Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1847-02-19
Mr. cAIHoIN,S SPEECH

1t Impossible 10 90 80. we, however, nnu
room for the following synopsis, taken from
the Baltimore American. Having read the
speech itself, we find the synopsis below to
be correct in the principal bearings Of the
speech. The Editor of the Journal being alb
sent from town, we shall not offer one word
OF comment on the course of Mr. Calhoun, in
to-day's Journal. On the Editors return, he
will speak as he sees proper
The Three Million Bill was taken up, and
Mr.. Calhoun commenced his remarks. He
said that never since our country has been up
on the stage of action have we been placed in
a more critical position. We were in the
midst of war, and there was also question
of great domestic inquetude. He hoped there
would be the fullest discussion upon both to-
pics before the close OF the session, short as it
was. The important question was how should
this war be prosecuted ? There were two
ways-the one to push on in a hostile coun-
try, and the other to take defensive position
Which was best
Mr.. c. said it was grave question, and
one to which he had given his most deliberate
attention. His judgment was that the defen-
sive position was the best; the best to bring
the war to certain and successful end. This
would result in most economy, and most hon
or II he rightfully understood the objects Of
the war, this was consistent The causes for
which this war was commenced were three
To repel invasion.
To establish the Rio Grande as boundary.
To secure indemnity due to our citizens
The two first were first considered.
Nho n ~ cly %r' 10
clare war He asked Congress to recognize
the existence of the war, and he assumed that
there was invasion because the Mexicans had
crossed the Rio del Norte.
The President and Congress had regarded
the primary objects of the war the establish
ment Of boundary. Congress has avowed no
other object than this. Being in the war,
however, it was recommended that it be pros
ecuted for the payment of our claims.
The two objects of the war had been main.
tanned Invasion repealed, the: Rio Grande
secured, and we could safely act upon the de-
fensve.
Mr. Calhoun went on, to state what the
character of the defence should be. 1t ought
to be near our suppies--in proximity to our
country, convenient, &c. Towards Mexico
we ought to be most liberal, not only because
she was our neighbor and sister republic, but
great power upon our Continent.
More than this, Mexico was one of the
greatest problems connected without our for
eign relations. There was mysterious con-
necton between her and U.S. She was as fol-
hidden fruit. The day of her death would be
almost the end of our political existence. Her
independence, her capacity, her greatness,
should be esteemed by us as next in impor-
lance to our own.
Mr.. Calhoun defined what he thought good
boundary defence. Beginning at the mouth
of Del Norte, continue to Pass del Norte, and
then due west to the Gulf of California, and it
would strike the head of the Gulf
This he would defend. 1t would give us
the Rio Grande from its mouth to its source,
and he had consulted military men, who said
that three forts and four regiments would be
sufficient for all purposes, as follows:
One fort at the mouth of the Del Norte.
One near Carnargo
One at Pass Del Norte
From the waters which separate the Del
Norte from those entering the Gulf of Califor-
MIA one more might be placed.
Hence five regiments and a small Naval
force, one consistent with our Naval Peace
establishment, could successfully defend the
boundary.
This country was of little importance to
Mexico, but OF great importance to us. 1t had
only 100000 people, and these were spread
over 100000 square miles. An open unin-
habited country was the best for us we want
ed space for our population which doubled
once in twenty-three years. Itwould be eighty
millions in forty-six years. This country
(New MeXico) was remote from Mexico, far
Their from her than from Washington. For the
first time the savages were making their great
inroads upon the Europeans. This was moi
because the Spaniards were not brave, but be.
cause they were disarmed by the Federal au.
thorities of Mexico.
This country he would recommend to be
held not as absolute, but as subject to nego.
tiation; and so he would say to Mexico He
would deal with her literally and do so from
the first. Until such peace should be made
he would hold all the ports in Mexico which
could be held without too great sacrifice oil
men and money. He would impose a low
rate of duty, not exceeding ten per cent, and
this would yield sufficient revenue to ensure
the payment of the defence, which would moi
cost more than between two and three mil
lions of dollars.
The effect of this policy would be no more
taxes, reduction of fifteen millions, and the
great measures which he and his friends (free
trade) held so much at heart, saved.
He did not think that Mexico would hole
out under such state of fact. She would
see that we were resolute, and yet meaning
her no harm. She was now maddened, excl
| ted, bold and determined. Under a differen
policy she would see an honorable peace a.
head. Surprising this not to be the case, VIZ
should not suffer. We should have wal
without the cost, and without hazard of any
kind.
Mr. Calhoun went on to show his opposi
ton to an offensive war. He was opposed te
it because there was no certainty that it would
end the war, and if it did it would lose us
men, money and national reputation Tn,
real and true object of carrying on such war
we were told, was not conquest, and we mi h
so presume because in the defensive line h
had marked out it was not avowed. To con
quer peace was to make war, and how coult
peace be obtained but by treaty? A treaty
was our object, not treaty that would sui
Mexico, but one that would suit us.
| The object, Mr. c. said, would be to com
pei Mexico to say that was ours which W,
claimed. A most vigorous war could do nj
more than th;s, and If we could reach the cit,
of Mexico this very campaign, would it r.