The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-09-06

amounting to about two thousand men. This cal
has been made by General Gaines upon his owp
views (from the information in his possessonl Of
what he deemed to be his duty. 1t would seem
that General Gaines proceeded, as far as we are
advised, upon information of threatened invasion
OF Texas by considerable Mexican army, brought
by the Water Witch, and of which the public has
for day ortwo been in possession. ifany more
authentic information Of the movements of the
Mexican forces, or the intention OF the Mexican
government to declare war against the United
States, or to invade Texas, had reached New Or.
leans, we have not been advised Of it.
| We have seen authentic letters from the city Of
Mexico of as late date as the 30h Of July. They
leave the question of war precisely where it has
stood for SO many weeks past. 1t is evident that
Mexico, up to our latest dates, hesitates to de.
clare war. No one can predict, however, what
policy may be adopted under the sway of feverish
excitement The proposition for loan Of $l5,-
900 had not, at that date, been adopted by the
Congress of Mexico and Its passage was siIl some.
what doubtful, though probable.
There seems but one imminent cause for appre.
hending war. The people of the United States
are now solemnly boun1 to defend the soil and
people of Texas. The government of the United
States is conscious of its duty, and will act upon
consciousness. The Mexicans have been concen-
trating their forces West of the Rio Grande, with
the apparent purpose of making a sudden inroad
into Texas. Were they to find the frontiers de-.
fenceless, they would be encouraged to make an
irruption. Such an invasion at this time, after
the action ofthe Texian Congress ana Convene
ton, would be war on the United States The
best way to preserve peace, is, If possible to pre-.
vent such lnroad, by being prepared for il. The
concentration Of the United States forces IN Texas,
and in the Gull. far from being measure caculat-
ed to provoke hostllitles, Is measure most likely
IN, al, L.,- l.
tated to declare war, only from fear of conse-
quences, will probably likewise hesitate about in
vadng Texas, if they find themselves without the
hope OF even temporary success.
Its suggested in some of the newspapers of the
day, that Congress should be called in extra ses-
sion. Undoubtedly, should an emergency arise,
making such step necessary, the President would
be prompt to do his duty But in the present
state of things aad with the present information in
possession OF the government, the ordinary powers
with which the President is clothed, would seem
to be sufficient We still hope to see the annexa.
ton of Texas Ito which both the governments Of
the United States and Texas have assented in the
most solemn forms) consummated without the ef-
fusion of blood, without resort to arms; and with
out special session OF Congress. In the mean
while, whilst invasion from Mexico is threatened,
the President will, as he has already done, direct
his unwearIed care to the defence and protection
d
part of our own country Our own citizens and
property in the Gulf, and the Texan people and
territory, will be protected and defended against
any attack which may be made by Mexico, by land
1t is tor this purpose that our squadron has
been sent to the Gulf, and our 'army of occupa-
lion" to the Western frontier of Texas Should
hostilities be actually commenced by Mexico, we
doubt not that the Volunteers of Texas, as well as
from New Orleans and other parts of the valley
of the Missppi, will eready to rush to Gen. Tay.
lors standard, the moment the signal is given that
their services will be needed, or will be accepted.
The United States government has acted, thus
far strictly on the defensive. The Executive has
shown patriotic and commendabe energy aud
forecast in sending force to the Gulf and fron-
tiers of Texas, ready to meet and resist any hostile
aggression OF Mexico on Texas. Should such ag-
gresslon be made, it will be for no other reason
than because Texas has accepted the terms of an
nexaton proposed by the United States. Gen.
Gaines has undoubtedly been impressed with the
belief that sudden invasion ofTexas was about
to be made by a Mexican army in considerable
force, and therefore he has made his call on the
governor of Louisiana. A few days more will
probably put us in possession OF the actual state of
things on the Texian frontier, and wether Mexico
has been mad enough to declare war against the
United States.