Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-12-17

cd 10 their counrys call with an experience Of the
discipline OF camp Of only few weeks, have
borne their part in the hard-lough, battle of Mon.
terey with consistency and courage equal 10 that Of
veteran troops. aud worthy of the highest admira-
ton. Tho privations OF long marches through the
enemy country, and through a wilderness, have
been borne without murnur. BY rapid move
mens the province OF New Mexico, with Santa
Fe, It's capital has been captured without blood.
she'd The navy has co-operRted with the army
and rendered important services Il not so brilliant
is because the enemy had no force to meet them
on their element. and because, Of the dcfences
which nature hls interposcd in the difficulties ofIhe
navigation on the Mexican coast. Our squadron
IN the Pacific, with the cooperation Of gallant Of
hcer of the army, aud small force hastily collect
cd N that distant country, have acquired bloodless
possession ofthe CALIFORNIA;, aud the American flag
has been raised at every important point in that
province.
congratulate you on the success which has thus
attended Que military aud naval operations In less
than seven months after Mexico commenced hosi.
ties, at a time selected by herself we have taken
possession Of many Of her principal ports, driven
back and pursued her invading army, and acquired
military possession of the Mexican provinces Of
New Mexico, New Leon, Coahuila, Tanaulipas
aud the CALIFORNIA;, territory larger in extent Than
that embraced ia the original thirteen States of the
Union, inhabited by considerable population. and
much Of il more than thousand miles from the
points az which wc had to collect our forces and
commence our movements BY The blockade, the
import and export trade Of the enemy has been Gu,
of. Well may the American people be proud of
the energy and gallaniry of our regular and voun-
teer officers aud soldiers. The events Of these few
months afford gratifying proof that our cnunir,
caa under any emergency, confidently rely for the
maintenance OF her honor, and the defence of her
rights an effective force, ready at all times vol.
IN he xf A.
periis and prva,ions Of the camp. And though
such force may be for the time expensive, is in
the end economical, rs the ability TO command il
removes the necessity of employing a large stand.
ing army in time Of peace and proves that our PEG.
pie love their institutions, and ever ready TO
defend and protect them.
Whilst the war was in course OF vigorous aud
successful prosecution, being still anxious TO arrest
its evils, aud considering that after the brilliant
victories of our the eight and ninth of May
last, the national honor could not be compromised
by II. another overture was made to Mexico by my
direction, on the 9Th of July last to terminate
hostilities by peace :st and honorable TO both
countries. On the ihirty.6rsi OF Angus, following,
the Mexican government declined to accept this
friendly overture, but referred il to the decision Of
a Mexican Congress. to be assembled in the early
part Of the present month. ! communicate to YOU
herewith. copy Of the letter OF the Secretary Of
State proposing TO reopen negotiations. Of the an.
swer the Mexican government, aud OF the reply
thereto Of the Secretary Of State.
The will continue to be prosecuted with
vigor, as the best means Of securing peace. Ii is
hoped that the decision Of the Mexican Congress,
TO which our last overture has been referred ma,
result in speedy aud honorable peace With our
experience, however, Of the unreasonable course Of
the Mexican authorities, it is The part Of wisdom
not 10 relax in the energy of our military operations
uniil the result is made known. In this view il is
deemed important 10 hold military possession Of all |
the provinces which have been taken, until a de-
hRitive treaty ofpeace shall have been concluded
and ratified by the two countries.
The war has not been waged with view 10 con.
quest bu, having been commenced by Mexico il !
has been carried into the enemys country, and will
he vigorously prosecuted there, with view to OBJ.
tain an honorable peace, and thereby secure ample
indemnity for the expenses Of the war as well as TO
our much injured citizens, who hold large pecunia.
ry demands against Mexico.
BY the laws Of nations conquered territory is |
subject 10 be governed by the conquerer during his
military possession and until there is either treaty
ofpeace, or he sas, voluntarily withdraw from it
The old civil government being necessarily super
seded Il is the right aud duty OF the conquerer 10
secure his conquest, and TO provide for the main
tenance Of eivh order and the rights OF the inhabi.
tains. This right has been exercised, and this du
~ performed, by our MILITARY and naval comman.
ue'h, ny Tue estauiishment oil temporary govern. |
ments IN some oftfe conquered provinces in Mexi.
co, astonishing them as far as practicable 10 the
free institutions Of QUE country. In the pro.
vinees Of New Mexico, aud Of the CALIFORNIA; In.
tie any farther resistance is appreEended from the
innabetahts 20 the temporary governments which
have thus, from the necessity Of the case and nc.
cofding 60 the laws OF vr, been established. Ii |
may be proper 10 provide for the security of these
imporan. eonques,s by making an adequate appro.
priation for the purpose Of erecting Qualifications
aud deraying the expenses necessarily incident 10
the maintenance Of QUE possession aud authority
over them
Z Near the close ofyour last session, for reasons
communicated TO Congtess, deemed il important,
as oeasuro for securing speedy peace with Mex
ico. that sum Of money should be appropriated,
aud placed IN the p0wer OF the Executive, similar TO
that which had been made upon two laepner occa,
sions, during the administration OF PresidoAt JEFF
ferson
On the 26,h Of February, 1903, an appropriation
oftwo millions Of dollars was made aud placed AT
the disposal Of the Presidenr. It's object is well
known IL was a, that time ia contemplation to nc.
qaire Louisiana itom France, and il was intended
TO be applied as part Of the consideration which
might be paid for that territory On the thirteenth
Of February iS06, the same sum was in liS Ian.
ner appropriated. with the view 90 the purchase Of
the Floridas from Spain. These appropriations
were mode 10 facilitate negotiations, aud as a means
to enable the President to accomplish the important
objects in view. Though il did not become nee
essay Tor the Prcsldentto these appropriations
YET state OF things might have arisen IN which It
World hage been highly important for hin, 10 do so
aud tie wisdom Of making them cannot be doubted.
IL isbe'eved that the measure Recommended at your
met ~