The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-04-17
FURTHER FROM MEXICO.

interim q the republic Of uerieo 10 lis iabiiais-
i issued on The 2la uA.
In the critical and solemn situation in which the
nation Is placed-perhaps on the point of war
win the United States OF America-n consequence
OF one OF the most unjust usuEpaons of which his
tory has any record, il becomes my obligation, as
urgent as sacred, TO explain TO my fellow-citizens
the situation IN which we find ourse yes-the dan
gers and the sacrifices 10 which we are exposed
In order TO maintain, with yalor with enth usiasm
and decision, those rights which, being Identified
with the existence of nations must be defended TO
received.
Ihe dignity OF the nation, the march of an Amer
lean army on 10 the Rio Grande where the head
quarters OF our troops situated, the threatening
appearance Of the fleets of that nation in both
oceans, and all the antecedents well known 10 the
civilized world, have compelled me to reject the en-
voy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary Of
the United States, IN order not TO furnish an exam
pie OF debility that might sanction, by a pernicious
and iladyised act, usurpation not founded in rea
son or any plausible motive, but which aerey rests
on their hopes OF lntlmidatng us by force. The
American minlster-whose mission was not cir
| cumscrbed 10 the discussion of the Texas aues-
tion-has demanded his passports; and | have
caused them TO be expedited without any hesita-
ton.
i confess that war with one or more nations is
one OF The greatest ard most evils which can
avoid Its disasters, 10 promote industry commerce.
and friendly relations under the auspices Of uni
yersal peace; but this will prove incompatible with
the maintenance Of the prerogatives and ndepend-
ence OF nations, which are called upon TO repe force
oy force, when all means OF compromise and concil-
| iation have failed.
The republic of Mexco-despoiIed Of the rich
and extensive territory Of Texas, which always be-
onged TO II, by the direct acts Of the supreme au-
thonty OF nelghborlng republic after discovering
her designs TO seize some other Of our adjoining
or frontier possessions has been forced 10 protest
has protested, and does still solemnly protest. that
she does not acknowledge the right Of the American
flag on the soil of Texas and she will defend her
invaded territory, and nspsr, never permit new con-
guests or new advances of tho government Of the
United States.
The right to declare war against the United
States Is not vested in me, and the lustrious Con-
gress OF the nation will, soon they have met,
take into consideration the necessary steps required
in the conflict which awaits us, and which was in
no manner provoked by this magnanimous and for
bearing nation. As, however, in the mean time,
the United States might make sudden attack on
one OF our maritime boundaries, on those ad DIN
ing Texas, 1t will be necessary to repel force by
forcei and when the invaders shall have made the
commencement, the immense responsibility Of hav-
ing disturbed the peace Of the toord will fall upon
them. shall be still more explicit, which it is i'm
poEtant should be. Mexico never has committed
nor will she commit, single aggression against the
people or government Of the United States Of Amer
lea; but if an attack should be made it will be re-
PEELED to the fullest extent of our power, and with
all the energy of our character, because resistance
is nothing more than the right of self preserya-
ton.
The Mexican republic drawn into a crisis, ex-
posed to great risks and difficulties, must fight for
its existence and rights. The union of all her sons
the identity of the vows of all, the employment OF
all powers are necessary to save US; and they will
save US, SINCE Mexico will present the scanda-
lous spectacle Of an internal division, which would
insure the triumph of its enemies do not fear it
although 1t Is known TO me that all the ntrigues
and enucements which exist, in similar cases, are
set to work with cunning and perfdy to despoil the
government Of its influence and resources, which
can direct the affairs and bring them to a happy
conclusion, when supported by the confidence of the
nation. ...
This confidence my government deserves, and
deserve il too, as, since left the head quarters Of
San Luis de Potosi for the salvation of my native
country, accompanied by the brave men who fol-
lowed her llustrious standard, my promises hav,
never been fasifed by my actions. | offered to
convoke an extraordinary Congress to give defn-
lite constitution to the nation, and the Congress has
been convoked. have offered to maintain the
outraged honor of the nation, and will not toll.
crate old injuries, nor will l permit new ones
The dominant object of my government has
been to maintain the entire, complete, and un.
limited liberty of the nation-to form a constitu.
ton, and to prepare with untring assiduty for
its defence against internal well rs external
enemies. As consequence Of the times, and with
out giving any opinion, did not notice, for some
time, the discussions about forms of government
because appertains to the future Congress to de-
eide on so interesting and vital question as the
opinions of all the citizens, and even those of the
smallest minorites which are listened to- not to be
followed but to know them. But the violence as
sumed in the debate, the alarm occasioned by the
enemies of order and internal peace, which might
end in the gnominious sacrifice of the sovereignty
and rights of the nation, convinced me that, by toll
Grating it, was acting in violation Of the oath
which had given to the nation in presence of God
therefore decided to put stop to these pernicious
discussions and compelled to take the respon.
sbility because the press had unfortunately trans
crossed the medium which prudence and modera ton
rendered advisable.
My own feeling of honor, the consciousness of
the injustice done to a citizen of known opinions
: and accredited loyalty, have made me abstain from
reerating promises and declarations which are, in
fact, my solemn oaths. Can it be forgotten that |
proposed, in the general assembly Of the Cd Of De-
cember held in this capital that the President should
swear to maintain the popular representative republi-
SYSTEM Did not the representatives Of the peo-
pe chosen as witnesses Of my oath, and the people
themselves notice that the feelings of my heart
onded my clear and explicit declarations Why
should some do me the injustice to suppose that, al
the end of career which, if not glorious, was 10y
al and patriotic, | should disgrace the wounds which
had received in defence Of the sacred rights Of my
country
The nation will maintain, long she wishes to
maintain it, the Republican system" which it adopt
ed with rejoicing, and which | shall maintain as
have offered to do, and call upon Providence to aid
her in her designs, and to permit raise our So
cial edifce the basis of elderly and ORDER" and
that in the exercise of rights, injustice, crimes
and outrages may never pollute cause sacred in
ITSELF desire to established for ever the salu-
tary maxim that no man, no party or faction, shall
place its will above that of the republic, and the first
duty of a government will be to support its designs,
that the fundamental principles of sovereignty shall
be respected and not debased by abuses which lead
to anarchy and engender disorder.
DESTROYS ofdepriving our internal enemies of the
elements of discord which they try to stir up in the
confusion ofpolitical passions, have fastened to
explain my opinions, to inspire the confidence
which my government deserves although all its
actions have been pure as ts intentions. The
spirits being thus tranquilized, all pretence for sgi
tation disappears, and my government, supported