Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1846-12-16

only their patriotism, but their deep con-
victlon that our cause is Just. s4a
u II he wrongs which we have suffered from
Mexico almost ever since she became an
Independent Power, and the patient endur-
ance with which we have borne them, are
without parallel in the history of modern
civilized nations. There is reason 10 believe
that ifthese wrongs had beeh resented and
resisted in the first instance, the present
war might have been avoided. One out
rage, however, permitted to pass with i'm.
punity, almost necessarily encouraged the
perpetration of another, until Mt last Mexi-
co seemed to attribute to weakness and in
decision on our part forbearance which
was the offspring of magnanimity, and of
a sincere desire to preserve friendly rela-
tons with sister republic
Scarcely had Mexico achieved her indie.
pendence, which the United States were the
first among the nations 10 acknowledge.
when she commenced the system of insult
and spoliation, which she haf ever since
pursued. Our citizens engaged in lawful
commerce were imprisoned, their vessels
seized, and our flag insulted in her ports
1t money was wanted the lawless seizures
and confscation of our merchant vessels
and their cargoes was ready resource; and
if to accomplish their purposes it became
necessary to imprison the owners, captains
and crews, it was done. Rulers superced-
cd rulers in Mexico in rapid succession,
but still there was no change in this sys.
tenn OF depreciation. The government of
the United States made repeated reclama-
tons on behalf of its citizens, but these were
answered by the preparation Of new out
RACES. Promises ofredress made by Mex
leo in the mostsolemn forms were postpon-
ed or evaded. The files and records of the
department of state contain conclusive
proofs of numerous lawless acts perpetrat-
ed upon the persons and property of our
citizens by Mexico, and ofwanton insults to
our national flag. The interposition of our
government to obtain redress, was again
and again invoked, under circumstances
which no nation ought to disregard.
1t was hoped that these outrages would
cease and that Mexico would be restrained
by the laws which regulate the conduct of
civilized nations in their intercourse with
each other after the treaty of amity, com.
merce and navigation Of the fifth Of April,
1881, was concluded between the two Re.
publics; but this hope soon proved to be
vain. The course ofseizure and confsca-
tion Of the property of our citizens; the vi
olation of their persons and the insults to
our flag, pursued by Mexico, previous to
that time were scarcel suspended for even
brief period, although thetreaty so clear.
ly defines the rights and duties of the re.
spective parties, that it is impossible to mis-
understand or mistake them. In less than
seven years after the conclusion of that
treaty, our grievances had become so intol-
cradle, that in the opinion of president Jack
son, they should no longer be endured. In
his message to Congress in February, 1887,
he presented them to the consideration of
that body, and declared that ''the length Of
time since some injuries have been commit
ted the repeated and unavailing applica-
tons for redress, the wanton character Of
some of the outrages upon the property and
persons of our citizens, upon the officers
and flag of the United States, independent
of recent insults to this Government and
people by the late extraordinary Mexican
minister, would justify in the eyes Of all
nations, immediate war;" In a spirit Of
kindness and forbearance, however, he re-
commended reprisals as a milder mode OF
redress -a, s.444
He declared that war should not be used
as a remedy Shy just and generous nations
con6dipg in their strength for injuries CON-
mitted, if it can be honorably avoided;''
and added, sit has occurred to me, that con-
sidering the present embarrassed condition
of that country, we should act with both
wisdom and moderation" by giving tc
Mexico one more opportunity to atone fol
the past, before we take redress into ouI
own hands. To avoid all misconception or
the part of Mexico, as we'll as to protect
our own national character from reproach
Il this opportunity should be given with the
+ avowed design and full preparation to take
H immediate satisfaction ifit should not be OBJ
tained on arepetition ofthe demand for it.
To this end i recommend that an act be
passed, authorizing reprisals, and the use o
il the naval force of the United States, by the
j Executive, against Mexico, TO enforce then
| inthe event ofa refusal BY the Mexican
u government to come to anannicabe adjust
4 ment Of the matters in caIiI I6Fersy between
} US, upon another. denannd thereof, mad
j from on board one of our vessels of war OF
N the coast of Mexico" s4. h:
j Committees OF both Houses Of Congress
: to which this Message Of this President wa
4 referred, fully sustained his views Of tn
}, character. of the wrongs which we had sui
v lered from Mexico, and recommended tho
i another demand for redress should be mad
, before authorizing war or reprisals. Th