WRITINGS OF SAl\l HOUSTON, 184-8
occasions for war will be obviated. Wars and disunions neces- sarily grow up between nations, as differences arise between individuals. Their interests are different, and often adverse to each other. If we recur to the history of the past, there is little reason to believe that wars will soon cease to exist; at least not in our generation. I am not permitted to believe from the aspect of the affairs of the world, that the wars in Europe and in Amer- ica will cease with our present war with Mexico. But unless we interpose on this occasion, I am led to believe that the white race of Yucatan will be exterminated, and war, in that quarter at least, will cease for a while. The honorable Senator from South Carolina [Mr. Calhoun] has thought proper to introduce into the discussion of this sub- ject, that of the annexation of Texas to the United States. Although it may not legitimately come within the range of dis- cussion, it is perhaps as legitimate as the discussion of the war with Mexico. The honorable Senator has declared his opinion to be, that annexation was not the cause of war with Mexico. To that subject I had no disposition to advert. It had been so often discussed that few ideas on the subject remain unexpressed. I expect to be able to do but little more than reiterate what has been before, in substance, stated; nor am I vain enough to believe that I can add any new interest to a matter which has employed the minds of the members of this enlightened body. I had, how- ever, hoped and believed that no Senator, upon reflection, and who had carefully examined the facts, could doubt that annexa- tion was the cause, and the sole cause, of the war with Mexico. It was declared by the Mexican functionaries that it would be considered a cause of war. The recognition of Texas independence by the United States was the first ground of serious complaint; and it was virtually protested against by Mexico. Subsequently tq that, when the treaty of annexation was negotiated in 1844, the Mexican minister declared, that if the treaty should be signed, he would regard it as a cause of war, and take his passports to leave the United States. Annexation took place, although it had been maintained throughout by Mexico, that it would be regarded as a ca.sus belli, and war would result. War has resulted. The negotiations between Texas and the United States caused the breaking off of an armistice between the former and Mexico. When annexation was proposed by the llnited States, Texas and Mexico were at war. Texas was a sovereign and independent nation. When the joint resolutions were passed by the Congress of the United States, inviting annexation, the relations between
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