Democratic Standard

From the Richmond Enquirer.

The letter of our regular Correspondent from Washington, to whom we are indebted for so many valuable favors, is very able in the views which it takes and interesting from the facts which it reveals. The quotation which it gives from the Houston Telegraph confirms the last, strong letter which Gen. Jackson has addressed to Mr. Blair. We must act—ACT, NOW—or we may lose Texas for ever. NOW is the accepted time. We call upon our friends in Washington to hearken to these repeated counsels—to act with decision—and to adopt a conciliatory spirit, which must lead to success.

The signs are more cheering from Washington, in defiance of Hale from New Hampshire. We are happy to hear that Col. Benton will give up his bill.—Instructions are confidently expected from the Legislature of Maine to her Senators. The cause of annexation is gaining ground even in Massachusetts. It is thought that in a few days the members of Congress friendly to the measure will go into caucus and adopt some available plan.

The correspondent of the Baltimore Patriot thinks that Mr. Dromgoole's scheme is the most popular. The correspondent of the New York News thinks it will prevail, perhaps with some modifications. The correspondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer (Whig) has changed his opinion, and is now fully convinced that an annexation proposition, in some shape or other, will pass the House at this session. It is not at all improbable that the measure may succeed in the Senate. I have this from the best authority. The chances now are, that Texas will be annexed at this session of Congress. So be it.

We are sure it is necessary to call the public attention to the following manly and thrilling appeal from the Old Hero.

PROMPTITUDE AND ACTION.

(From the Globe.)

If other evidences were wanting of the interference of Great Britain in the concerns of this country as regards its relations with Texas, we have it in the subjoined letter, which (although written, as will be seen from its context, in the interchange of friendly correspondence not for publication) contains information of such vital interest to the country, that we cannot hesitate to throw it before the Public. The venerable patriot from whose pen it comes, will, we feel assured, pardon the liberty we take, when he sees, in the article copied from the London Times, what vast combinations in Europe are contemplated to give effect to the influence now at work in Texas.

HERMITAGE, January 1, 1845.

My Dear Mr. Blair:—I cannot forbear, on this first day of the year 1845 to let you know that I am still in the land of the living, although greatly afflicted and debilitated. My whole family join me in kind salutations to you and yours, wishing you the joys of the season. May you all live to see many happy New Years.

I observe that you have before Congress too many joint resolutions for the annexation of Texas. This argues want of unanimity in the Democracy upon this great national and most important subject. I have just received from Maj. Donelson, a letter dated at Washington, in Texas from which I would infer, that if Congress expect to annex Texas to the U. S. they must act speedily, or it will be found to be beyond our grasp. The rejection of the advances of Texas has given offence to some, and a handle to others to press the liberal propositions of England upon the Texans, together with the splendid view, to ambitious aspirants, added to the fall he domain once Montezuma's. This embrace not only the limits of Texas, but growing into a vast Republic, in time to splendor view of Texas independent, guaranties of England of her independence, and the loan of large sums for ten years, based upon a Treaty that English manufactures shall be free of duty, is gaining a party in Texas. General Houston's influence alone can be counted upon to resist the present influence of England and its increasing power. How long this influence of England can be successfully withstood in Texas, is becoming a very questionable matter. I have taken a view of the whole ground, giving to all information its due weight, and I say to you, that, unless Congress acts upon this subject promptly, Texas will be beyond our grasp, and lost to the United States forever, unless regained by the sword. What will be the situation of our country, with British manufactures introduced duty free into Texas? Comment is unnecessary.

I hazard nothing in saying that, if the present Congress do not act promptly upon this subject, the next will not have the power. The consent of Texas cannot then be obtained. Great Britain will have laid the lion's paw upon her, and bound her by treaty.

I am exhausted, but, from Major Donelson's letter, and other sources of information, the danger of losing Texas seemed so imminent, that, altho feeble, I could not forbear to say this much to you, that you might communicate it to my friends. May God bless you and yours.

ANDREW JACKSON.