Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1842-03-29

cd beyond their first limits and convert
cd themselves into coLduerors Of terri
tories never included under the name
Of Texas. This act-as unjust as it IS
scandalous--has confirmed the ancient
conviction, that the separation OF Tex
as, the creation thereof an indepen-
dent government, and the abandon
ment of the rights Of Mexico, would
occasion our ruin aud disgrace, and
make to diappear from the surface OF
OF the country which we have conquer
ed with our valour and our blood, the
valiant race whose foolishly thinks it.
self yiIifed and degraded. Mishap
may overtake people ignorant of its
destinies; but the nation who foresees
the entire extent Of her danger, with
the consciousness Of her rights, her
dignity and resources, is enable to re-
sist misfortune or retard her overthrow
by the exercise of her energies and her
constancy.-Such is the use of decl-
sion; and you may rely upon finding
that of the Mexicans unanimous to de-
fend their honor, and l will exhaust the
energies ofmy soul to give new proofs
that the glorious standard Of my coun-
try shall not be outraged unaveng-
ed.
"To the tumultuous (tumultaria)
population Of the valley Ofthe Missis-
sippi with which you permityourselves
TO threaten me, we will oppose the
population Of our valleys and our
mountains, of our towns and our large
cities; that is, an aggregate population
Of eight millions of inhabitants who
orm nationby so many titles respect
able. l am astounded that you should
announce to me so openly (sin embozo)
the hostility of people friendly to
Mexico, and bound TO us by relations,
whose intimacy should forbid such
aggressions. The civilized world will
not learn without scandal, that the in
babitants Of the United States, inGring-
ing their own laws and violating the
most sacred international rights, sup
port, for a second time, a usurpatior
which they have commenced and con-
stantIy supported, abusing and mock
ing the generosity with which the Mex
leans bestowed upon their country
men rich and coveted lads, and invi
ted them TO enjoy the benefit Of their in
situations. Ii Mexico should receivt
hostility from those who call them
selves her friends, she will treat then
as enemies, in the battle field she vii
repel force with force, she will ap
peal TO the judgement Of the Universt
against such aggression, as unjust al
il would be violent.
Like every philanthropic man,
appreciate the blessing Of peace, and
admit that war has its disasters, it!
vicissitudes and its dangers-but, ;
peace bought at the expense Of the
dignity Of a nation, is an inadmissiblt
peace; and, to it we prefer war, which
may save our honor whatever results j
may entail upon US. | fully appreciat,
the problematic condition Of Texas
and I.have before me tie entire serie:
ori,r consequences. | believe war tC
| be necessary believe tito be meas
ure indispensable to the salvation o
| Mexico, and that her government viii
not faithfully perform her duties, ii she
does not strain her resources TO the ut.
most boldly to enforce full COMES
sion Of her justice.
"You have yourself seen, that an
unexpected and surprising freak Of for
tune, alone prevented the total ruin o
1.-The remains Of the Texan army, which
he'd already los; the greater part o
: the territory depending Gron. It 10
defence. Still greater efforts, thai
these attempted at that period, car
still and shall be made; for | have tn
will and power sufficient, which Cos
and the Mexican people have given ms
to establish solidly the honor Of the ma
{ ton | govern.
: "Ifthe mediation ofthe government
/ Of Great Britain and the United States
. had for its object any reasonable ad
iustment, in which were not comprom
; ised the incontestable rights ofthe nalio
to a territory, usutped, under tn
b. name Of an Independent nation, woul
not refuse to admit it, as we'll on &C
count Of my respects for these govern
ment, as from a due consideration c
the interests of humanity; but, if thi
principal is to be brought into queslio
r we Mexicans prefer the tolls of wa
q satisfied that we have not provoked il
q and we appeal TO the Supreme Judg
: Of the social world, to support the jus
!, tice of our cause by triumph, whic
o we will not prevent to the oppressio
:, and determination of Texas.
u "The prisoners from Santa Fe hav
j. been treated according to the usage
1t in cases Of prisoners Of war; for a
such humanity requires US TO consif
: er them, without however disregardin
prudent measures Of security. hav
ordered the youths Van Ness an
u Combs to be placed in absolute libe
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