The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-05-11
WASHINGTON, May 8, 1916.
Merico-C0ngress. &c.

The state Of our relations with Mexico is very
naturally the engrossing question Of discussion in
the capital just now. The basis of this quasi war
may be very briefly explained In annexing
Texas we adopted this quarrel, and the response
bility Of Incorporating large slice Of territory,
which Mexico tenaciously persisted in claiming as
hers Mr.. Slidell, whom we saw this morning in
propia persona upon the avenue, was sent to
Mexico, as understood, with the especial OBJ
cct ofnegotiating us out of this quarrel But there
was bunder committed in the very outset. In
stead of presenting himself to Mexico as exclu-
sively commissioned to the accommodation Of the
existing dispute, with view of the restora-
ton OF our old friendly relations, and the OPEN
ing the way to the admission Of minister resi-
dent he presents himself in full court costume, as
full minister, and is ofcourse refused an acknow-
Judgement. The means of negotiation. which,
otherwise, might have settled the whole contro-
versy, thus rrevocably set aside, and the only
alternative is powder and ball. A little more FORE
sight-a little more sagacity-a little moro diplo-
matte etiquette in the introduction Of Mr.. Shdell
to the Mexican government, and peaceabie adj
justment might have been consummated. And
there no necessity in the case Of so enfoeblcd
and helpless government as that Of Mexico, to DO
particularly nice against any omissions Of Ell.
quette that would smack Of national humiliation.
Any plausible concessions TO the Mexican govern
ment, would be regarded by the civilized world as
the dictates OF humanity and msgnaninity TO .
neighbor in distress. They could admit ofno other
construction. But our chief President, who seems
to be most jealous Of any questioning Of personal
firnness assumed an untenable overture, TO salts
ty the public mind that he was properly alive to
all peaceablc measures calculated to accomplish q
pacifcation OF Mexico; and though satisfied upon
the presentation OF this overture (or the reception
of Mr.. Slidel rs regular minister, embracing ~
a part Of his mission the negotiation Of the only
questions 10 be settled) though satisfied, we say,
Of a diplomatic faux Pas, il cannot be amended,
sition, and right or wrong as diplomatic initia-
tory movement in the premises, modification
would argue want Of firmness In the President,
negotiations upon the Oregon are somewhat anal
ogous. He assumes decided attitude in the out
set; and that very overriding propensity to be con-
sdered sort Of Young Hickory. was the prolific
that have succeeded. Now, all this argues want
of selfreliance, moral distrus of the Executive in
himself, dubious apprehensivencss that he IS
suspected Of being weak and undetermined, and
confused with the responsibilities of his Office
But speculations are superfiuous-the thing IS
done. fga0a&
There was cabinet meeting hast night, upon
the late incidents and accidents in Mexico; and
resolution of enquiry upon the Executive, pro-
posed by Mr.. Garrett Davis to-day but the demo
Gratis, not exactly concurring in the idea Of tho
wings assuming the Office OF calling upon Presi-
dent in whose election they had nothing % 90,
Iteration whether il was expcdicnt or not. More
over, there is time enough yet for further REIN
forcements and further Instructions to the army.
The wings, like the Mexicans, are watching for
an opportunity against Taylor, and the first mis-
hap OF the army will, OF course, be promptly
turned against the administration. This 10 an in.
significant business; but every thing is considered
fair in politics and in war, excepting, perhaps.
fair play.
(beng sick) from service on the Webster invcstl-
eating committee. Mr.. Petit was not excused;
impeachment Of Senator Webster is something
like the rolling Of the stone Of Sisyphus, an uphill
business.
Private bills to-day, in the House. and very
spicy bit Of crim. and re-crim between Mr(Sordon,
oil New York, and Mr.. Dillingham;, OF Vermont,
aided by Mr.. Hamlin, Of Maine, came on. Inc
bill was a private claim connected Win ne nsn-
ing bountics; Mr.. Gordon I9oK ssbsn. 10 10 ny ~
world held fast 10 the sixpences. The Yankees
a. - :, ! a. once Visions of wooden clocks and
~, y~Slnrs came before their guilty inneinAfons
~ renroach them, but they regarded tnom not.
They talked as though they had never cncseod the
virginians with their wh.e P PIN. ' W. y ~ uss
.,,nvrlscd with frequent explosions Of laugh
49, making the welkn ring again. er
We have fine showers Of rain again To-day
! The music announced to come of at the Presi-
! dents gardens, viii, therefore, we suppose, DO
postponed 70 give way 70 Professor Espy and ,nG
thunder and falling rain. The week, notwith-
standing, has been unusually dry in Congress
The public gardens, on the other hand, never
looked so charming a. to-day. Tho Westcm rark
oi the capitol IS &c rlany the most de!ic'ously beau.
ufnl biz Of srtsdeM cultivation Ms s'8s " wy