The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-07-17


For the Union
MEXICo-HER CHARACTER AND COURSE,
Lord Chatham, in his speech in the House OF
Lords, on the seizure Of the Falkland islands, thus
describes the Spanards:
"My lords, am well acquainted with the char
aeter Of that national least as far as is repre-
sented by their court and ministry They are as
mean and crafty as thsy are proud and insolent.
After long experience Of their want Of eandor and
good faith have been compelled to talk to them in
peremptory decisive language"
The vehement English orator, in his patriotic ex-
citement, did not stop alude to some Of the re-
deeming virtues that belonged to the old Spanish
character; but il is much TO be feared that the
Mexicans have tho bad qualities Of the Spaniards,
with few, very few indeed, OF the good. When
read all that the wings say Of our "sister" republic,
and see with what an elevation Of sentiment they
claiming generosity and forbearance for her al
our hands, ] am amazed at so much misplaced
eloquence and fine writing and speaking. Wrongs,
injuries, outrnges, insults, national and individual
numerous in amount and aggravated in their nature,
patiently borne for nearly quarter Of century,
with reiterated deception and perhdy 10 blacken the
whole as ia shown so clearly m the Presidents mes-
sage Of the lth Of May, and the late report Of the
Committee Of Foreign Relations in the House Of
Representatives, form a poor basis on which to
claim our forbearance towards Mexico IL would
be false estimate Of msgnanimlty; and to yield to
feeling so inapplicable to the OCCASION would be
compromising our very highest national duties.
We are the observed OF the world in this contest,
which we have only just began, and owe every
thing 10 ourselves in the prosecution OF II. Having
at last struck for that kind Of penal justice due inter
nationally, as we'll as under every code Of common
law under heaven, utter long and ncorrigible offend
ing, whether in civilized or barbarous communities,
we have now only to go on against Mexico until
justice is fully satisfied.
Let me here introduce a brief, authentic MARIA
tive. | was in London in the winter Of 1924, and
remember the joy among all the friends Of Spanish
American emancipation on the arrival of President
Monroe's message Of December, 1923, in which he
nobly upheld that cause against the threatened des-
potism Of the holy alliance. Mr. Rush, then our
minister, who had been long and zeaously inter.
ceding with Lord Castlereagh and Mr. Canning for
Spanish American emancipation, was among the
foremost IN expressing satisfaction that memora
BILE occasion-doubtless under the known wishes Of
our government and sympathy of our whole people
What early, what vast, what incalculable, what
generous, what untirng service did not the United
States render to; Mexico in both hemispheres How
hardened, how crafty all her conduct-how per
idious all her returns
But let me proceed with my little narrative. An
American in London at the epoch in question, who
perceived that Mexico chiefly counting Eng
land in the very face OF transcendent benefits to
her from the commencement Of her efforts for in
Observation-Disclosures which we had long but fruit
Iessy been implorlng England 10 join US in accord
ing TO her; and who saw also how English money
in the shape of loans and other ways, was then be-
ing poured into Mexico for the sake Of her mines
and other adyantages-this American paused under
the general Joy created by the arrival of President
Monroe's message. He asked himself how far this
feeling in citizens Of the United States was found
ed in causes likely to be permanent, weighing ele-
mentary principles that shape the destiny of ma
tons. And in writing from London to his cores
pondent in the United States, under date Of Februa
ry the l4th, 1924, this American citizen used the
language following, word for word, his original let
ter, of which have obtained the possession, being
now before me, viz:
"The message has taken magnnnimous stand in
behalf of the new States of Spanish America, and
been of essential service to them. Let US hope that
they will not forget it; yet nations eat no bread and
salt together. Nsighborlng monarches have not
always been friends, and why should 1t be other.
wise with neighboring republcsi 1t would be strange
if the first foreign power we have a war with should
be yMerico, with England as her ally; yet stranger
things have happened among nations, and the old
philosophers used to tell us to wonder at moth
ing"
The foregoing passage, considering when the let
ter was written, seems to me to merit record in
your columns. The foreign power with whom,
since its date, we have first seen goaded into war,
/, Mexico. One part of the prediction has come
about. Let US hope that the other may not.
The surest way to prevent it, is to follow up our
blows against Mexico, making them quick, heavy,
and decisive. She must be humbled. BY such
course, and such alone can we have speedy peace,
on terms of adequate justice and indemnity to our
selves This will be national wisdom, however short
it may fall of sentimentalism. BY prolonged con-
test with her, open wide door TO England, being
drawn in her ally in the end; and Mexico, quite sure
of this, and full of crafHess, subtlety, and revenge
will act accordingly. The true course of those who
want a war with England, is to be dreaming of the
oive.bra to Mexico, before the sword has been
thoroughly, effectively, and triumphanly used. The
spirit of Lord Chatham, in his dealings with Spain,
great and ilustrous statesman he sgnally proved
himself in his course towards that country, should
doubly animate the counsels Of government in
its course towards Mexico, now, with so enlarged
and.sound policy, seems TO be the case. 1t is the
true spirit of statesmanshp and the more promptly
we humble Mexico, and effectualIy humble her, by
The power and brilliancy of our arms, the better will
it be for humanity in the end Your former cores
pendent, PIKE.