"Should Texas Be Admitted into the
Union?" Debate Speech of
William J. Long
for the
Dialectic Society, June 23, 1837
1
Long, William John, 1815-1882
Page 1
Should
Texas be
admitted into the
Union?
The late triumphant success of the
Texians,
over their
Mexican
masters should cause every patriotic heart to throb with pleasure and pulsate
with gratitude. How much, then, is the exultation enhanced when this theme
excites emotions in the bosom of a citizen of these
United
States. And why? Were it some savage foe leaping in wild enthusiasm over
the fallen fortunes of a
Christian enemy, or were it some vice stained Tyrant
proudly vaunting that he had probed the Goddess Liberty to her vitals, and was
gazing with fiendish joy as her gasping vitality withered from the crimsoned
blade, then, indeed, would that, which we now contemplate with rapture and
delight, excite within us feelings of sorrow and regret.
But so far from having our joy marred by either of these appalling
exhibitions, we hail with gladness the prosperous termination of an effort made
in the noblest of all causes, and by those to whom we are allied by the strong
ties of affinity and affection.
Having our sympathies early enlisted in favour of the
struggle—at one time weeping over the tragical fate of
Fanning
and his gallant band, at another rejoicing at the
unrivalled success of
Houston
and his
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undaunted
followers. While thus suspended between hope and fear, the welcomed
intelligence at length greeted our ears that victory had declared in their
favour; and forthwith we pronounced them an independent people. And now we wish
to urge upon the same body that made this commendable declamation to advance
one step farther and recognize
this
Province as a member of the
Union.
However dangerous and chimerical this measure may at first appear,
yet if viewed in a calm and unprejudiced manner, if reason is suffered to
direct judgement and if the true interest of the
Union is
consulted its adoption must unavoidably follow. That it would prove an immense
source of wealth is unquestionable. With a soil fertile beyond comparison, and
a climate far more genial and salubrious than the bordering
country and in every respect adapted to
Southern productions she bids fair to rival in agricultural pursuits the valley
of the
Mississippi itself Here, then, will be accumulated many of
the materials of trade and commerce. To give a direction to which equally
demands the attention of every portion of the
Union. For
such is the nature of our interests, that upon the success of the one depends
the prosperity of the other. Whatever tends to promote the agricultural
advantages of
the
South has a direct bearing in favour of Northern manufactures.
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Their mutual interest cannot be more forcibly
illustrated, than by the pressure at present existing in every branch of trade.
The sudden depreciation in value, of the staple commodity of
the
South, paralyzed instantly the whole
North.
If, then, the interest of
North
is so nearly identified with that of
the
South, would it not be the most consummate folly, in her, to take
umbrage at this event resulting directly in her, because in conjunction with
her
the
South is benefitted for whose welfare she should feel the deepest
solicitude? No, rest assured that
New.
York and
New.
England in all their pride and magnificence, so far from exulting at,
will ever deplore any adversity which may befal Southern agriculture. For here,
as they are well aware, is the source of all their greatness. But it may be
alleged that the pecuniary emolument thus acquired, would not be equivalent to
compensate for the inequality of power which, it is supposed will be produced
by throwing the preponderancy in favour of
the
South. Any circumstance having a tendency to unequalize this is truly to
be deprecated. But the proposed addition instead of having this effect,
contributes, directly,
to the
ballance great disproportion which has hitherto
existed And after
the
South has witnessed so many deleterious consequences resulting from
this—after she has seen this
Union
strained and tottered to its very centre, she would prove lamentably recreant
to her best interest not to avail herself of the first opportunity presented of
correcting an evil long and grievously borne.–
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It is then clear that if the affirmation of our question is acquiesced
in, a fund of wealth will be added to our Government and the power so equall
distributed as to give it permanency and stability.
Another reason why this addition should be made, is to provide for
Foreigners. We have proclaimed to the world that our
Land is the asylum of the oppressed. We have thrown open
our ports and extended the invitation to the distressed of every region,
telling them they will find a welcome upon our shores. The paupers of
Europe and
other quarters of the Globe have caught the enchanted tale and every vessel
that now cuts a foreign wave is annually landing myriads of their migratory
hordes at our wharves, who are bending their eager steps to the fairy land of
West.
