The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-11-29

mustered, is raised with a view to penetrate by
way of Tampco without weakening General
Taylor's force and also with view to reinforce
him, if necessary, at San Luis Potosi.
1t is strange with what little noise this war ha.
been carried on, and yet il is the most extraordi-
nary war in its results ever recorded. II was So
lemnly recognized on the 18th of last May, and in
five months after the United States are in posses
son of Upper and Lower California, the Depart
msnts of New Mexico, New Leon, Tamaulipas,
Chihuahua, go. An extent OF territory actually
greater than that of the United States at the or
ganlzanon OF our government Inns TACT IS not
sufficiently appreciated by the people Instead
Of looking back they look forward. The acqui-
sition of Texas, recent as it is, Is no more thought
of now than that OF Louisiana, and, before twelve
months California will be regarded as muck
portion OF United States territory as Wisconsin is
now. 1t is not generally perceived that half the
object of the war IS already attained, and that no
matter how hostilities may ultimately eventuate,
we have already as much territory as We know
how 10 manage, and amply enough 10 liquidate
all our demands against Mexico We are on
the safe side. If Mexico, through her Congress,
which sits in December, advise her authorities
to for peace, we will be disposed to hear
her. at the same time that we retain what
we have become possessed OF, in payment of our
claims, and also as check on the lawless spirit
of her military chieftains. Should she continue
the war; then she must still endure the loss Of her
territory, and also take the consequence in being
sourdy threshed. In any event we are the
gamers
Mr.. Buchanan is engaged in preparing report
on the present consular system, and will submit
TO Congress plan which he has prepared with
great deal oflabor. Our present consular system
is not alone defective. Ii Is absolutely gigantic
evil. There are, in point of fast, prescribed du-
ties, no rules to bind csnsuls. Our treaties with
China aud Turkey, give our consus at the differ
ent ports of these countries unlimited criminal lu-
rlsdiction /; 50 that the American consul ut Con-
stantinople can condemn TO death American
citizen. We could not allow our citizens accused
of any crime, in either of these countries, to be
adudged according 10 their laws and the only
mode of avoiding this alternative, was to place
absolute judicial power IN the hands of the con-
suls. This power has never been exercised,
and, Of csurse, never will be but still ii is rather
dangerous power TO be vested in any individual
Politics have hitherto so much engrossed the
attention of those in office, that from the time the
present consular system was framed, until now,
no Secretary of State has devoted his time to the
requirements of commerce. The duties of a con-
sulate are entirely ad iibitsm and the Office
has not unfreauently been conferred on subjects
OF foreign powers, to the great detrment of our
interests.
Congress, at its last session imposed upon Mr..
Buchanan the herculean task of framing new
system which should remedy all the evils flowing
from the old one, at the same time neglecting to
furnish him with the means of complying with
their requlsiuon for IN order to frame perfect
consular system, II would be necessary for Mr..
Buchanan to have the assistance Of some
oonsulates, and well versed in the details of
consular business. With the assistance of
such person, Mr.. Buchanan, by devot-
ing about six months to the investigation of the
subject, would doubtless be capable of furnishing
Congress with a perfect consular system. As It
is, he has been obliged TO work hard without any
assistance; but, nevertheless he will furnish
plan which will scarcely fail to be adopted.
Members of both Houses are pouring in and
the city is becoming quite animated
GALvIKNsIs.