Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-10-01
TuE TwO n.,.rIoN BILL.

4 THE TWO MILLION BILL.
The sudden solc:,ule with winch Mr.. Polk
was possessed in behalf Ok Mexico. when he
asked Congress for Two millions Of dollars for
/ the immediate use Of that Republic, caused
some surprise--and especially when contras-
ted with the loud denunciatory language which
had 50 lately declared our purpose ofwar, inva-
sion and conquest against that same Republic.
I The President, however, had become peace
I fully inclined under the conviction that war
was only s.toil and trouble - he had informed
Congress that he had proposed negotiations TO
Mexico, and that as II would be but fair to pay
for any concessions Of territory which the
Mexican Government might make, he desired
TO have two millions in hand--suggesting that
eli might be announcement for the Mexican
Government TO wait for the payment of the
whole sum until the treaty could be ratified by
the Senate and the appropriations made by
Congress-"
Here was remarkable degree Of consderate
attention TO the probable exigeneies Of the
Mexican Treasury. In the midst Of hostllItIes
feeling OF tender concern for the empty mo-
nev bags OF our enemies Uses up ia the bosom
OF the President; he IS anxious 10 make them a
present OF two millions IN advance of the rati-
hcation of any treaty. They may determine
TO continue the war aiterwards-but surely
they will be touched by such mark Of kind
ness and alfectionate concern they cannot GER
taInly resist such an appeal for peace.
The Nashville Union, sort Of home organ
oil the President. gives some insight into the
particular application for which the two mil
lion Appropriation was solicited Ii refers TO
the restoration of SANTA ANNA, as toreseen by
Mr.. Polk; speaks Of the peaceful inclnations
Of the former. vet adds. -..but he cannot make
peace unless the army is also for peace ]" and
''in this critical condition of affairs Mr.. Polk
foresaw that the use OF two millions Of dollars
might be OF great importance" The honest
commentator goes on 10 say that SANTA ANNA
might be able 10 carry out his wishes, if he
knew that he was able TO get the means Of pay
ing his soldiers" A very simple arrangement,
We are not let far enough into the details of
this little affair TO know what securities
were provided against SANTA ANNA's treache-
~ after the advance money should be safely in
his pocket But what shall we say of Mr.
PoLH's craftsmanship Since he prefers to
fight with gold rather than steel, why not
bride PAREpEs in the beginning2 What need
ofail the expense of fitting out squadrons,
mastering men, providing stores and NUM-
tons of war, preparing indeed for an elaborate
Of war, which must involve the expenditure
Of fifty or hundred millions of doIlars-why
do all this when cash instead of chivalry
is really TO do the fighting at last? We could
have bought the Rio Gronde as the Southern
boundary OF Texas; we could have bought
California most probably -all at less expense
than the war with Mexico has cost already
Mr.. PoLK's military spirit and martial ardour,
however, must be gratified.
And in truth this warlike propensity of the
President. which seems TO come and go by
fits, is likely to prove one Of his most trouble
some qualities. He blazed up on the Oregon
question, became fierce, full of menace his
friends could hardly hold him his soul was
Gin arms and eager for the fray" The fit be-
ing over he became as mild and peaceabe as
he had before been bold, rough and impetuous.
The heroic stomach which would be satisfied
with nothing less than the whole Of Oregon
was easily made content with haif-swallow-
ing herewith many words Of valour vainly
intended for intimidation. In ike manner the
beginning Of this Mexican difficulty was sig
nal!zed by a terrific ouburst Of martial ardour.
We were 10 rush into Mexico a, once, and
like heroes OF romance do without subsistence ;
nourshment would be found in fighting vic
tory and glory would furnish food and drink
and tolerable lodging-at least until repose
could be had in the "Halls of the Montezu-
mas" This fiji soon reached its crisis and
when the poor Mexican, covering from the
storm which threatened TO burst upon him,
expected 10 see the cleaning sword descend
upon his bosom, he found TO his antonishment
purse slipped into his hand The language
OF wrath and fury was changed into tone Of
cancellation, and instead o. challenge 10 fight
came proposition 10 trade. But unfortunate
iy Tor MIR. Polk he neither gains glory BY his
marital enthusiasm nor saves money by his
Efforts at diplomatic bargaining. He loses ev-
cry way and makes the country suffer both in
reputation and in purse.-Bah. .qmericG,.