Yet not one of them daring to advance beyond the pale of our protection. With
this yearly increase and the large number of slaves annuall transported there,
the population of this clime will become exceedingly dense; upon which will be
entailed the concomitant evils of indigence, disease and death. Though this may
seem incredulous in this fruitful land yet
Virginia
once equalling it in fertility can now scarcely afford sustenance to her sparse
inhabitants.
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Turn for a moment to the kingdom of
Great
Brittain and witness the ill effects of the want of Territory. Though
her bards may hymn forth her freedom and prosperity and her statesmen laud with
admiration the wholesome provisions of her Government, yet what are the facts?
Even she possesses thousands of the vilest menials that ever inhaled the breath
of vitality. Doomed to the performance of the most servile offices that ever
exercised human hands. That too for the paltry equivalent of a scanty
subsistence, and even this liable to be withheld at the whim or caprice of some
despotic Lord. And unfortunately the evil consequences have not been spared our
own country. Every breeze that floats across the
Land of
New
England performs the office of resperation for a race of beings a grade
lower than our
Africans who cringe for their daily support to the
commands of some opulent proprietor. Yes so great is their dependence, that
even the sacredness of the ballot has not escaped pollution. As not
unfrequently the demands of nature have awed them to exercise this right in
order to meet the approbation of an employer, however discordant with their own
views.
Since their remains to us but two alternatives to avert from
the
South a similar state of things—Either to revive the
Alien
Law of-ninety-eight-forbid them access to our borders or extend the
Territory, let the latter and more expedient be adopted
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Again, the rapid emigration of the intellectual and enterprising part of
the community, speaks to us imperatively to make some provision for this
national loss. A large number of those who are completing their Collegiate
educations are generally bent upon locating in this Province. To endeavor to
turn them from their course would be a fruitless attempt. We have no lucrative
resources whence they may repair their beggared fortunes, exhausted for the
laudible purpose of fitting them to grace with credit any part of the circle of
society. We have no stations of honour for their promotion, from which they add
a new stimulus to their noble aspirations to eminence. Hence their views will
continue to be turned thither where fortune is lavishing profusely the richest
of her gifts, and where talent and intelligance meet with the esteem to which
their excellence entitle them. But this nursery of genius will be of no avail
to us, pro[vi]ded this stipulation does not take place; as the benefit of their
influence and wisdom of their councils will not extend to the precincts of our
Government
And farther, our own security should prompt us to this
recognition. If her independence remains permanent (of which their is but
little doubt) she will shortly become one of the strongest Governments, in
proportion to her magnitude, any where existing. Setting aside her numerous
other facilities for increasing her population, the great quantity of land at
her disposal, and which she is gratuitously conferring upon those who are
willing to make no other sacrifice
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but of fixing
their residence within her borders will enable her to induce many of the most
efficient men to settle here. Seeing here will be a large amount of wealth and
power ready to be wielded by men of talent and influence, it is incumbent upon
us, to provide that we may not be the first to feel its effects; of which we
may be apprehensive on two accounts.– First having refused her admittance into
the
Union, a
measure tending greatly to her safety, her affections which are now so strong
for us will become alienated. Secondly her nearness of location to much of our
fertile Lands for instance those of
Louisiana, may tempt her to unite with some Foreign Ally
and reduce to subjection much of the Southern country. But did she form part of
the
Union she
would serve as a barrier against aggressors.
No question has ever been discussed before our body upon which the
decision is more liable to be biassed by prejudice, than the present. The idea
of enlargement of Territory will naturally suggest to the mind of every one the
melancholy fates that have befallen other Governments from this source. The
enervating and corrupting influence which Eastern luxuries, thus acquired, have
exercised over
Greece and
Rome will be
arrayed in gloomy colours. But the reference is wholly inaplicable. It was not
to be expected that wealth acquired in this lawless manner at the expense of
blood and carnage, should procure to its possessors that tranquil enjoyment it
otherwise would if equitably purchased. Besides, the soldiery who had borne the
brunt and fatigues of war could not brook the idea nor look with composure upon
the fruit of their toils contributing to enhance
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the fortunes of Princely Rulers, while indigence and disease were their
common lot. Thus feuds dissensions and finally civil commotions gradually
sapped and over threw these Ancient Republics. What they accomplished by
conquest we wish to effect by stipulation No treasury is to be exhausted, no
armies levied nor no lives hazarded. Nothing more than a simple treaty is to be
made; similar to that by which any of our Territories are recognized as
states.
