The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-04-21
THE WAR CLOUDS ARE LOWERING

THE WAR CLOUDS ARE LOWERING.
The New York Herald of the 18th instant, has
remarkably ominous cut over the news columns
containing the late information from Mexico. The
heavens are pictured black as ink can make them
with bold zig-zig line of white to represen,
lightning. On the water is represented a clinner
built pilot boat to indicate the earliest intelloence
while on land the locomotive and the horse oon-
rler are under full way, with the magnetic tele-
graph, to scatter the news abroad THROUGH the
land-the cut, though ANAL is full and effective
The editorial columns contain the following short
but pregnant article, which it would we we'll FIR
all to consider, the Government as we'll as the
people.
WAR AT LAsT.--At length it may be said that
the war has commenced-begun between Tho
United states and Mexico-but where twill end
no one can tell. We refer our readers to the i'm
portant news in this days paper. received lac,
evening from the South, which threw the citv
into deep excitement
1t is now probable that the government of Pa
redes will call in the aid, meditation. or interfer
ence of France and England This will be the
first attempt in North America, like that now.
going on in South America, by those two powers
to Interfere, and probably attempt to establish
monarchy IN Mexico, and put down republican
government. Will the free people of the United
States repudiate the blood of their ancestors. and
permit this? All the northern departments of
Mexico. will probably declare in favor of freedom
and the United States.
We are on the threshold of great events-per-
chance a general war throughout Europe and
neutrality-suspicious. the liberties ofa free people.
for hundred generations What is the u. S.
government about? Are they preparing? Are,
they awake2 Sound that trumpet on the watch
towers OF David and wake up the dead-quick-
quick.
We have not failed to exert our influence. sincn
this administration came into power to impress
upon all, the advice of the Father of his country
that in peace it was proper to prepare for war;
We saw our ships rotting at our Yards, our for
tresses dlIapdated, and our mechanics kept in
idleness-we saw our Legislators go to Washing
ton, and instead Of egislatng for the GOOD Of the
whole country, commence an early and unworthy
campaign for the Presidency. To insure. as thew
thought, success to their schemes, they hurled from
the west the Oregon ball into the arena, to ex-
cite the passions of the people, and get I'D furor
for their especial benefit but refused in everv in
stance to provide for the defence of the country.
even while they were calling down the vengeance
OF their ancient enemy upon Us. After months of
speaking and procrsslinaton, the question has
been taken in both Houses, and the only thing
settled, that we see, is, that the character of
the country is lowered, and many of our legisla
tors lndellbe disgraced, in both Houses.
We have always believed that the first bolt of
war would fall on our southwestern border and
if there is any truth in the signs of the times it
has already come upon US. Our Minister IN
Mexico has been rejected with CONTEMPT. An
our land and naval forces are on her border and
in her waters-what will be the next move Ia
it to be presumed that she would have made This
decided demonstration if she had not been in ex-
pectation of receiving assistance from Europe 2
We do not believe it,
What. then, is our duty as Americans. az
patriots4 Why Immediately to set every engine
at work 20 prepare for the crisis Let onr Co.
eminent at once give every order necessary-.Ie,
the President call on Congress for Immediate ,nd
ample supplies, aad let the people show BY ,b.i,