New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1847-11-24
NEW-YORK TRIBUNE.
MR.. CLAWS SPEECH
At the Lexington Mass Meeting,
18Th inst.
Rxpoyted fer The PhtiGd. Norm american.
RECEIVED BY EXPRESS

T1 u
I,!ud is seitsted aud anxious, and is filed with
rms apprehensions as TO its indefinite continuance,
a,r especially as 10 the consequences which its
termination may bring forth, menacing the harmo-
ry, It not the existence, OF our Union.
IL Is under these circumsta noes / present my self
before YOU. No ordinary occasion would have
drawn me from the retirement IN which live but
while single pulsation OF the human heart re
mains il should, If necessary, be dedicated TO the
service Of ones country. Aud have hoped that
although am a private and humble citizen, an ex
nresson Of the views and opinions | entertain
might form some little addition TO the general stock
inflammation and afford a small assistance IN de-
ivering our country from the peris and dangers
which surround u.
have come here with no purpose TO attempt to
make a fine speech, or any ambitious oratorlca
display. | have brought with me no rhetorical
bonouets 70 throw into this assemblage. In the
circle Of the year Autumn has come, and the sea
son of flowers has passed away. La the progress
Of years, my Spring time has gone by and too
am in the Autumn Of life, and feel the frost OF Age
Mr desire and aim are to address you earnestly,
calmly seriously and plainly upon the grave and
momentous subjects which have brought us togeth-
ar And | am most solicitous that not solitary
word may fall from me, offensive 70 any party or
person In the whole extent OF the Union.
War. pestlence, and famine by the common
consent Of mankind are the three greatest calami-
ties which can beall our species and Var, as the
most direiul, Justly stands foremost and IN 'front.'
Pestience and Famine no doubt Tor wise although
in,crutabe purposes are infections OF Providence,
to which it is duty, therefore, to bow with ODE
dience humble submission and resignation Their
duration is not long, and their ravages are limited
They bring indeed great atilctlon, while they asst,
but society soon RECEIVERS from their ELECTS War
is the voluntary work of our own hands, and what
ever reproaches it may deserve should be directed
10 ourselves When 1t breaks out It's duration is
indefinite and unknown-its vicssitudes are hidden
from our view la the sacrifice of human life, and
In the waste of human treasure IN Its losses and In
its burdens il affects both beligerent nations, and
it, sad effects of msnged bodies, OF death and OF
atOD endure long alter ITS thunders are husbed
In peace. War unhnges society, disturos ITS
peaceful and regular industry, and scatters poison
Gus seeds of disease and immortality, which contin'
ne 70 terminate and diiuse their baneiul Influence
onv All or il has ceased. Dazzling by It's glitter
ponp aud pageantry it begets spirit OF wild ad-
venture aud romantic enterprise, and often dsquat
lies those who embark ia IT, after their return from
the bloody fields of battle from engaging IN the IN
dustoous and peaceful vacations OF life.
We are informed by statement, winch Is ap
p.rently correct that the number OF our country
mn claim in this lamentable Mexican War, al
thousb il has vet been Of only Is months exist
ence is equal to one half of the whole OF the
American loss during the seven years war OF the
Revolution And ! venture to assert That the ex-
p.nditure of treasure which 1t has occasloned
when II shall come TO be fairly ascertained ana
footed Nd will be found to be than half OF the
pecunary cost OF the War OF our Independence
Aud this is the condition of the party whose arms
have been everywhere and constantly victorious
How did we unhappiy get involved In tins
War; Ii was predicted as the consequence OF
the Annexation OF Texas TO the United states
IL we had not annexed Texas, we should
have had no War The people were told that
if that event happened War would ensue.
They were told that the war between
Texas and Mexico had not been terminated by a
,reatv of peace that Mexico still claimed Texas
az n revolted province and that. II we received
Texas into our Union we took along with her the
War existing between her and Mexico. And the
Minister of Mexico formally announced 70 the uoV-
eminent at w ashington, that his nation "oud con
slider the Annexation OF Texas 70 the United states
as producing a state OF War. But all this was de-
MED by the partisans of Annexation. They insist.
ed we should have War, and even imputed
to those who foretold II sinister motives ior ther
groundless prediction.
But Notwithstanding state oil virtual war ne,
cessarilv resulted from the fact OF annexation oil
one of the behgerents TO the United States, actual
bostilities might have been probably averted by
prudence moderation and wise statesmansmp' IL
General Tay Tor had been permitted 10 remain
where his own good sense prompted HIM 10 oeneVe
he ought 20 remain, at the point OF Corpus Chrsu :
and IL negotiation had been opened with Mexico
in true splrit of smity and Cancellation, W pos,
sibly might have been prevented. But, instead O,
this pacific and moderate course, while Mr. Shdeil
bending
lie credentials General Taylor was ordered 10
transport his cannon, and TO plant them, in war
like attitude, opposite TO Matamoros, on the east
bank Of the Rio Bravo within the very disputed
territory, the adjustment OF which was TO be tue
object OF Mr. Shdelrs mission. w nat else could
have transpired bat a conflict OF arms
Thus the War commenced, and the fresldeht
after having produced II. appealed to Congress. a
bill was prepared 10 raise $4,000 volunteers ana IN
order 70 commit all who should vote Tor IL, Il pre-
smbls was inserted falsely attriouting the com
increment Of the war to the act OF Mexico: nave
no doubt of the patriotic motives OF those VINO, aer
struggling 10 divest the bill OF that hagrant error
found themselves constrained TO vote for IT, But
must say that no earthly consideration would nave
ever tempted provoked me 10 vote for bill, with
spalpabe iasehood stamped on It's face. Almost
idciizlng truth, as 90 never never could nave
voted Tor that bill
The exceptiJnable conduct OF tho Federal party,
dur,ne the last British War has excited an influ
ence IN the prosecution OF the present w sr, and
prevented a Just Discrimination between the two
Wars That was War OF National defence, re.
CURED for the vlndcatiOn OF the Natons rights and
kouor and demanded by the indignant voice OF the
people President Madison himself Know ~ hrst
Reluctantly and with great doubt aud hesitation
broaebthmsef 20 the conviction that II ought 70 DC
oeeisfsd leading aud Perhsps the moss ilnael va.
member Of his Cabinet, (Mr Gailstn) was up 10 'no
urne OF declaration. opposed to H. But notnng eouu
wsihssud the irresistible force OF pubic sentiment
ws jest War and lie great object ss announces ST.
time, vas Free Trade and Sailors ken" against .no
ptoerAbs sod Oppressive acts OF British power On the
ocean. The justice OF the War, far from oeins denied
OF coniroverted, admitted by the feoorsi PAio'
which only questioned u on coDsdorsuons oil policy
Ben deliberately and consttuOnsly declared II was
lA their duty 70 have given 10 II their hearty cooper
snJc. But tho mass Of them did not Iney c0ntinuea
70 oposo and thwsrt H. 10 discourage loan. snd eolt
IN o. 10 deny the power Of the General Cover nment
70 Gcn tho mits beyond limits snd TO hold =
~ iora Convention. which, whatever were its rsai