It may be affirmed that a difference in the mode of procuring,
will not counteract the attendant evils of wealth. The facts, however, have
been to the contrary relative to the
United
States; as may be inferred from the example of
Louisiana. Purchased for the small sum of fifteen-millions
its sugar interest is annually worth forty five millions and to estimate the
wealth which has and will continue to flow from this lucrative source is
utterly impossible. And have opulence and luxuries such charms for her citizens
that, to acquire the one or revel in the other they have become lost to all
manly virtue. No, a more Loyal people lives not on earth. And she now forms one
of the brightest orbs in the Southern galaxy.
This recognition often and unjustly been deprecated merely from the personal
characters of the inhabitants. Nothing is more common than to hear many
deploring the day, when this band of robbers, this lawless banditti as they
choose to term them shall be made members of this
Union.
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This formerly being a refuge for fugitives from justice, all
adventurers here, have injured their reputation by being suspected either of
fleeing from punishment or seeking their own emolument. Thus the barbed arrows
of envy and malice have been hurled unsparingly upon them; and they have been
undeservedly lashed by every opprobrious epithet the heart of invective could
invent or the tongue of calumny coud pronounce. But who are they, who have been
so maltreated? Are they not our brethren; but a short [time] since inhabitating
the same household. A race of men who have ever bowed with an Eastern adoration
at the shrine of Liberty, ever ready not only to avenge an injury but resent
even an insult that may be offered this majestic Divinity. Witnessing a gross
violation of a contract made to induce our citizens to inhabit this county, and
an effort made to reduce them to servility, have dared to redress their wrongs
at the hazard of life itself. And after they have so graciously achieved their
Liberty, because the kind hand of fortune has been propitious and amply
rewarded all their toils, ungrateful indeed, is it to brand them as avericious
and lovers of lucre. It is desirous before submitting the question to
anticipate one other objection, likely to be urged by our opponents namely, the
probability of involving us in a war with
England
of which, from some late proceedings in
Parliament many
have been
apprehensive
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Is she never to lay aside her
officious character and cease to interfere with the order of our affairs? Shall
she ever extend her potent arm over our dominions and exclaim thus far shall
you come and no farther—this much you may have and no more? That we
should consult the interest of
England
before taking any steps to promote our welfare, that all our acts should be
sealed with devotion to her, who, the instant it would conduce to her own
emolument
2
would wish to wither us from existence, is idle in the extreme. Doubtless she
views with jealous and envious eyes any measures that adds to our prosperity
and would willingly concur in any means to check the same. But is it possible
so servile an idea pervades an American bosom, that we, who, in our infantine
State dared set at defiance
Brittain
interference will yield a passive obedience to her dictatorial mandates? No,
palsied be the hand and faltered be the tongue that would dare write or give
utterance to such a sentiment. Having long
writhed
under the wounds inflicted upon her pride, she may burn with avidity for
some pretext to wipe from her escutcheon the stains received at
Yorktown,
Lake
Erie and
New Orleans.
3
Yet if the daring deeds of our army, could then strike with awe these veterans
bred amid the clash of arms, if the prowess displayed by our undisciplined
crews could draw from
Buonaparte, while the scourge of
Europe and
wonder of the world, the praises of esteem and admiration, how much longer will
England
hesitate to provoke
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us to anger, when we are so
much nearer able to compete
4
with her power? The fear of receiving still deeper disgrace and incurring
greater injury will deter her from any such proceedings But should she
imprudently involve us in a war, we are ready to meet the crisis. However much
the people of the
U.
States may wish to cherish peace and harmony, yet when this is to be
done at the expense of impingement of their Liberties and curtailment of their
rights, domestic tranquility then looses all its charms and enchantments. See
this verefied
between in the late
rupture between her and
France,
when the latter was refusing to refund the paltry sum of a few million of
francs. If the
American
pulse beat high for war at this trivial offence of her ancient ally with how
much greater disdain will she view this presumtive measure of her avowed
enemy?
Great, indeed, must be the change, before
Brittain
or any other power shall commit with impunity any violation upon our chartered
Liberties. First erase from our flag the motto of "free trade and sailors
rights." Next wipe from the memory of
every
American citizen the remembrance of a
Washington. And last blot from chronological annals the
era of seventy-six. Then and not til then, can this deplorable state of affairs
be brought about
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