The Evansville journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1834-184?, 1846-05-21

O-ln the United States Senate. on Monday
when the motion print 10000 copies of the
Presidents message aud accompanying papers
on the subject of Mexican relations was
under discussion, Mr.. Crittenden, of Ky, ma de
| the following remarks:
Mr.. Cri,tsnden. after making some inquiry as
TO the documents communicated with the Pre-
sidenrs message, and after the order of General
Taylor to advance to the Rio del N orte had been
read, proceeded TO remark, in substance, shat
he deeply regretted the intelligence cOmmuni-
| ed by the message Of hostillties with Mexico
That it was our true policy cultivate peace
with her. That such had been our policy in
relation to Mexico and all the South American
Republics, That we had hailed their frst
struggles tor liberty, and their establishment
OF Republican Governments, and looked upon
them az forming system of republics opposed
to the nafchical system Of Europe. As the
head OF The repu blican system, 1t has been our
feeling, as 1t was our true policy, to cherish
the kndest relations and sympathes towards
them all. And such had been course till
our late unfortunate difficulties with Mexico,
which resulted, Gs IN ormed, in
actual hustlities Mr.. T.. feared that all had
not been done by our Executive that mi ght
have been done 10 avoid that result. lie hoped
the Senator from Arkansas Mr.. Sever) might
be able to justify, in every particular, the con
good tor advancing our army
through disputed territory tie banks Of
the Rio del NoIte, and pointing cannon up |
on the town OF MatamOras Such a course could |
hardly fail to be regarded an insult, a nd TO
provoke Hostility. But he did not wish pre- ma,
tureIy. or without the fullest information, to |
impute blame. AS 10 Gen. Taylor, he knew
him we'll he was brave and prudent officer
worthy of q confidence, and he felt assurance
that he was warranted by his orders in all that
he had done.
He said the time would come hereafter for
inquirng into the circumstances aud causes OF
the present hostlities; and the scrutiny, he
trusted, would be strict, and such the impor
lance OF the event demands. Whoever should
be found TO have caused the hostility. il it has
been caused on our part, ought to be held to the
highest responsibility. Congress alone can con-
stitutionalTy declare war, and the people OF
the United States not To be involved in war
by any oti.e. au thoFity than that OF their own
representatives.
There would come time. however. for that
scrutiny. For the present we must provide in
stantly for the defence of the country. That
was our first duty, however hostilties may have
been occasioned aud he was prepared grant
at once whatever OF men or money was necessa-
ry for the purpose. Our country is not in fault
though her servants or agents may be, and il
is our duty to stand by her.
But trust that while we adopt all the war.
like measures that the occasion may require,
we shall be equally unanimous in adopting all
the most prompt and efficient means of restor
ing, if we can, friendly relations with Mexico.
w e can have 10 motive for pressing too far on
a weak or lalen foe. The feelings of Mexico,
under all recent occurrences, must naturally be
excited aud wounded.