Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-12-10

ed that any revolution in Mexico, founded up
on opposition To the ambitious projects of Pa
REDEs, would tend to promote the cause of
peace as well as prevent any attempted Euro
pean interference in the affairs Of the North
American contradiction objects Of deep IN
ieresi TO the United States. Any such foreign
interference, il attempted, must have been re-
sisted by the United States. My views upon
that subject were fully icaied to Con-
gress IN my last annual message. In any
event, il was certain iha: no change whatever
III the Government OF Mexico which would
deprive PAREDEs OF power could be for the
worse, SO far as the United States were con
cerned, while il was highly probable that any
change must be for the better.
This was the state Of affairs existing when
Congress, on the thirteenth ofAiay last. recog-
nissa the existence OF the war which had Teen
commenced by The Government OF P.RHpEs /;
and II became an object Of much importance,
with a view TO a speedy settlement, OF our diff
tcultIes and the restoration Of an honorable
peace, that PAREDEs should not retain power
in Mexico.
Before that time there were symptoms Of a
revolution in Mexico, favored, as it was I'M
derstood TO be, by the more liberal party, and
especially by those who were opposed to for
eign interference and TO the monarchial form
OF Government. SANTA Anna was then IN
exile IN Havana, having been expelled from
power and banished from his country by q re-
volutlon which occurred III December, 1914;
but ii was known that he had still a considera-
bic party in his favor 10 Mexico. IL was also
equally we'll known hat no vigilance which
could be exerted by our squadron would, IN
all probability, have prevented HIM from ct
fnattnU n Ia pf.an on ~. W. a,a ~, tho, avsEnuYy
gulf coast Of Mexico, if he desired to return
to his country. He had openly proiessed an
entire change Of policy had expressed his re-
greet that he had subverted the federal consii-
tuition of 1874. and avowed that he was now
in favor Of its restoration. He had publicly
declared his hostility, in the strongest terms,
TO the establishment Of a monarchy, and to
European Interference in the a~flaiIs OF his
country. Information 10 this effect had been
received, from sources believed to be reliable,
at the date Of the recognition OF the existence
OF the war by Congress, and was afterwards
fully confirmed BY the receipt Of the despatch
Of our consul in the city OF Mexico, with the
accompanying documents, which are here
with transmitted. Besides, il was reasonable
to suppose that he must see the ruinous conse
quences to Mexico OF a war with the United
States, and that il would be his interest 10 IA
vor peace.
1t was under these circumstances and upon
these considerations that it was deem d expe-
dent not TO obstruct his return 10 Mexico,
should he attempt to do so. Our object was
the restoration OF peace and with that view no
reason was perceived why WI should take part
with Paroles, and aid him, by means OF our
blockade, in preventing the return Of his rival
TO Mexico. On the contrary, IT was believed
that the intestine divisions which ordinary So
gaclty could not but anticipate as the fruit Of
SANTA AHsA's return 10 Mexico. and his con
test with PAREDEs, might strongly tend 10 pro
duce q disposition with both parties to restore
and preserve peace with the United States
PAREDEs was a soldier by profession, and a
monarchist by principle. He had but recently
before been successful in a military revolution
by which he had Obtained power. He was
the sworn enemy OF the United States, with
which he had involved his country u the ex
lsting war. SANTA ANNA had been expelled
from power by the army, was known 10 bs in
open hostility 10 PAREDEs, and publicly piadg-
ed against foreign intervention and the reSiora
ton OF monarchy in Mexico. In view otthese
facts and circumstances it was. that, When or
ders were issued TO the commander Of our ma
val forces in the Gulf, on the thirteenth OF NAY
Idot, lie 0St Sl WlliCu lhS tAlSltuCp vi me Wal
was recognized by Congress TO place Ihe coasts
of Mexico under blockade, he was directed moi
to obslruct the passage ofSAsrA ANNA to Mex
leo, should he attempt 10 return.
A revolution took place in Mexico in the
early part OF August following, By which the
power of PAREDEs was overthrown, and he
has since been banlshed from the country, and
is now in exile. Shortly afterwards, SANTA
ANNA returned. ltrenains to be seen wheth-
er his return may not yet prove TO be favorable
20 a pacific adjustment OF the existing dilicul-
ties, II being manifesiiy his interest to perse-
we're in the prosecution of a war commenced by
Paroles, 10 accomplish a purpose SO absurd
as the reconquesi ofTexas 10 the Sabine. Had
PAREDEs remained in power, ii is morally GER
tain tina, any pacific adjustment would have
been hopeless.
Upon the commencement Of hostilities by
Mexico against the United States, the Indl.-
nant spirit OF the nation was aroused. Con
gress promptly responded 10 the expectations
of the country, and, by the act OF tie eth of
May last, recognized the fact that war existed,
by the act Of Mexico, between the United States
and that republic, and granted the means ne
cessary Tor It's rigorous prosecution. Being
involved in a war thus commenced by AieYr
co, and for the justice of which on our part we
may confidently appeal to the whole world, Ire
solved TO prosecute with ,hentmoSt vigor. Ac-
cordlDgly, the ports of Mexico on the Gui. ami
on the Pacific have been placed uncer book
AIDE, and her territory invaded al several impuT-
tant points. The reports from the departments
of Wal and the Navy will inform you mose
IN detail of the measures adopted in the crer-
gency In which our country was placed. and
of the gratifying results which have been ac-
complished.
The various column. OF the army have PER-
formed their duty under great disadvantages.
with the most distinguished skill and courage.
The victories of Palo Alto. and Resaca dc Ia
Palma, and Of Monterey, won against greatly
superior numbers, and against most decided
advantages in other respects on the part Of the
enemy, were brilliant in their execution, and
enlitle our brave officers and soldiers TO the
grateful thanks Of their country. The nation
deplores the loss Of the brave officers and men
who have CALAMITY fallen while vindicalng
and defending their county's rights and ho-
nor.
1t is a subject Of pride and satisfaction that
eur volunteer citizen-soldiers. who SO prompt
ly responded to their country's call. with an
experience Of the discipline of a camp OF only
a Few weeks. have borne their part in the
hard fought battle Of Monterey with n CON
stancy and courage equal to that Of the yeier-
an troops, and worthy of the highest admira-
ton. The privaiions o flong marches through