Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1846-06-10
THE SENTINEL
YPsILANTI. WEDNESDAY JUNE 10. 1916
WHO COMMENCED THE WARE

WHO COMMENCED THE WAR,
Shall we refer it to the Annexation of Texass The
United States commenced it; for says Mr.. Shannon,
more than twenty years have steadily pursued this
object. And we did really annex it without the con-
sent Of Mexico, or much asking her leave,
before she had acknowledged its independence; and
while she was actually at war with it.
Shall we refer il to the occupation of territory, in
dispute BY the troops Of one of the dsputantsa We
occupied the territory where the jurisdiction OF Mex
leo had never before bccn resisted successfully with
our troops.
Shall we refer II to the first act of hostity1 Com
modore Jones took possession of Monterey some
years ago, upon meFc rumor of war. Vessels were
fitted in our waters, men enlisted and drilled, arms
and ammunition purchased, land entire expeditions fit
ted out to aid the Texan rebellion, and our govern
ment did not pretend as in duty bound, to prevent
it. That it possessed the power to do so was amply
shown in the Canadian rebellion.
But farther than this: Believing as the Mexicans
most assuredly did, that Tamaulipas was their ter
ritory, the marching of troops into it, must be re-
garded as an act of hostility just we would have
regarded the landing of British detachment at
Sclosser and the burning of steamboat, if it had
ever happened,-besides Ampudia says Mexican
town, Laredo, was taken possession of and guard
disarmed by the American troops, previous to their
arrival opposite Matamoros. AT all events the
mouth OF the Rio Grande was blockaded and provis-
ions cut off from the Mexican Army in Metamoros,
before Mexican gun was ever fired at the troops
any other means of annoyance than words used. If
all this does not amount to hostility, what doesl
But some would like to refer the to the rejec-
ton of Mr.. Sidel. Let US plainly state the facts
and Judge who is to blame in this matter. Mexico
takes offence at the Annexation of Texas (under the
same circumstances ace should take offence too) and
recalls her minister and dismisses All inter-
but this is rather awkward and to end the matter,
Mr.. Polk authorises the American consul aMexicO to
intimate his willingness to send Commissioner to
arrange the Texas question amcably, if the Mexican
Government would receive him. To this Mexico
assents and Mr.. Polk appoints what! Commission
era No, Minister PIenipotentiary, and envoy ex-
traordinary. Now there is, sometimes, something
in name. In this instance, that grave matter we
should talk so much about, "National Honor" was
all comprised in the name The dismissal and with
drawal of minister Peipotentary &c." is at all
times serious matter Only think how we should
feel if we should hear the starting intel
gence, sthe British minister has demanded his pass
ports.' Surely, we should think that she hadtaken
an aont that blood alone could atone. II afterwards
she should offer to send commissioner to nego-
tate reconciliation and we should accept, would
we consider she had right to send minister with
plenary powers to reside near the government just
as though friendly relations had never been Interrupt
ted! Or should we send such minister, had she
offered to receive such Commissioner for specific
purposel most assuredly not.
The plain language of the business is language
of taunt and insult to Mexico.
1t was constituting the mere acceptance of Com
missioner whom the UnitedStates had offered to send
into confession that she had played the fool taken
offence without cause, and at last sick of her
conduct and wished to retract. As such she received
it and refused to sanction the mputaton by receiving
Mr.. Slidell as minister and envoy. We should have
done the same.
1t was impossible for Mexico to commence war
She was utterly helpless for the want of Treasury
Her navy was drawn far up into river Cor protec
ton. Her army was unclothed and unpaid-inso
much that our fierce presses made 1t the butt o
their ridcule. For months our troops lay at Corpu
Christi without horses and without artillery; com
peteiy at the mercy of any foe able to attack item
No foe appeared except pckpockets and rumsellers
Where then, was the deceitful .Mexicansl To fgh
them, since they could not come to US we must g
to them. We went and commenced hostilities; tn
war we assumed with Texas.