The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-07-02

real On the 9th, a sanguinary action took place
between the belbgeTent forces, in which our troops
gave proof OF their yalor, and, although with some
loss maintained their ground and the honor of our
army was saved. On the following day the general
ln-ehief fell back in order TO take another position
| where the combat was renewed, and was entirely
unfortunate for the republic. The division recross-
ed the river and the general'in-chief who, accord
ing to his statements, still preserved four thousand
troops Of the line, without counting auxares sud
denly evacuated the city of Matamoras against the
positive orders Of the government, which had taken
into consideration the importance of maintaining that
post for Interior operations, and a depot for the
reinforcements which had been ordered. Con-
| duct so unexpected on the part Of the
genera. in-chief has compelled me to DIS.
place hun, and To order him TO repair TO
| this capital TO answer for his conduct before a
court OF general officers provided for by the reg
ulatons Of the army. The government, while deep
ly moved by these reverses In a sacred cause, is
necessarily al work TO repair them, and relies for
that purpose on the power Of the nation and the
| sstance OF Congress which, by a special design
OF Providence, has this day been solemnly assem-
| bled.
"The squadron ofthe United States has commenced
blockading the ports of Tampieo, Tahaulipas, and
Vera Cruz, and there is great probability that the
thunder OF the enemys cannon will be directed
against those beautiful cities. The period has ar
rived, therefore, when all the sons Of the country
should be Summoned 10 It's defeneej and when the
| national Congress shothd declare war against the
| nation which so much deceyes ITSELF II il supposes
that reverse can extnguIsh the yalor, overcome
the constancy and herolsm, Of which our fellow
countrymen have given such signal proofs As a
citizen, and as soldier am prepared TO make ey-
cry sacrIhcej and the brave men Of the army, sup
ported by this magnanimous people, will defend
with me the holy rights Of the country.
The country ardentty and Justly desires that repub
llcan institutions may ever be maintained; and this
desire, which the government eagerly supports,
has been made known through all the accredited
gans Of public opinion. Should you give 10 the
people institutions which may guarantee the prinei-
plies OF the representative, popular and republican
system, and combine them with the stability which
the nation seeks after many yiclssitudes you will
have satisfied all its wants. and will acquire an ever
lasting title TO the gratitude OF Mexcans. Hasten to
give them such rallylng point that, making every
sacrifice, not Of interest only but Of opinions all de-
sres may be concentrated, and all exerons used In
defence Of the country against its Perhdious inya
ders. assure you again Of my most implicit obe-
dience to your determinations.
"ln the army striking reforms have been made; its
strength has been augmented, and will be increased
as lar the public necessities require As my first
| engagement at ST. Louis Potosi, TO prepare for
the defence Of the nation all MY efforts have been
directed TO that object, far the limited and
| scanty resources Of our treasury would permit
"The power Of every government is faithfully rep.
resented ny the condition OF its treasury, and II
must be said with regret tina, the condition of
has become most lamentable, through q series Of
misforunes and disorders i'll repressed from want
| Of power in the public administration.
"At time when the public funds were completely
exhausted, all revenues anticipated and the govern
ment reduced 10 the Tuinous and shameful system
OF contracts which answered only the exgencies Of
the day, without providing enough for the most ur-
gent purposes, it became matter Of the first neces-
sy to reinforce the army, and provide without de-
Las 70 Ita hIrh IN Ia
operation against foreign enemy.
"Under there affecting circumstances the govern
ment although deeply sensible Of the importance OF
a faithful compliance with the engagements con-
tracted by the nation with ts creditors, and Of the
fact that credit is Of the first necessity to every
government, and faith In its promises, the suresi
source Of its power found itself compelled TO resort
to the extreme measure Of temporarily suspendng
payments, a measure justified by the necessity Of
providing for the safety Of the nation, whose ruin
would be the ruin gifts creditors.
"The decree of the I'd of May, Professionally sus-
pending payments; that of the 7th Of the same
month, dedncting one-fourth from salaries for the
term of one year, the circulars asking aid from the
governments Of the departments, and from the ven
cradle clergy, and other administrative and econ.
omical measures which have been adopted, were the
only means which the government had, at this dis
ressing period, Of supplying necessities which ad'
mitted Of no delay.
"For the future the representatives Of the nation
will no doubt provide the ample required
\. by the war in which the republic finds itself en-
| gagged, or will furnish the government which is tc
4 be installed with the power Of providing them; for
the measure Of power against the enemies Of the
country will be the resources which the treasury
has at its disposal. The object of the enemy In
blockading our ports is to weaken our finances, in
order to diminish strength: if we organize the
| immense resources which the country possesses
this hostile object will be frustrated"