The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-05-22
The War with Mexico-Thc Metropolis and
the Republic.


The monster war meeting which was held in the
Park, IN this city, on Wednesday evening, was
probably the largest assemblagc of free people
winch ever was held in this metropolis, or in any
other part of the country. 1t was the develope-
.nent OF great iact-a sublime fact namely the
perfect union of all parties, of all ages of all class
Is, in supporting the American Government in the
thorough and energetic prosecution of the present
war with Mexico. Throughout the whole city the
schac.;les ofparty and faction were broken at the
iirst onset Democrats, wings, natives, all were
united in exhibiting one sublime spectacle of en-
thusasm and support of the war. There was, in
deed, only one little excepton-one small blot
the indellble, the minute the small, but miserable
STAIN OF abolition-insgnifican in wickedness
and numbers-which marred the beauty and
sublmity OF that vast assembage. The war is
begun-party is broken in pieces-the country
will be united; and the government, in all its
branches, will be supported by unannty and en-
thusasin.
We have recorded extensively the unanmity of
all parties, and of all the factions, in this great
movement against Mexico. Yet there are indi-
vidual grumblers besides the fragment of aboli-
nonists-grimblers in the daily press and out of
it-grumblers in private and in public. There
can be no doubt but that many selfish leaders, both
fthe wings and democrats, entertain hostile views
towards the Executive, in consequence Of the
manner in which this war has been brought on.
We lament to see some Wall street journals-no
doubt under the influence of selfish stock jobbng
Understanding to raise clamor against the
proceedings OF the administration, and the conduct
of Mr.. Polk, by whom they allege that this war
has been brought so suddenly upon the country.
VI. - l.. n
extent, many of the errors attributed to the admin
istration, IN managing the recent negotiations with
Mexico. year ago, called, and loudly called
the attention of the President and his Cabinet to
the plan and policy towards Mexico, which alone
was proper to be pursued with such country
IL embraced an open, frank, and determined
course OF action. We recommended the appoint
ment OF a special embassy, requiring an instant
reply, either war or peace, at once. Ifpeace-
well but If war, then the usual constitutional
mode might have been followed, recommending
il to Congress, and letting decide upon the merits
OF the question. Instead Of this, Mr. Polk sent
privately, and in an underhand manner some
stray consul, asking if the Mexican Government
would receive minister from the United States.
That was bad. II was pretty much as if two gen.
uemen being engaged in quarrel, one of them
should send his cook or chambermaid to ascertain
from the cook of his opponent if the other gentle
man would receive him at his public entrance, or
If he would be kicked out if he rung at the door.
We admit the awkwardness, the vacillation, the
want OF foresight in the administration in bring
ing on the crisis with Mexico; but this i.
not now The day or the hour TO complain. The
country IS IN war with Mexico-the ewes OF
the civilized world are upon our action. Con-
sress has recognized thiswar by one Of the greatest
majorities which was ever given TO any meo.pre
Its opponents are only handful of abotor;.,. ~ /
the discontinued and disappointed leader. or ~. I
old parties. The great mass of the people Of hi.
country, as we have seen developed in tho or.,,
meeting Of Wednesday last, decidedly. united
ly, enthusiastically in favor OF the government,
carrying it on successful termination Let. then
the President and his Cabinet have a chance of
showing TO the country and TO the world, that they
are able to meet the crisis and to conduct this war
70 glorious conclusion. Let them have another
chance Tor their reputation and their talent, if they
have any.
What then IS to be done How ought tbi, war
70 Dc prosecuted 1t is Of very little consequence
10 the general result of the present crisis ,vba,
rnay be the issue OF affairs upon the Rio C;rande
as they stand at this moment Gener,I TIL.
no doubt, viii show what the vaor and Tho ,ror |
Of an American officer and an American am,
can do. But now that our country is in war ~,