votes subsequently given. On the 1st March, 1845, the famous joint resolu- tions, for the annexation of Texas as one of the States of the Federal Union, were finally passed after a severe and ioubtful struo-o'le.
One of the most extraordinary incidents of this most extraordinary and calamitous legislation, was the very pe- cuhar tenderness of conscience evinced by certain southern Senators. The Lower House had passed a simple resolution of annexation by a majority of twenty-two. But some of the Senators, although rabid for Texas, were troubled by the oath they had taken to support the Constitution, and they did not well know how to reconcile that oath with the tiickery by which it Avas intended to nullify the treaty-making power. They were happily relieved by the addition of another resolution virtually giving to the Pre- sident the option of effecting annexation by resolution or hy treaty. This ingenious device of authorizing the Presi- dent to respect or contemn at pleasure the requirements of the Constitution, and throwing upon him the responsi- bihty of the choice, relieved the scruples of these conscien- tious gentlemen, and enabled them almost at the very last hour, by the change of their votes, to carry the question of annexation, in the Senate, by a majority of tioo. Should this strange expedient for satisfying constitutional scruples seem insufficient for the momentous effects ascribed to it, possibly a more satisfactory cause may be found in a de- claration made in a southern paper during the debate, " We rejoice that those deserting democy'ats who oppose this vital measure which Mr. Polk so anxiously desires to be settled at this session, will have nothing to expect FROM his administration." As Mr. Polk was at this time at Washington, it is not unreasonable to believe that the editor of the Richmond Enquirer, was not the sole confidant of his intention to Withhold office from every member who voted against annexation.
One of the gentlemen whose scruples threatened to de- feat annexation—but who, on his conscience becoming en- lightened, voted for the measure, and thus ensured it a majority in the Senate—was subsequently appointed by Mr. Polk to a foreign mission.