I regard the question involved in these proceedings as one of vast magnitude and as addressing itself to interests of an elevated and enduring character.  A Republic coterminous in territory with our own, of immense resources, which require only to be brought under the influence of our confederate and free system in order to be fully developed, promising at no distant day, through the fertility of its soil, nearly, if not entirely, to duplicate the exports of the country, thereby making an addition to the carrying trade to an amount almost incalculable and giving a new impulse of immense importance to the commercial, manufacturing, agricultural, and shipping interests of the Union, and at the same time affording protection to an exposed frontier and placing the whole country in a condition of security and repose; a territory settled mostly by emigrants from the United States, who would bring back with them in the act of reassociation an unconquerable love of freedom and an ardent attachment to our free institutions—­such a question could not fail to interest most deeply in its success those who under the Constitution have become responsible for the faithful administration of public affairs.  I have regarded it as not a little fortunate that the question involved was no way sectional or local, but addressed itself to the interests of every part of the country and made its appeal to the glory of the American name.

It is due to the occasion to say that I have carefully reconsidered the objections which have been urged to immediate action upon the subject without in any degree having been struck by their force.  It has been objected that the measure of annexation should be preceded by the consent of Mexico.  To preserve the most friendly relations with Mexico; to concede to her, not grudgingly, but freely, all her rights; to negotiate fairly and frankly with her as to the question of boundary; to render her, in a word, the fullest and most ample recompense for any loss she might convince us she had sustained, fully accords with the feelings and views the Executive has always entertained.

But negotiation in advance of annexation would prove not only abortive, but might be regarded as offensive to Mexico and insulting to Texas.  Mexico would not, I am persuaded, give ear for a moment to an attempt at negotiation in advance except for the whole territory of Texas.  While all the world beside regards Texas as an independent power, Mexico chooses to look upon her as a revolted province.  Nor could we negotiate with Mexico for Texas without admitting that our recognition of her independence was fraudulent, delusive, or void.  It is only after acquiring Texas that the question of boundary can arise between the United States and Mexico—­a question purposely left open for negotiation with Mexico as affording the best opportunity for the most friendly and pacific arrangements.  The Executive has dealt with Texas as a power independent of all others, both