American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-12-14

pcr. on the LIST Of January next, with sPlen-
did specimen of new and beautiful type, now
in the course Of manufacture at tho Foundry
of Fielding Lucas, Jr, Esq Of this city
"OUR CouNrRY, RIGHT OR WRONG.' Al
though VIC may not be disposed to adopt this
continent to the full extent, yet we hold, that
it is the duty of every American citizen, to
support his country in time OF war with Tor
eign power, and to do no act which can enoour-
age, aid, or assist the enemy. We may be-
lieve that the war was unnecessarily or rrema-
turely commenced-or that an error in policy
produced it-but even such convictions, were
they ever so just, would not justify indifference
to the result of tho war, much less the contrl-
butng, even indirectly, to encourage the enc
nv to persevoro in it. Suppose that, in the
case of the present war with Mexico, the Pre-
sident had committed an error in ordering the
army to the Rio Grande; the attack made up
on our troops by tho Mexcans, would justify
all subsequent proceedings. Where is the uti-
lity, then, in endeavoring to prove that our 60
vernmcnt made an erroneous movement ii
that fact were established beyond dispute, il
would not induce the enemy to terminate the
war. 1t might discourage our own people from
entering into the service Of their country, and
thus protract hostilites, but it could produce
no beneficial effect. We are not in favor o.
any gug law, or the restriction Of free discus
sion; but it strikes us, that during the continu,
anee Of war, it would be more prudent and pa
triotic to sustain than to abuse our rulers-for
fthey have committed errors, for which they
deserve to be condemned, a more appropriate
timo than in the midst Of war with foreign
power, can be selected to call them to account
Let us do one thing at time. Our present
business is to compel Mexico to grant us al
honorable peace; and to obtain this object, we
must prosecute the war with vigor. Peace
once obtained, and justice done to our country
and its citizens, the time will have arrived loI
those who may think proper, 10 call tho Presi'
dent to account for his conduct. But we
should not exhibit our dissatisfaction to the
common enemy.
Prior to the annexation Of Texas, opposition
TO the act was iustfiabe-but once become a
portion Of the Union it is our duty to protect
and defend the territory--and so in reference
TO war. Previous to its existence, arguments
against its declaration are not only admissible,
but may be highly praisoworthy-but once on
gagged in hosliIities, it is sacred duty to do
lend our cauntry.
We like to see an energetic policy adopted
towards foreign powers-a policy which will
assure them that insult aud aggression will be
resisted; and that we possess not only the pow
or, but the disposition, to protect our citizens
from oppression. We forbore too long to as
sumo this attitude towards Mexico; and the con-
sequence was insult and injury. MIR. Kendall
relates, that among the Santa Fe traders, who
were arrested and conveyed to Mexico, was an
Englishman His release was promptly and
peremptoriIy demanded by the British consul,
and was granted; whilst citizens of the United
States were imprisoned and malreated, not.
withstanding the representations and efforts of
the American minister. Mexico knew that it
would not answer to trife with the rights Of a
subject of Great Britain-and she also knew
that our government had been in the habit of
submit ting to her insoIence and oppression; and
hence the difference in the treatment Of the
two classes. Mr.. Kendall also states, that
American citizens had to claim TO be English
subjects, in order to secure themselves from
violence. This intoleiable state of things is
now at an end, and we hope that it may never
be restored. Mexico has reused our country
into action, after u long course of submission,
and our ardent desire is, (much as we wish for
peace that our government will never consent
to sheath the sword, until Mexico shall have
made full satisfaction for tho wrongs which she
has inflicted upon US, and given sure guaran-
tee against their repetition.