The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1845-08-19


We have before said. and believe thai, we have
fairly and fully proved, by reference TO the author
ties, and those European authorities, that in the
annexation of Texas to our territory we have not
violated any principle of national law but on the
contrary have done what the laws of nations ex
pressy and clearly declares to be just and right,
proper and oxpedient. Shall the gasconading.
the braggadocio of the Mexcans though coupled
with secret assurances of aid from all the courts of
Europe, deter us from the performance of our du-
~, drive us from the ful6ment of our solemn
engagement, an engagement which in Justice To
ourselves, and in justice to those of orr fellow be-
ngs who asked at our hands aid, we, on the com
mon principles of humanity, were bound To grant?
Mexico, we again repeat, has no ground of
complaint agains, If she undertakes hos,ilites
1t will be upon her part a of aggression and
injustice. The first hostile foot that invades our
soil, the first hostile banner that is unfurled upon
territory. should be the signal for teaching
the world, that when rights are iufringed,
whether by the strong, or the tceak backed bv
the pOWerful, we know how elfectually to punish
and prevent aggression for the future. Let none
of the appeals presented to the world with view
TO paralyze our operations, and enable those who
desire 10 attain practical control over u.s. lead to
the slightest lndeclsOn part. We have
most solemn and important duty to perform. duty
we owe TO our own country and coun;rymen and
TO the oppressed throughout the world 1t is to
refrain from all aggression upon others, and TO
punish, as 1t merits, all aggression and inerfer-
ance on the part of Others.
If Mexico acit hare 'car, let her have it to the
knife. That war must be unjust and aggressive
on her part, and we should be ready 10 redress
oar 'crOngs the instant of their commission
We are glad to see that the President is con-
centrating troops in Texas. To be ready TO nun
ash Is the most eifectual mode of preventing an
Injury. But if the evil cannot be prevented and
we must fight let it not be mere border skirmisb
Ii the MeXlcans are not yet satisfied with wears
of predatory warfare, pundering, and maraudnq
upon the frontier of a neighborng State, we say,
give her, at once, dose that will quiet her ner-
Vousnesss, and end what in justice she should
never have commenced. Judging from the past
as well as present position of some, we NAV ex-
pect lew at home, TO oppose the government at
every step. But we do hope that Toryism,
Federalism, AboltloniSm, and all the other un-
holy, Eeacherous, and Anti-Amercanism of the
day will not induce any 10 swerve from the high
course OF honor and right. We hope if the war is
commenced that Mexico, not Texas, will be made
the theatre operation g Let the war be carried
into Africa" With the city of Mexico in our
power, we may do good 10 those who want the
senes, discernHen and patriotism TO do good to
themselves and their country. And should other
nations connve at the unholy efforts of Mexico
by allowing and aiding the fitting out of prvateers
against our commerce, let the strict doctrines of
the Law of Nations be melted out TO them. Let
those who act the part of Pirates be hanged as
such and that game will soon be ended