The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-05-25
THE WAR AND THE TRIUMPH.


shall give, if possible, tomorrow.
THE WAR AND THE TRIUMPH.
The glorious intelligence from the camp, which
we laid before our readers in an extra Of last even
ing, and ofwhich publish the Official details in this
evenings "Union, requires but little comment at
hands The simple narrative ofthe facts is in tsefhe
best commentary upon the spirit which animates our
brave army, and upon the energy and skill with
which our just and necessary war is carried for
ward. Amer long elaboration and full preparation,
the Mexican government, procaiming its hostile
purpose, has mustered probably almost its entire
dsposabe force upon our south western border and
confident OF victory, has rushed upon the mere
handful Of brave men, who had been sent, after the
failure of negotiations, TO keep watch and ward
in defence Of our soil The issue of the campaign,
thus far, may be stated in few proud words.
About ten thousand Mexcans have been held
at bay for weeks by less than 2, 500 American
troops; and the onset Of the invader crossing the
river with force held to be alsuficent to crush at
every opposition has, at the last adyces, been
utterly routed and repulsed with slaughter and with
capture, and so driven back beyond our boundary
line. This is enough to say; but moro is true.
The Mexican army fought with courage. 1t has
been led by generals Of renown. Ii has enjoyed
the incalcuable advantage Of complete familiarity
with the region, and with the peculiar distractions
of the battle-ground Il has selected its time,
and chosen its position; it has outnumbered
army in actual conflict than three To one and has
been at the same time steadied and sustained by the
consciousness Of having at hand large bodies
Of reserve to second its successes or to re-
pair its disasters. Greater inequality Of advan-
tases has seldom been seen upon the field of battle
Few, if any, Of the volunteers had reached
the scene Of action. The detachment of the regular
troops from Jefferson barracks probably the on
ly considerable reinforcement which had arrived.
The best estimates which have yet been received,
make the Mexican troops engaged against him
about 5000 The result has been the victory Of
our arms complete and overwhelming, and won, at
the point of the bayonet, exclusively by the skill
and Judgment Of our leaders, and the resistess en-
thusiasm Of our troops.
EMULATION is the first feeling which arises upon
the contemplation of these events. The victory-or
rather the series of vctories-wil be hailed with one
shout of enthusiasm throughout the land, and we
have thus added so much to the military renown of
their country, will receive from their government all
due consideration and honor, while the country turns
with gratitude to the heroic spirit of the little band
who have thus done their duty SO nobIy and so
well. Nor will those who have fallen in the hour
of their country's triumph be forgotten. They
have set their upon noble page of our hists-
ry, and the sympathy of a whole people will con-
| sole those who mourn their loss.
The moral effect of this great triumph upon the
country will DO irresistible as its result upon the
battle field was decisive. It secures to us a short
war. 1t will rouse the people in simultaneous
effort to carry the conflict with all possible vgor
to it's close. Already we hear Of the purpose of
combined military and naval movement upon Mata-
| moras And we undertake to say that a most Wig
orous plan Of operations intended at once to bring
| the Mexicans TO just and honorable terms, is even
now fully matured by our government In this
view we cannot but hope that the enthusiasm of the
volunteers who are rushing to the scene of action
will subject itself strictly to the direction and the dis
cpine Of the regular central force. There must be
no independent volunteer expeditions. They must,
in every case be under the direction Of the const-
tuted authorities of our country. The federal gov
eminent, through its proper officers, will call upon
| the States for volunteer troops. No man doubts
that there will be enough, and greatly more than
enough rush to the standard ofther country. These
men will be mpeed by the highest motives We war
for peace and not for plumber. All the highest con-
siderations Of humanity and Of sound policy COM
mend to this spirit and ofths spirit, thus far, our
army has given a most glorious example. At the
moment when General Taylor made his advance to-
ward the Mexican border, he proclaimed that
private property should be strictly respect
ed by his soldiers, and that fair prices
should be paid for its supplies. This prasewor
thy moderation on the Of hostilities has been
followed up by acts Of humanity and courtesy in
the hour of victory which crown the glory Of our
triumph. Such spirit persevered in to the end
will enlist the sympathy of the whole Mexican
people on our side
The men Of character and substance in that coun-
try pine under the conviction that in their present
anarchy their allegiance is transferred from hand to
hand, and from day to day. to one military usurper
after another, who becomes for the week or for the
month, the Mexican government Our war has
been called by party rsncour-though at this mo-
ment we dwell with regret upon such recolec-
tion--"a Presidents psr." The epithet mistakes
wholly the t,co parties in the conaict The par on
n, part Of .M.rioo h Presidents war--or rather
the war of a despot under the name Of President
Paroles came into power on the war feeling,
and by the choice Of the srmy-those worse