Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-05-21

In the U. 5. Senate, on the | ia inst. when
the motion 10 print 200 copies of the Presi.
dents Message and accompanying papers on
the subject of our Mexican relations was I'M
der discussion. MIR. CRITrEspES Of XIV. made
the following remarks -
MIR. CRITrESDES, after making some nqui-
ry as 10 the documents communicated with
the Presidents message, and after the order OF
General Taylor TO adyanceto the Rio del Norte
had been read, proceeded 10 remark, in sub
stance, that he deeply regretted the intelligence
communicated by the message of hostlltss
with Mexico. That it was our true policy 10
cultivate peace with her. That such had been
our policy in relation TO Mexico and all the
South American Republics. That we had
hailed their first struggles for liberty. and their
establishment of Republican Governments,
and looked upon them forming a system Of
republics opposed TO the monarchical system
OF Europe. As the head Of the republican
system, II has been our feeling, as il was our
true policy. 10 cherish the kindliost relations
and sympathies towards them all. And such
had been our course I'LL our late unfortunate
difficulties with Mexico, which resulted, as
we are now informed, in actual hostilities.-
MIR. Z. feared that all had not been done by
our Executive that might have been done to
AVOID that result He hoped the Senator from
Arkansas Mr.. SEvIER) might be able TO iuSii-
iy, IN every particular, the conduct of the Pre-
sident but at present he could see no good
reason for advancing our army through dis
puied territory 10 the banks Of the Rio del
Norte, and pointing our cannon upon the town
OF Matamoras. Such a course could hardly
iall to be regarded as an insult, and to provoke
hostility. But he did not wish prematurely,
or without the fullest information. TO impuie
blame. As To Gen. Taylor, he knew him
well he was brave and prudent officer,
worthy of all confidence, and he felt assured
that he was warranted by his orders in all that
he had done.
lie SAID the time would come hereafter for
nquhlng into the circumstances and causes Of
the present hostlllties; and the scrutiny. he
trusted, would be strict, and such as the nm
portance Of the event demands. Whoeysr
should be found to have caused the hostility.
If II has been caused upon our part. ought 10
be held to the highest responsibility. Con
gress alone can consttutionally declare war.
and the people Of the United States are no, 10
be involved IN war BY any other authority than
that OF their own representatives
There would come time, however. for that
scrutiny. For the present we must provide
instantly for the defence Of the country. That
was our first duty, however hostilities may
have been occaSloned and be was prepared
to grant at once whatever of men or money
was necessary for the purpose Our eota,ir1
is not IN fault, though her servants or agents
may be. and II is our duty TO stand by her.
But trust that while we adopt all the trar-
Ike measures that the occasion may require,
we shall be equally unanimous in adopting all
the most prompt and efficient means of resfor-
tnfr If fac L., L..
We can have no motive in pressing too far
on weak or fallen foe. The feelings of Mex.
leo, under all recent occurrences, must natur-
ally be excited and wounded.
Policy and magnanimity require that we
should be as forbearing towards her as we can.
Our superiority is such as to relieve us from
the responsibility of our lorbearance or generos-
lty being construed into fear or ascribed to any
improper or unworthy motives. No states
man could render greater service to his coun-
try than by restoring our peace and friendship
with Mexico. And so important do | regard
II, that, II 1t was IN my power, | would, as
soon as circumstances would possibly permit,
send her high and honorary embassy of peace
i would appoint Clay, Van Buren,, Calhoun
and Benton--any one, two, three or all of
them. Mexico would feel herself honored by
such mission, and such ambassadors would
give peace, cordial peace, to the two countries.
INCREASED PosrAeE.-A bill is now pend
ing in Congress, proposing to change the rates
of postage--so that, instead Of a uniform
charge of 5 cents, that sum shall be charged
for every quarter Of an ounce, or less, convey
ed 300 miles or less; 10 cents for all distances
over 800 and not exceeding 600 miles and 8
cents for all distances more than 600 miles
For every additional quarter of an ounce, or
fraction less than the quarter of an ounce, an
additional postage except when a letter is writ
ten on a single sheet OF paper, weighing over
one quarter of an ounce, or less than haitian
ounce. The rates of Is cents TO be dscuniin-
ued after the first OF July, ls4s, if, in the opin
ion Of the Postmaster General, the revenues
Of the Department equal its expenditures, and
in that case, 10 cents shall be charged for all
distances over 800 miles.
On newspapers, the postage 100 miles, 1
cent; and over 100 miles, 2 cents. Pamph-
lets. per sheet, same rates.