The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-05-31

The War-What Next
The war against Mexico makes a rapid and
brilliant progress. The American army have
gained two brilliant victories in the field, resisted
a bombardment of l6O hours, crossed the Rio
Grande, planted the American standard In Burr
ia and, probably at this time, the " stars and
stripes" float over Matamoras ITSELF The intelli-
gence Of the capture of Burita was received by
telegraph, yesterday in this city; our dates being
to the 10Th, from Point Isabel. 1t was conjectured,
also, on the strongest possibilities, that Gen. Tay-
lor had crossed the Rio Grande, and had taken
possession of Matamoras, without any opposition;
the belief being, that the Mexican army evacua-
ted that place in panic, and retreated to the in
terror; probably, for the purpose of getting prov-
sions, or creating new revolution, in that mise
rable and distracted country.
The brilancy Of this campaign, thus far, has
surpassed that Of many other countries, and GER
tainly equals that of any campaign in the history
of the Anglo-Saxon race, throughout the world,
in proportion to the numbers engaged The bra
very, valor, skill, and energy of the American
General, and his troops, have created a
spirit, throughout this great republic, Of per-
feet unity and undivided enthusiasm. The
only miserable exception to this general spirit
exists in the contemplate organs and sections of
the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. to their country and to
their race as they are. Nothing now can prevent
the further progress of the American arms to-
wards the capital of Mexico itself, if that should
be deemed the best policy and the wisest course
of action to pursue by our own government, or
should Mexico still further resist
In the present position, therefore, of affairs
tho do rolox NT
United States with Mexico, it becomes an impor-
tant question of inquiry pause, and to ask, what
is the next step! Will the American government
procure peace by the occupation Of Matamoras
and the country around it. the other side Of the
Rio Grande, and invite negotiations on the part Of
Mexico1-or, will the American army remain
there until the plan for the general invasion of
Mexico be completed, and then, let that republic
be invaded at all points, by sea and by land, let
the consequences be what they may!
1t is difficult to ascertain the sentiments of our
government, in the present crisis Of our relations
with Mexico. The action of Mr. Polk and his
cabinet has, heretofore, been very slow and dila-
tory in assuming the responsibility of beginning
brilliant and mastery achievements either of d-
plomncy or war. We hear it stated on very good
authority, that Mr. Slidel remains at Washing
ton, waiting daily for any slight overtures COM
ing from the Mexican Government in order to
return to his post in Mexico, and to reopen nego
taons on the footing formerly proposed. 1t is pos
sible, however, that the defeat Of the Mexican
army, and their total route, with the occupation
of Matamoras, may produce another revolution
in that country BY the last accounts, it was said
that two thousand Mexicans had left Matamoras
Immediately on perceiving General Taylor's in
tention to cross the Rio Grandc and who knows
but Arista may now be on his route towards
Mexico, for the purpose of efecting another revo-
luton against Paredes. 1t is hardly possible how
ever, Tor our Government to open any negotia-
ton with Paredes the present military dictator of
that republic, with any hopes of success or per-
manency, for the re-estabshment of peace. 1t
is difficult to believe that any government coming
into power as that military dictator has, can be
ever treated with at all.
In the meantime, while the American govern
ment may be dcvising plans for negotiation, they
are also prepared with plans and projects for the
re-establishmcnt of the Mexican republic, on
such plan, and in the same form which we our
selves have put in practice. The army of voun-
tecrs authorized by Congress, amounting to fifty
thousand men, is preparing. The governments of
the various States, the requisition of the gene
raj government, are forming them, and muster
ing them as rapidly as possible. In less than six
months, an army Of fifty thousand men will be
on the Mexican frontier, ready to proceed to the
city of Mexico. An expedition, it is said, is also
preparing at St. Louis, TO go to Santa Fe, for the
purpose of taking that place. Dispatches have
been sent to the American squadron in the Paci-
fc, to take Monterey and San Francisco; to block
ado Mazatlan, San Bias, and other ports on the
Pacific.
Some difficulties in these plans and preparations
have been encountered at Washington, in conse-
qucncc of difference Of opinion between the
War Department and General Scott, relative to the
command Of the Army Of Invasion. The old,
ridiculous, technical disputes about rank, have
been rcvivcd-such as was recently seen in the
case Of Colonel Worth, at the Rio Grande The
American people will not tolerate any such cap
tous difficulties between the civil and military off,
GERS of the Government. There must be union
harmony-con in all branches
OF the Government, in order to carry this war to
successful and rapid termination If obstacles
prevent any negotiation, we hope that the inva-
sion Of Mexico will take place by fifty or sixty
thousand troops-that proclamation will be is
sued by the American General, declaring that the
wishes of the Government is not to war upon the
people of Mexico, but make the rulers respect
treaties, and abstain from insult The whole
country on the Rio Grandc, and all Upper Califor.
mia, viii probably be occupied by American