Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1846-06-27
WESTERN OPINION.

PROM THE NASHVILLE oRTHoPoLIrAS, JUNE l5.
While we maintain that the existing war with
Mexico should be prosecuted with vigor until our
just rights are acknowledged, and honorable and
permanent peace secured we cannot but repeat that
we are opposed to the further acquisition of terrific
ry as being adverse TO the true policy of the nation,
ana 10 the genius and spirit of Institutions as
lfaught with mischief; calculated to fear
ful change in what have regarded as the destiny
OF tins Republic, and as tending to break up and
dissolve that union of the States which has been
the cause, united with free Institutions of our
heretofore unparalleled prosperity. In this opinion
we very probably differ from many, perhaps large
majority of our feow-ctizens, who see before them
an easy conquest, whose sanguine temperament in
duces them to look only at the fair side of the pic
ture, and before whose imagination dance visions Of
glory and boundless wealth. Dazzled by such vi
sions, they look the uure-to consequences
upon the destiny of this now powerful Republic.
cit is at a distance,
goodly prospect, tempting to the view;
But neer think how sandy's the foundation,
What storms will batter, what empests shake it"
We may see as through glass darkly, but our
present conviction u.s. that there is danger to the Re-
public from this sprtof territorial acquisition which
seems to pervade the people, when we have ample
territory, and when an extension is not called for
by the circumstances of the country or Of the peo-
pie. "We have enough of territory to work out
our destiny" and why should we risk the perpetu-
alton of our institutions by extension of territory
which will weaken rather than strengthen our pow
er 1.-The inheritance of fathers is large enough
Tor their sons" provided we wisely use the advan-
tages which stand so prominently before us.
The popular passion for acquisition which pre-
walls so extensively, and which, indeed, we have
not the slightest hope of arrestng by any thing we
can say, is, in our humble opinion, /" hostile, and,
if INDUCED, will prove fatal to republcanism and
to the genius of our institutions from the war spirit
it engenders, and the lust of conquest it encourages
We fear, to the language of the Philadelphia
North American, " that it will excite and corrupt
our people, winning them from the higher and no.
bier duties of peace into military fe-a love of
plumber and dleness, of violence and crime" These
opinions, we know, will be regarded as visionary,
as mere {" fancy Sketches but the history of the
past proves their truth. Human nature is now as
1t has been in past ages the progress of civiliza-
ton and knowledge may have modified, but it has
not changed mans nature. We may boast of more
intelligence than other nations, but that intelligence
does not prevent from indulgng in dreams of
ambition and the glories of conquest. In us true
patriotism and true glory repel the idea of engaging
in wars of conquest, while they prompt to defend
our country and its institutions to the last gasp.
When we have successfully defended our country
against foreign aggression, and secured just
rights, we have accomplished all that patriotism
should desire. Having done this, we should return
to the cultivation of the arts of peace. war with
Mexico in support of our just rights" says the pa
per above referred to, is safe as well as just
war; but, distorted to the aims Of rapne, there is
good reason to apprehend it may result in war with
the world. Our contempt of European interference
does not render it less formidable. Our defiance
may be a bold one, but it will not avert from our
country the inevitable consequences" Our rulers
should think of these things; the people should
think of them and, while the war is prosecuted to
ensure permanent peace, let us deliberately weigh
and consider whether the extension of territory,
which is much desired by many who have at
heart, we well know, the glory and prosperity of
their country, be for good for evil. 1t is SUBJ
ject as think, worthy of calm reflection.