Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1846-06-17

But we were told by the Mexican Govern
ment, in advance, that the annexation of
Texas would be considered tantamount to a
declaration of war. Had we taken her at
her word, with that measure all attempts at
negotiation would have ceased, and actual
hostilities would have commenced. But in
stead of that, we applied to them to receive
minister, and besought-nay almost en-
treated them to settle all disputes by negotia-
ton. They agreed to receive minister, on
condition, however, that our fleet should be
withdrawn from Vera Cruz. That fleet
seemed to be thorn in their side. Our fleet
was Withdrawn. A representative was des-
patched. But, behold, when he arrived, they
refused to recognize him. The bubbles on
which they based this refusal, furnish an
other precious and striking instance of their
perfdy. Mr.. Slidell began to grow inn
patient, under their evasions and subterfuges,
and wrote home to that effect. MIR. Buch-
anan, in reply, urged him to bear it with
patience, and, if he failed to secure re-
cognition from the dynasty he found in
power when he went there, to try it again
under the next military despotism, by whom
it should be superseded. Mr.. Buchanan at
the same time says to him-not for effect at
Mexico, but as matter of earnest and
confidential instruction, and with the candor
which distinguishes that gentleman in public
as we'll as in private life: "The President
is sincerely desirous to preserve peace with
Mexico. Both inclination and policy dictate
this course"
We despatched minister on their own
terms. Regardless Of their express engage
ment, they repelled him, and in effect sent
him home. Here was fresh and glaring
insult. All this meant something. 1t was
not without a pregnant meaning. There
were grave matters in dispute between the
two governments. There were questions
pending that did not admit of postponement.
They refused, under circumstances that
added insult to injury to settle them by
negotiation. Did they not thereby present
to us war as the only alternative Did not
their proceedings amount to declaration of
war? Suppose the parties had been Eng
land and France would it not have been so
regarded? Would not their armies have
been in quick and hostile motion, and the
British channel whitened with the canvass Of
their ships of war? But still, in our forbear-
ance, we did not practically treat it in this
light. We still abstained from all acts of
aggression.
Besides this last and crowning insult, have
they not for years past been threatening to
wage war upon us. First we were to have
war if we did not prevent our brave and enter
prising citizens from bearing arms in the
cause of Texan independence. Next we
were sure to have war if we ventured to
annex Texas. Then we were to have war
if we dared to take armed occupation of that
country. War has been suspended over our
heads, according to their bravadoes, upon
great many contingencies. All those con-
tingencies happened. But still there was no
war. We had received great many in.
vitations but still the ball was not opened.
We were not disposed 10 be trifed with any
longer, and kept in this state Of suspense
So we sent General Taylor, { but still with
pacific instructions, to the east bank Of the
Rio Grande, to see what they actually
meant. 1t was high time there should be
solution of the question. 1t was high time,
too, we should cease being made to play the
part of scape-goat to the contending factions
OF Mexico in their conflicts with each other.
The period of trifing-of ,threats-of
quasi war-has gone by, and actual war
has ensued, not from our seeking, but by the
fault of Mexico. She has threatened war
for years past. She actually declared war
some time before we did. She struck the
first blow. She crossed the Rio Grande in
hostile array, attacked our troops, and killed
our officers and soldiers on the soil we claim
as our own, and of which we had actual
possession. lhe murder of Col. Cross, the
death of young Porter, { the gallant son of
a gallant sire, of Mason, Kane, and others,
attest the fact, and have sealed it in blood.
Mexico struck the first blow. Be the con-
sequences on her own head.
War then actually exists. What shall
be the attitude Of Pennsylvania in reference
to it Am | wrong when say does not
all her past history, and all present indica-
tons warrant me in saying that in crisis
like this, she will cast aside all differences of
opinion on minor questions-and that but
one sentiment will animate the breast of her
people, prompting them cheerfully to con.
tribute their efforts, their means, their blooc
if necessary, to the support of the Govern
ment-the prosecution Of the war-the tri
umph of our arms-the glory, the increas,
: and perpetuity of our Union. The volun
teers of OUR city and country, am rejoice'
to observe, have promptly rendered thei
:, services to the Government. There ia ri
+ old and tried soldier at their head, and ther
r are younger ones along with him, who, if
mistake not, will never suffer the nationa
u nag to be tarnished in their hands The
ID Will give good account of themselves, an
n OF the place they hail from, whenever q
ut opportunity shall be presented.
al The war has begun, and victory
a. a. glorious and decisive victory-has crowne
III the bravery and discipline of our soldier