Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-12-08


constant alarm, have failed to approach to
any definite result. Mexico has fitted out
no formidable armament by land or by sea
for the subjugation Of Texas. Eight years
have now elapsed since Texas declared her
independence of Mexico, and during that
time she has been recognized as a sovereign
power by several of the principle civilized
states. Mexico, nevertheless, perseveres in
her plans of reconquest, aud refuses to re-
cognize her independence. The predatory
ncursions to which | have alluded, have
been attended, in one instance, with the
breaking up of the courts of justice by the
seizing upon of the persons OF the judges,
Jury and officers Of the court, and dragging
them along with unarmed, and therefore
non-combattant citizens, into a cruel and
oppressive bondage, thus leaving crime TO 90
unpublished and immortality to pass unre-
proved.
A border warfare is eyermore to be de-
precated,' and ever such war as has exist
ed for so many years between these two
states, humanity has had great cause TO la
mcnt. Nor is such condition ofthings 10
be deplored only because of the individual
suffering dependent upon it. The effects
are far more extensive, The Creator Of the
Universe has given man the earth for rest
ing place, aud IFS fruit for his subsistence.
Whatever, therefore, shall make the first
or any part of il scene of desolation, affects
inluriously his heritage, and may be regar-
ded as general calamity. Wars may some
times be necessary; but all nations have
common interest in bringing them speedily
In clo 80, 81 b,,
mediate interest in seeing an end put TO the
state of hostilltes existing between Mexico
and Texas. They are our neighbors, of the
same continent, with whom we are not only
DESTROYS of cultivation the relations of ami
ty, but of the most extended commercial in
tercourse, and to practice all the rights of a
neighborhood hospitality.
Our own interests are deeply involved in
the matter, since however neutral may be
our course of policy, we cannot hope TO es-
cape the effects of spirit of jealousy oil
the part of both Of the powers Nor can
this government be Indifferent to the fact
warfare, such as is waged between those two
nations, is calculated 10 weaken both pow
ers, aud finally to render them, and especial
/ ly the weaker of the two, the subjects of in
reference on the part Of stronger and more
powerful nations, which, intent only on adj
vancng their own peculiar views, may SOON
er or later attempt to bring about compli-
ance with terms, as the condition Of their
nterposition, alike derogatory TO the nation
granting them and detrimental to the inter-
ests of the United States. We could not
be expected quietly to permit any such in
reference TO our disadvantage. Consider
ing that Texas is separated from the United
States by a mere geographical line, that her
territory in the opinion Of many, formed a
portion Of the territory of the United States,
that 1t is homogeneous in its population and
pursuits with the adjoining States, makes
contributions to the commerce of the world
in the same articles with them, and that
most Of her inhabitants have been citizens
of the United States, speak the same Ian
guage, and live under similar political insti-
tutions with ourselves, this government is
bound by every consideration of interest as
well as Of sympathy, TO see that she shall be
lett free to act, especially in regard TO her
domestic affairs, unawed by force, ard unre-
strained by the policy or views of other
countries. In full view Of all these consid-
erations, the Executive has not hesitated to
express to the government of Mexico how
deeply it deprecated continuance Of the
war, and how anxiously il desired to witness
its termination. | cannot but think that il
becomes the United States, as the oldest of
the American Republics, to hold language
TO Mexico upon this subject Of an unambig-
uous character. 1t is time that this war had
ceased. There must be limit TO all wars :;
and il the parent State, after an eight years
struggle, has failed to reduce to submission
portion of its subjects standing out in re-
volt against it, and who have not only pro-
claimed themselves 20 be independent, but
have been recognized as such by other
powers, she ought not to expect that other
nations will quietly look on, to their obvious
injury, upon a protraction of hostlities.
These United States threw off their colo
NAL dependence, aud established indepen-
dent governments and Great Britain, after
having wasted her energies in the attempt to
subdue them for less period than Mexico
has attempted to subjugate Texas, had the
wisdom and justice TO acknowledge their in
dependence, thereby recognizing the obi
CATION which rested on her as one of the
family of nations. An example thus set by
one of the proudest as well as most powerful
nations of the earth, it could in no way dis
parnge Mexico to initiate. While, therefore,
the Executive would deplore any collision
with Mexico, or any disturbance of the
friendly relations which exist between the
two countries, it cannot permit that govern
ment to control its policy, whatever it may
be, towards Texas but Will treat her as by
the recognition Of her independence the
United States have long since declared they
would do as entirely Independent of MeAi-
co. The high obligations of public duty