The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-10-01
Our Relations with Mexico.

Our Relations with Mexico.
1t affords but meager andmelancholy sat-
| isfaction, even to those who forewarned the
country of the probable result ola Union with
Texas, to note the accuracy of those predic-
tons in the War which now hangs on our
Western border, and disgraces the annals of
a civilized nation.
But it is due alike to the history of our times,
and to the proper vindication of the Wing
Party, from the deep and lasting reproach
which must ultimately accrue to the authors
of that war, to call to mind frequently, its pre-
tended objects, the means by which it has been
thus far prosecuted, and the fruits, if any,
which are likely to result from it.
We say pretended objects, for it is impossible
to reconcile these, with any just appreciation
of the course and policy by which they have
been pursued.
As against an equal adversary, whose coun-
sells were united, and whose purposes were in
dicativc of hostility, the charges preferred by
the Executive against Mexico-when reliev-
cd of the countervailing acts of our own gov
ernment-might justify resort to arms. But
this was no case for the stringent application
of the letter of international law and etiquette.
Mexico was not our equal. She had a popu-
lation of about nine millions; who were de-
scended, it is true, in the language of Waddy
Thompson, from 'the noblest spirits of Spain
in her Augustan age; the epoch of Cervantes,
Cortes, Pizarro, Columbus, Gonzalvo de Cor
dova, and the great and good Isabella" But
from them too, her people had sadly descend
ed, in worth, enterprise and intelligence
And when, in 1886 under Santa Ana, they
attempted to substitute a Republican form of
Government, the moral and cohesive power
of that greatness, which they had inherited
only in name, was found wanting. Without
our religion, and destitute Of the institutions
which nourish, to be in turn vitalized by it,
they acquired the semblance of freedom while
ofthe true genius and guardianship of liberty
they had no adequate conception. Divisions
and dissensions accompanied their first efforts
to form a constitution, during which the prov
inces of Texas and Coahuila united, and re-
volted from the Central government.
Mexico was too much embarrassed by the
of other States or by her own want
of experience to re-establish her sovereignty
over the people of Texas. But she steadily
refused to acknowledge their independence,
and persisted in endeavoring to recover her
ost possessions, until that State became |
m integral of our own. 1t is evident, there
fore, from this sketch of her affairs, that Mex
co felt aggrieved by the union, beyond all
precedent; having protested against it fire.
quently and formally, through her Minister
at Washington, and regarding it, as she did,
rs an unworthy interference ola neutral Pow
or, to injure and despoil her of revolted
province.
This impression, so deeply notifying to the
Castilian pride of the nation, was more than
by the offensive action of the Ex-
ecutive in ordering land and naval forces to
on. her borders, prior to the passage
IF the resolutions, and by the indecent haste
md INDIGENOUS tone of his communications
while they were pending. Thus, having no
other alternative for the indignities she had
suffered, and in vindication of her rights, the
Mexican Envoy in March, 1915, demanded
his passports and withdrew from the country.
But the war did not commence here. 1t
had a different origin, and another author. In
October, of the same year, special embassy
was contfdentially agreed upon by Herrera,
The President to settle, ifpossibc, the matter
n dispute. So that, notwithstanding the in !
'ult she supposed herself to have received, and
n the midst of revolution which had partly {
risen in consequence fit, the counsels of ,
Mexico were inclined to peace In this how
EVER, it was opposed by the people. The