The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-05-18


The unfortunate war between Mexico and the
United States, has evidently opened with vigor
and decision on both sides. The last accounts
from Point Isabel, received here yesterday by
thunder and lightning, which will be found in
another column, present fresh evidence of the
derceness with which this war bids fair to be
waged. More American blood has been shed.
These facts affecting they are, will only tend to
rouse the energy and unite the sentiments of the
American people in the energetic prosecution of
the war Indeed, it may be said that at the very
first onset, party has been paralyzed, faction has
been hushed, and the sublime spectacle has been
exhibited Of united people under free govern
nent.
Meantime, the news from the seat of war,
brought daily by means of the electric tele-
graph is caught up with the deepest intensity.
The people, in all quarters of the country, are
spending with spirit TO the calls Of the govern
ment, in all its branches. New York is Just moving
upon the invitation Of the Mayor of the city, and
bya combination OF all the parties and factions
into which the people Of this metropolis are dvi-
ded, great and overwhelming meeting has been
called for on Wednesday evening. Tho object OF
thu. meeting will be to consider upon the present
criss-to make preparations in aid of the govern
ment, and 10 call forth the energies Of this mighty
meropoli. in defence of our common country
and to punish our common enemies.
But what melancholy occasion it is! Two Of
the greatest and firS republics Of the American
continent and of the world, arc now seen in
state OF deadly hostility towards each other. The
United States were the first community of free
people which has been recognized as republican
government upon this continent Mexico is the
second. We believe il is now about twenty-nine
or thirty years ago, when the people of Mexico,
stimulated by the example of the United States,
began the war of their independence, established
il, also, and for series Of years beat back the ar
mics of European monarchy. Their course crea-
ted sympathy for their efforts, which was widely
felt in this country; and the United States
was, believe, tho first country which re-
cognzed them as free peoplo-as people
capable of self-government in all its branches
This recognition, first made by the United
States, afterwards followed by the powers
of Europe, and the people of Mexico, in their
sovereignty, established republican govern
n1ent similar to that of the United States. Thus
far the two republics admired loved and esteem
cd each other. But unfortunately for Mexico she
had no Washington, but plenty of Benedict Ar
nolds. These military cheftains quarrelled with
each other, created factions, and organized revou-
tons. They thus destroyed the peace of their
country, and substituted anarchy for good govern
ment They soon tramped under foot the first
constitution, which had been framed in 1924, and
established government which was purely a
military despotism. BY such governments, the
persons and property of citizens of the United
states were violated for a succession OF years. and
revolution succeeded revolution in that distract
ed country. Varou. States and Departments of
Mexico declared against these military usurpa-
uons-among them Yucaian on the South, and
Texas on the North, each declared themselves in
dependent-and the latter maintained hcr indie
pcndence up TO the time Of annexation. voluntary
and free, with this country.
In the meantime, the United States made recla.
nations upon Mexico for series of robbencs.
Treaties were concluded Of peace and amity one
in the year 1882, and, again, one Of indemnity
few years ago. Both these treaties, however, un-
der frivolous pretexts. were violated by the mill
tary usurpers, who called themselves the Mex
lcan government. The government of Paroles,
hksfhat OF his predecessor, Santa Anna, now pre-
tDus that the United States has robbed them OF
fhelr territory, violated their soil, and broken
the treaties made with them. Those are nero
technical pretextS in no wav invalidating
the justice Of the claims of the United states
against Mexico, or weakening in the least degree
the original rights Of the people of Texas. who.
when the Constitution was violated. separated
from the Central Government, established their
independence, and afterwards linked their desti-
ny with people who would secure them a bet
ter government The same course, we believe,