The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-05-10

our own government | dc notremeinpei uh't 'i'
recognition of Texan independence gave rise 10 any
correspondence between Mexico and our govern
ment; and if it did, have not the means OF Sta'n
il, character. But the principles upon "ii'eh az
such acts are based, were fully tiorth by lhiS
ernment upon the occasion OF the recognitloh Oh 'e
| independence ofthe Spanish American States III
the message Of President Monroe, to the house oi
Representatives, suggesting the Proprie'y o' ''''
recognition, it was expressly declared mat IL
posing this measure, it was "not contemplated "
change thereby in the slightest manner, our irieno-
Iv relations with either of the parties; but to oo-
serve in all respects, heretofore, should tne war
be continued, the most perfect neutrality DEWEY"
them" The Committee on Foreign Ahairs' ~
their elaborate report upon the subject, says' 'ouf
RECOGNITION must necessarily be coexsteht ohiy
with the fact on which it is founded, and cannot
survive if. While the nations Of South America
are actually independent, 1t Is simply 10 sPeaN u.0
truth n acknowledge them to be So Shou'd 'Pa"'
contrary TO her aco,ced principle an fac7ao01edg
ed interest. renev the soar fer The conqmsfI S0ue"
.anerica, zoe stell iadeed regret IT.; 6nf tce ShaH
obserpe, as tce hare done bet1cetn the inaependet
PARTIES, a, honest and dmlparttalneutiahty Inc
Secretary of State, in defence of the act OF recog
milton. said to the Spanish minister: "This recos-
milton is neither intended to invadate any right OF
Spain, nor to effect tile employment OF any means
auhich she may get be disposed or enabled 10 use
cith the pie,o otre-uait,ng those provnaces to the
rest other donnions" That these avowals were
in strict conformity to the true principles. OF the
law of nations, there can be no doubt. They were'
at all events, those which this government has SOL
emnly announced as its rule of action in regard to
contests between rival parties for the supreme pow
er in foreign States. That the admission of Texas
as member Of this confederacy, whilst the contest
for the maintenance of the independence she had
acquired was still pending, and consequent as
sumption of the responsibility of protecting her
against invasion, would have been aplain departure
from the laws and usages of nations, and viola
ton of the principles to which we had avowed our
adherence in the face of tho world, was too clear
to be doubted. Thus believing, had, on the oc-
casion to which have referred, in the faithful dis
charge of the trust which the people had reposed in
me, but one course TO pursue and that was prompt
Iy, but respectfully, adopted.
return now to the question, Has the condition
of the contest between Texas and Mexico, for the
sovereignty of the former, far changed to rem
der these principles now inapplicable? What IS
the attitude which these two states at this moment
occupy towards each other? Are they at war, or
are they not? We cannot evade this question if
we would. To enumerate all the circumstances
bearing upon it, in communication like this, would
be impractcable, nor is it necessary. In respectto
the parties themselves, there would seem to be no
misunderstanding upon the subject. Mexico has
been incessant in her avowals, as well to our gov
ernment to others, the continuance of the war,
and of her determination, to prosecute it. How
does Texas regard her position in respect to the
war with Mexico' Three years subsequent to our
recognition of her independence, we find her en-
tering into stipulation with foreign power to ac-
cept of her meditation to bring about cesson of
hostilities between her and Mexico, engaging to
assume million sterling ofthe debt due from Mex
leo to the subjects of that power, she, through
her influence, obtained from Mexico an unlimited
truce in respect TO the then raging between her
and Texas within one month, and treaty of peace
in six. As late as last June, we see proeama-
ton of the President of Texas, declaring susr en-.
sion of hostilities between the two powers during
the tendency of negotiations to be entered upon
between them, issued on the supposition that
I similar proclamation would be issued by Mexico,
and actual hostities are now only suspended by
an armistice to be continued for specified and
short period, for the sake of negotiation. Nor are
our own views upon the point less explicit In the
published letter of the late Secretary of State, TO
IL.
December last he says: "Nearly eight years have
elapsed since Texas declared her independence
During all that tune Mexico has asserted her right
of Jurisdiction and dominion over that country, and
has endeavored to enforce it by arms" In the Pres
ident's message to Congress, it is stated 'sThat
T the war which has existed for so long time be-
tween Mexico and Texas, has, since the battle Of
San Jacuto, consisted for the most part of preda-
tory incursions, which, while they have been at
tended with much Of suffering to individuals, and
kept the borders of the two countries in state IF
constant alarm, haze failed to approach TO any
defnitipe result" And after commenting with
much truth upon the insufficiency of the arma-
ments which Mexico has fitted out for the subjec-
ton of Texas--on the length of time which has
elapsed since the latter declared her independence;
on the perseverance, notwithstanding, in plans of
reconquest by Mexico--on her refusal to acknowl-
edge the independence of Texas, and on the evils
of border warfare, the message adds: ''The United
States have an immediate interest in seeing an end
pat to the state Of hostities between Mexico and
Texas" following up the remark with a forcibIe
remonstrance against the continuance of the war,
and very just and impressive statement of the rea-
sons why it should cease. This remonstrance is,
in my opinion, entirely just and perfectly proper
The government of the United States should be at
all times ready to interpose its good Offices to bring
about speedy. and, far practicable, asasfac.
tory adjustment Of this long-pending controversy,