Note 25 — VII.

Mr. Robert J. Walker published a letter in favor of the annexation of Texas. In it he said: "Upon the refusal of re-annexation ... the Tariff as a practical measure falls wholly and for ever, and we shall thereafter be compelled to resort to direct taxes to support the Government." Notwithstanding this foolish threat, a large number of citizens of Massachusetts remonstrated against annexation. The House of Representatives, by a large majority, passed a resolve declaring that Massachusetts "announces her uncompromising opposition to the further extension of American slavery," and "declares her earnest and unalterable purpose to use every lawful and constitutional measure for its overthrow and entire extinction," etc. But the Senate voted that the resistance of the State was already sufficient! The passage in the text refers to these circumstances.