24th CoNGREss-2d SESSION.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

 THURSDAY, Dec. 22.

TEXAS.
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During the last session information was given to Congress, by the Executive, that measures had been taken to ascertain the political, military and civil con dltlon of Texas" now submit, for your considera- ton, extracts from the report of the agent, who had been appointed to collect 1t, relative to the condition of that country.

 No steps have been taken by the Executive towards the acknowledgment of the independence of Texas and the whole subject would have been left without further remark, on the information now given to Con- gress, were 1t not that the two Houses, at their last session. acting separately passed resolutions sthat the independence of Texas ought to be acknowledged by the United States, whenever satisfactory information should be received that 1t had i'll successful operation CIVIL government capable of performing the duties and fulfilling the obligations of an independent power" This mark of interest in the question of the inde- pendence of Texas, and indication of the views of Congress, make 1t proper that1 should somewhat ill detail, present the considerations that have governed the Executive in continuing occupy the ground pre- viously taken in the contest between Mexico and Tex as

 The acknowledgement of new state as independent, and entitled to place the family of nations IS at all times act of great deicacy and responsibity but more especially so, when such state has forcbly separated itself from another, of which it had formed integral part, and which still claims dominion over It. premature recognition under these circunstan- ces, if not looked upon ustiable cause of war; is always liable to be regarded proof of unfrendly spirit to one o the contendlng parties. All questions relative to the goverunent of foreign natens whether of the old new worlds have been treated by the Unit ed States questions of fact only, and predeces sors have cautiously abstaned from deciding upon them, until the cearest evdenee in their posses sion, to enable them no only 10 decide correctly, but to shield their decisions from every unworthy imputa ton In all the contests that have arisen out of the revolutions ot France, out of the disputes relating 10 the crowns of Portugal and Spain, of the separa ton of the American possessions of both from the European governments, and out of the numerous and constantly occurring struggles for dominion Spanish America, wisely consistent with just principles has been the action of our government, that we have under the most critical circumstances, avoided all cen sure, and etcountered other evil than that produced by transient arrangement of good will Tn those against whom we have been, by force of evidence; compelled to decide.

 has thus made known to the world that the uniform policy and practice of the United States s 10 avoid all interference in disputes which merely relate to the in- terna government of other nations; and eventually to recognize the authority of the prevailing party without reference 10 our particular interests and views, or to the merits of the original controversy Public opinion here is so firmly established and we'll understood in favor of this policy, that serious disagreement Las ever arisen among ourselves in relation 10 it, altho brought under view variety of forms and at periods when the minds of the people were greatly excited by

 

 ter Nor has any deliberate inquiry ever been insli- tued ln Congress- or in any of Legislative bodies as to whom belonged the power of originally recognz- ing new state; power, the exercise of which Is equivalent under circumstances, to declaration of war; power no where expressly delegated and only granted H the constitution il is necessarily n- voyed in some of the great powers given to Congress- In that given to the President and Senate form trea ties with foreign powers. and to appoint ambassadors and other public ministers and in that conferred upon the President 10 receive ministers from foreign nations

 In the preamble 10 the resolution of the H onse of Representatives Il IS distinctly inmaed, that the expe- dency orecognising the independence of Texas should be left to the decision of Congress. In this view, on the ground expediency, am disposed to concur and do not, therefore, consider 1t necessary express any opinion as to the strict constitutional right of the Ex- ecutlve, either apart from, III the conjunction with the Senate, over the subject. 1t IS 10 be presumed that future occasion will dispute arise, as none has heretofofe occurred. between the Executive and Legislature Tn the exercise of the power of recognition It will always be consistent with the spirit of the con sutlon aud most safe that should be exercised when probably leading to war, with previous understand ing with that body by whom can alone be decar- ed and by whom all the provisions for sustaining its pers must be furnished. Its submission to Congress- which represents in of its branches the States of this Union, and in the other the people of the United States, where there may be reasonable grounds ap- prehend too grave consequences would certainly afford the fullest satisfaction to our own country, and ref- feet guaranty all other nations, of the justice and prudence of the measures which might be adopted.

 In making these suggestions, it is not my purpose to relieve myself from the responsibility of expressing my opinions of the course the interests of our country prescribe, and its honor permits us to follow.

 1t is scarcely be imagined that question of this character could be presented in relation to which it would be difficult for the United States to avoid

 

 maintain their established character for fair and impar tlal dealing but on this every other trying occa- sion, safety is to Do found rigid adherence to princi pie.