WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1845
411
by which the latter may be admitted as a part of the Union. I will not discuss the policy of the measure, but allude only to the manner of its consummation. I am in favor of annexation, if it can take place on terms mutually beneficial to both countries. I have, on all occasions, evinced the most anxious solicitude touching the matter, and have withheld no means in my power, towards its completion. As it now stands, I regar~ our relation to it in this light. We are to merge our national existence in that of the U. States, whenever the measure may take place! Then it seems to me that we should have something to say as to the terms of the union. By· Mr Browns resolution/ the terms are dictated, and the con- ditions absolute. They are of a character not to have been ex- pected by any one who regarded annexation as a compact between two nations, where each had substantive, and acknowledged sovereignty, and Independence. Texas is required to surrender her sovereignty, and merge her Independence. In that surrender of her rights, or any portion of them, she should have the priv- ilege of assisting in the adjustment of the conditions; and they should be so defined and understood as that no discontent or mis- apprehension could thereafter arise, as to her true situation! To arrive at a point so desirable, it appears to me that negotiations, conducted by commissioners, on the part of each Government should take place. To me the necessity is most obvious, for the reason, that Texas may in after times, when she recurs to the circumstances and consequences of the measure, be satisfied that the terms, on which she had been received, were in part at least of her own devising, and that she from some strong impulse, had not acted, without due deliberation and a full dis- cussion of the terms, by persons, whose minds had been called to act upon the subject, under the most calm, and cd,nsiderate motives. Commissioners appointed by the two Governments could ac- complish all this, and define and settle by negotiation and agree- ment, what might hereafter arise,-calculated to disturb, the future harmony of the U States, and perhaps injure Texas. The amendment to Mr Browns resolutions, appears to me to afford the only means, to obviate the objections to their provisions. Their terms seem to me, to say the least of them, to be rigid, because, they require of us to pay a tribute, or bonus, to the U States, for leave to surrender our soversignt~r, and national Independence, and this too in a most summary manner. We are
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