Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-07-02
Forester, June "a, 1916.
Forthe Green Mountain Freeman.
Th0uohtS for the Times.

Mn. EDITOR:-I have been partial observer of the
signs of the times, and have seen with regret the
course pursued by certain politicians, and the means
resored to- to ensure success to their IDOL part An
effort is being made to raise an excitement upon
the Mexican war, with how much success we shall
see. The sentiment is gravely put forth by certain
men and presses, "Our country right or wrong" and
the war spirit of '76 and 1912 is called up, and the
difficulties that now seem to gather around us, and
the causes which produced them, are represented to
be like those of '76. But before we receive such
sentiment as the above, let us carefully examine it in
the light of truth and reason
Our country is community of individuals assoca-
ted together, having certain laws and regulations for
the good of the great whole. And in this associated
capacity necessarily have relations formed with
other nations that make up the great family of man.
The same moral and civil obligations, the same etcr-
nal rule of right, is of binding force upon us as ma
ton to prevent from doing wrong act as is binding
upon every individual who compose this community,
to prevent him from doing wrong act against his
follow man. Would it be right for an individual
to adopt this sentiment to govern him in his inter
course with his neghbor? Look at it Ny interest,"
right or mong! irrespective of the rights of others.
Carry out this sentiment, and how soon would our
peaceful towns and villages become the theatre of free
booters trampng in the dust the interests and rights
of others, "No man has right to commit aggressions
on the equal rights of Others" is doctrine that has
never been controverted 1t stands directly opposed
to the above. Once MORE if this be the motto that
should govern us, it should also be the rule of other
nations. With how much grace do we denounce Mex
leans as Gland pirates" and the Mexican government
as entitled to no mercy with this fact staring us in the
face Their motto is, our whole country, against
southern Gland pirates whoare endeayoring to extend
and perpetuate the yes system of slavery that ever
saw the sum- Look at the declaration Of Judge Upsher
who declared that it was absolutely necessary for the
preservation Of this SYSTEM that Texas should be an
nexed. But hear Mr. Benton upon this subject; 81
wash my hands ofal attempts to dismember the Mex
lean Republic by Selling her domnions in New Mex
leo, chihuahua, Coahuila and Tamaupas. The treaty
IN all that relates TO The boundary Of The Rio Graadc is
an act Of unparalleled outrage on .Herico =" And foi
this act of unparalleled outrage on Mexico, our coun
try is now involved in bloody war. And now We arc
caedupon to adopt sentiment that would lead us tc
perpetrate new outrages upon Mexico, and involve Il,
in war with every nation on earth. 1t would sub
ect us to the vlest eXecrations that ever fell upor
any people. 1T would lead us to commit ourages up
on every naton-it would involve the nations of the
earth in war that would be universa-it would breal
down and destroy every principle CIVIL moral and re
lgioust would sap the very foundation on which al
good governments rest-it would dissolve every til
that binds society together and the world would BE-
thrown back into the dark shades of barbarism no bet
ter than that which shrouds the Arab in the desert
Go publish such sentiments as this to the South that
governed by code Of honor that allows him to talk
the lie Of another in cool blood Where their interest
Fright or wrong" leads them to brualize three millions
ofthe human race-that originated and perfected tn
damnable scheme of annexation, that has brought up
on us all our present calamites-that betrayed us in
to the measure by pledge that all of Oregon shout
be ours that right it belonged to u.s. and then base
y betrayed their trust: and you will find response
such a sentiment as this.
1t this be the true principle to govern u.s. then ha
tHC Su vi ustCe Slleu us rays upon us IN VAN; the
has moral obligation lost its binding force then hav
the laws of God and man been misdrected; then ere
spect for the authority of our government compianc
with its laws, acquescence in its measures" are all
farce. have yet to learn that the people in Vernon
who are lovers of justice well as their country ar
to be guided by such miserable chat. know ndee
it has come to pass that If man is found who ho
moral courage enough TO express his dsapprobation
any measure of our government there are men, a so
ofmuSirOom politicians who ready to cry out "bu
lights, Hartford convention Tories" and such like bi
llngsgate argument But where are we to look
y what source are to fly to correct the abuses Thu
~ exist in the administration of our government but I'll
y people, who the reservoirs of all political power
And how shall this judgment be obtained, but by IL
free expression of individual opinion accompanied
10 moral and political action But when the people ha
y" embraced such sentiment as this we may despair
reform. When their sense of justice is gone-wh,
moral obligation has lost its force-when the chief &C