The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1846-07-14

III dtlCQ HUH dll ItC OPCAdblOb7 W tftA'eASN
life. take it for granted, then, If loans
are to be made, the new method of keep
ing the public money must be abandoned.
And now sir having said this much in
relation to the ideas communicated to us
respecting the mode Of raising revenue, |
desire 10 add that, in my Judgment, the
time has come TO ask for the object and
character and purposes for and under
which the warts hereafter to beconducted.
The people of this country, while they
were willing to pay all needful expenses;
while they are desirous of sustaining the
glory of the American arms; while they
are ready to defend every inch of Ameri-
can territory. and maintain all the essen
tial rights of their country; the people, if
1 do not misrcad their desires, now wish
to know the objects and purposes and ends
for which this war is further 10 be carried
on. There is not now hostile foot
within the limits of the United States.
Our army, at first an army OF observation
then an army ofoccupation has become an
army of invasion; will not say unjust
invasion; but it is encamped at this mo-
ment beyond the limits OF the u. States,
and within the acknowledged territory of
Mexico; and if we may credit the rumors
which have recently reached us,a purpose
is entertained of marching. Immediately and
directly to the city of Mexico. Well,
now, the people, as have said, appear
to me 10 demand, and with great reason,
full, distinct, and comprehensive ac-
count of the object and purposes of this
war of invasion. The President, by two
messages, one of the 18th of May, and
the other of the 10Th June, signifies that
he is ready to treat with Mexico upon
terms of peace; while it appears, at least
as far as we know now, that Mexico is
not willing to treat. In regard to this, !
must say that, in my judgment, it this be
the state OF the case. Mexico is acting en-
tirely an unreasonable and senseless part,
and the Government of the United States
10 this extent, is acting proper one; that
is to say, as the war does exist, and the
American Government is ready TO treat.
without prescribing terms, so as to show
that her terms would be unacceptable,
and Mexico declines to treat, why then
say, so far the conduct of the United
States is reasonable, and the conduct of
Mexico unreasonable and senseless.
would desire on all such occasions, for
many reasons, and in this case for two
more than the rest, TO keep our country
entirely IN the right, and to satisfy every
Individual in the country that it is in the
right, and tina it desires nothing wrong;
and | would advise. if | were called on to
give advice, that this Government should
tender formal solemn embassy to Mexi
co. And the two reasons which would
influence me are,-in the first place, Mex
leo is weak and we are strong; tits war
therefore, on her part against great. odds;
and in the next place, Mexico is a neigh
Dor, weak neighbor-a rupublic formed
upon our own model, who, when she
threw off the dominion of old Spain, was
influenced throughout mainly by our ex-
ample; certainly we wished her success;
certainly we congratulated her upon her
change from viceroyalty to a republic
upon our own model: we wished her well
and | think now that the people of the
United States have no desire | think
they have no pleasure) in doing her an
injury beyond what is necessary TO main
tain their own rights. The people of the
United States cannot wish to crush the
Republic Of Mexico; it cannot be their
desire to break down a neighboring Re-
public; it cannot be their wish to drive her
back again to a monarchical form of Gov
ernment to render her mere appanage
to some one Of the thrones Of Europe.
This is not thought which can find
harbor in tie generous breasts of the A.
merican people. Mexico has been un-
fortunate; she is unfortunate. | really
believe the Mexican people are the worst
governed people in Christendom. They
have yet to learn the true benefits of free
Institutions. Depressed and ruined by
dominant military power, maintaining an
army of forty thousand troops, how can
Government, limited in lis resources as
that of Mexico flourish! It's impossible.
She has been unhappy, too IN the produc-
ton or non-production Of men to guide
her councils. | am sorry to say IT Of
republic, but it is nevertheless true. Mex
leo has produced few or none really en-
lightened patriotic men. | verify be-
lieve, and sadly fear, that history will
hereafter record the melancholy truth,
that, from the time of the establishment
of an independent Government, the peo-
pie of Mexico have been worse governed
great deal than they were under the
viceroyalty. Nobody can wish to see
her fall, but Mexico must hear the sug-
gestions of reason. She must listen to
terms of peace; this she ought to know.
And if her Government be not hopclessly
stupid and infatuated, they must be aware
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