The New York herald., 1846-05-14
Bv the Last Mails.

WASHINGTON, May IL, 1886.
Congress has at last, by the solemn act Of both
Houses, this day declared the existence of state
of war between the United States and Mexico
The bill which passed the House of Representa-
tves, last night, was agreed to in Senate this eve
ing, with the exception Of some few slight altcra-
tons, not at all affecting its intent and purpose,
by vote OF 10 to 2. There were several Senators
who did not vote on its final passage, and those
were Mr.. Calhoun, Mr.. Evans, Mr.. Huntington
and Mr.. Berrien; Mr.. Davis and MIR. I. Clayton
voting against it. The reasons assigned by Mr..
Calhoun for not voting one way or the other upon
its passage were, that it asserted on its face fact
of which the Senate had not the least evidence,
viz: that war exists between both countries by the
act of Mexico. In this convic ion, Mr. Calhoun
was sustained by all the whig Senators, except
Reverdy Johnson and il their views of the truth
or falsehood of the declaration be Judged by the
evidence, or rather the want of all positive evil
dence upon the subject, then they are right IN
thes conception of the matter. So far rs official
documentary proof of Mexico having formally de-
clared war against the u States being given IN evi-
dence to sustain this assertion, there is none what
ever; and therefore those gentlemen acted, no
doubt conscientousy, in adopting the course that
they have. On the other hand, those who voted
for the bill were no less actuatcd by proper mo-
tves in their course than were the oters-for they
may have been i'll possession OF Information on
the subject of which the others had no. know
ledge. have said, in my letter OF Sunday last,
that Mexico had formally declared war against
this country six weeks ago, but that hardly any
one was aware OF il except Mr.. Polk and his Ca
binet. This was done by the provisional govern,
ment of that country soon after Paredes assumed
the reins of power-for the success OF his admin
istration, as well that Of all the other chiefs
there who aspire to govern the country, has turn
ed mainly upon the point OF hostility TO the Uni
ted States. Paredes himself would be now IN
xC IN, ar,da h. nd
not Arista stolen march on him, and assumed
the command OF those troops himself.
The democratic portion Of the Senate held
caucus before they assembled for business tins
morning. and agreed to pass the House bill, with
the exception of whatever slight alterations might
be required in the details, so as that its main fea-
lures should not he changed. From their close
adherence to this decision IN every stage wnicn u
passed through, this agreement was sell evident.
What next is to be done, beng now IN state
OF actual war; is the question OF questions that
requires to be answered. Shall we go headiong
down upon Mexico, and ovcrrun her territory for
the purposes of plumber and conquest without
making an effort to prevent bloodshed and all me
evils attending an aggressive wari sincerely
hope that we will not. OF all the governments
on earth Of civil character ours Is that which is
or ought to be, based upon the principles OF JUS
tee and the very moment that we do anything
to weaken that foundation, we lose me moral iorcc
and power OF our influence with the word, ana
fall back upon the rotten and corrupt barriers oi
oppression. folly, falsehood aud deception which
monarchical governments have raised up for
their protection against the common sense, com,
mon rights, and intelligence oil the people. iiad
VIC done Justice TO Mexico ten years ago-ayc, had
we done il before annexation was completed, the
claims OF our citizens, which she has acknowl-
edged, and part Of which she paid when she
had the means, would have been long since set
lied, and the country DO now spared the expense,
probably, Of two hundred millions Of dollars III an
effort to cocrce her into terms to which she will
never agree but by her utter annihlation, an al
tentative to which other powers may prevent us
from driving her. She has nine millions Of pco-
plc--and to conquer nine millions Of people, upon
their own sol--and that for a distance of 100
miles from the Rio del Norte to the capital OF
Mexico, would require force larger, fear, than
we shall be able, conveniently, to send there
This is not the time to reason upon all these con-
sequences, while the blood Of the country y poll
ing with revenge and patriotism 5u' " less
than six months from now, il the war shoulu no'
be ended before then, different feelings wil De
manifested by those who are the foremost 20 iusn n
into the fight as matter Of necessity "e 'han