Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-05-19
THE ENQUIRER.
Monday Morning, May IS, 1916.
A PROPOSITION
RICHMOND VA
TO FORM A VIRGINIA LEGION

TO FORM A VIRGINIA LEGION.
No one can now doubt that the Mexican war
is fairly begun. The events daily transpiriDg
demonstrate, beyond all controversy, that specu-
la'ion is ill-limed, and arguments but waste OF
time and thought. The stubborn fact stands forth,
that we are this very moment in war with
Mexico, whichhas been fiercey commenced, and
which may lead 10 consequences OF The deepest
importance TO the peace Of the whole world. No
one can safely say that there are not other and
greater powers behind The scenes moving The
puppets of Mexico. She may be simply the TOOL
which the monarches OF Europe have thrust fol-
ward to bring on the great crisis in our Republic
can destinies. Upon The banks Of the Rio Grande
and the plains Of Mexico conflict will certain
which may swell into their mighty extent the long
/ cherished and ill-smolhered designs OF The mon
arches Of the old world. The American Eagle,
in The eyes OF Europe may have scared in TOO
elevated and successful career the very eS-
isence Of the Wondering principles OF absolu-
lism may have required the proud rulers OF Eu-
rope 10 clip lis widespread wings. The "ba-
lance OF power" is in danger, and one bold and
concentrated effort may be made on the Mexican
frontier 10 enforce the odious doctrine by the pow
er OF arms We do not assert this TO be positive
| " true-bul we know that such is The impres
sion OF some Of the best-informed men in the
country, and present Indications we confess, have
somewhat aroused our apprehensions. While
there is even shade OF doubt thrown over The
matter, it behooves us 10 look every danger full
in The face, and prepare for the worst
Many persons seem 10 attach bu, little impor-
lance 10 a conflict with Mexico alone. But il
must be apparent 10 every one al al acquainted
with the Mexican characler-wi.h the toposra-
ply OF their country, and the nature Of our own
Government that This Mexican war, now fully
commenced, is TO be OF neither short duration nor
easy prosecution In view of such an inevitable
stale olthings, We propose the immediate lorna
ton Of 4 Legion, 10 be called the "Virsinia Le-
| gion 10 consist of eight full companies ofInfan-
try, four OF Artillery, and four Of Rinenen, who
shall offer their services TO The President of the
/ United States for The invasion OF Mexico. We
do not include Cavalry, as j! does not well COM
port with The plan Of operations We have in
mind. Gen. Taylor now occupies The LETT bank
OF The Rio Grande, and with The re-iniorcemenls
soon TO be received by him, will, We have all con-
hdence, be strong enough 10 take the town OF
Malamoras, and push back the Mexican army
under Arista into The interior OF their own coun-
try. In order to reach the more commanding
and valuable portion OF Mexico, after leaving
the Rio Grande, We understand that it is necessa-
~ 10 pass through a section of country in GER
tain points very rugged and difficult Of passage,
10 other points exceedingly mountainous, with
extensive plains beyond, much exposed 10 drough';
the whole inhabited BY a hardy population,
who may be said 10 live on horseback, who are
familiar with every pass and defence. who have
been accustomed to the excitement and trials OF
revolutions, and who, BY driving their herds Of
cattle before them, would leave an invading army
entirely dependant upon their own supplies, TO car
ry which, for SO great distance, would in itself be
an immense labor and expense. We do not
doubt that The Presiden, of the United States has
full information upon all these points. There
are intelligent men now in Washington, con-
| ioyed long experience in Mexico, and who
will, we presume, be called upon TO furnish what
they may for The public good. 1t occurs 10 Us
that William S. Parolt, E.q, formerly U. States
Consul in The city OF Mexico and late Secretary
OF Legation 10 that country, would be particularly
available in this respect. He owned at one time
we learn, a hacienda in the vicinity OF Leona vi
carlo, and for some years was in the habit OF ira
yelling through The barrancas and dangerous de-
files on the other side Of the Rio GTande. The
| Government can derive from him much valuable
intelligence as 10 the nature OF the country and
the habits Of The people.
We have every reason 10 believe that we'll
advised, not less than prompt and vigorous plan
Of operations will be adopted by The Executive;
and il strikes as probable, reasoning from cir.
cumslances, that part OF this plan may be, 10
send attacking forces by sea TO Tampico and
Vera Cruz. These are The two great and i'm
portant points on The Gulf Of Mexico and The
only points, except the very nnimporarl
one OF Tuzpan through which Mexico receives
any foreign supply. Vera Cruz was selected By
the French for their attack in 1887, when the
Castle Of San Juan d'Ulloa fell under their bonn.
bardment. Tampico was chosen by the Spa.
niards for the landing OF five thousand troops
under Gen. Barradas in 1929, when they made
their last attempt TO regain their possessions on
| the American continent Let our forces then be
sent 10 both Vera Cruz and Tampico, and while
| Gen. Taylor advances from Malamoras upon
i F,lI In
the detachment from Tampico march upon
San Louis Potosi, 1.-The key 10 The rich treasury
OF the Mexican Mines where The two forming
an union, they may come down by Guanaxuao
and Queretaro, while the detachment from Vera
Cruz, having landed at the river Alvarado and
attacking the city in the rear, the squadron at the
same moment attacking the Castle in the 'front.'
may march mp through Jalapa, Peroe and Pue-
bla, and join the other detachment before the
city of Mexico, the capital OF the country, and
the centre OF its wealth.
These suggestions are thrown out after an in
spec,ion Of the map with friend who has given
greater attention TO the subject and has had better
opportunities of approaching the bcalc than our
selves. We are utterly ignorant Of the plan Of
campaign which may have been agreed upon
by the Executive. We only know tina, prompt
and vigorous measures have been set on foot by
all the departments Of The Government. These
suggestions are designed merely TO show the pro-
liability OF more extended scale Of operations
than many perhaps anticipate-and, consequent
", 10 commend 10 more favorable consideration
our proposal for the formation OF Vnginia L.
gion.
In view OF the probable loss OF lie from
the climate, to which volunteers taken from this
portion OF The country, accustomed 10 regularity
OF lodging and abundant subsistence, may be ex-
posed, il carried into camp at an unhealthy sea-
son of the year, in climate fatal to strangers,
it is not improbable that the President may, for
the present, decline TO send volunteers from Viz
ginia-but their turn" will certainly come, if We
are not mistaken in our apprehensions of The dn-