was it until I received a1.1,thentic information that other nations were exerting all their efforts to induce the course of action on the part of Texas, at war, I firmly believed, with the permanent interests of the United States, that I gave direc- tions to my lamented friend, Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of State, to break up and scatter to the winds the web of their intrigues by a direct proposal of Annexation." It seems from this position assumed by Mr. Tyler, that he either imagined the authorities of Texas were favorable to those intrigues and were willing to compromit her rights and interests as a nation, or that they could not perceive the force and effect of the web which was weaving around her destiny! Now, either inference would do injustice to her character. The authorities of Texas had relied for years upon a plain and frank proposition for annexation, and had hoped to be met by a cordial and manly acceptance. They were disappointed. Texas was treated with coldness, reserve or palpable discouragement. In this condition of our affairs, common sense, without uncommon sagacity, sug- gested the only feasible plan to attain the desired object, and that was to excite jealousy and alarm on the part of the poli- ticians and people of the United States, in relation to the future commercial and political connection of Texas with European nations. This was easily accomplished-by treating with silence all the charges which were made by editors of various news- papers in the United States. The Chief Magistrate of Texas was charged with "treason"- selling Texas to Englancl-subsiclizing her to France! and in a short time "astonishing disclosures" of all these transactions would take place!" All these charges remained uncontradicted by the journals of T'exas, and the effect was all that could be desired! Jealousy toward England and France was awakened. This begat excitement, which, originated phantasies and con- jured up notions of intrigues, which had existence only in imagination. The facts, as well as the diplomatic correspondence of Texas, in all these matters, will vindicate those engaged in the admin- istration of Government, as well as the representatives of foreign nations. Mr. Tyler further says: In reference to the matter of Annexa- tion:- "Nay, I may go even farther, and declare before the
Powered by FlippingBook