The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 25, July 1921 - April, 1922 Page: 8
306 p. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
The Southwestern historical Quarterly
of our history perhaps has what Secretary John Hay once char-
acterized as a mad-dog hatred of England, been more pronounced
than it was in the discussions which took place in connection with
the subject of annexation. And one of, if not the chief, causes
of this antipathy for England was dread of that country's abo-
litionist designs in Texas.
In his inaugural address of January 11, 1844, Governor Brown
urged that annexation under any circumstances was desirable,
since such a measure was intimately connected with the prosperity
of the state, in fact with its very existence as an independent
member of the confederacy. England, where anti-slavery senti-
ment was so pronounced, was said to have proposed the total abo-
lition of slavery in Texas, her government to reimburse the slave
owners. "So long, however, as Texas maintains her independence,
and adheres to her present form of government, it is not indis-
pensable, especially if she repel, as I trust she ever will, with
becoming energy, all attempts to unsettle her domestic policy on
the subject of slavery. And shall we stand idly by, whilst Texas,
and with her our institutions are drawn inch by inch into the
meshes of a wily nation, that has never failed to do us injury ?"
The most important consideration was that from Texas might be
carved independent states that would offset Wisconsin, Iowa, and
the unsettled territory of the northwest; this would preserve the
political equilibrium of the Senate, so absolutely essential to the
safety of the domestic institutions of the South, increase the in-
fluence of that section in the councils of the nation, "secure to
Mississippi peace in the exercise of her domestic policy, and a
proud independence as a separate member of the confederacy."23
In these words were summed up what was in all probability the
most potent argument for annexation that was to be heard so
often during the weeks and months that followed the nomination
of Polk and Dallas. Governor T. M. Tucker, in presenting to
the legislature for consideration and action a resolution unani-
mously passed by the legislature of Alabama advocating annex-
ation, used these words: "I unite in opinion with the people of
Alabama, in believing that the annexation of Texas to the United
States, is not only indispensable to the institutions of the Southern
2"Mif. Executive Jolrnal.
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 25, July 1921 - April, 1922, periodical, 1922; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101082/m1/14/?rotate=270: accessed March 28, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.