The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-07-03

1850 ~ s4ShsS oRVA O0h stSS ~ ~
ded renown 20 American prowess.-
From early dawn until the curtain o
night dropped upon the scene, five
thousand Americans, arm to arm, were
engaged in deadly conflict with the o
empowering numbers that were hurled
in frightiul masses upon them. Never
on the American continent. was a bat
tie fought against such fearful odds, and
never was result more glorious. AL.
though we are called upon to mourn the
loss of many a gallant spirit, it only
proves that u army was made ofmen
"who for their country nobly dared 10
die" They were not hirelings, fight.
ing for hireling's pay. They were
freemen, in whose bosoms beat Ameri.
can hearts. When aforeign foe had in.
vaded their soil, and American blood
been shed, with a characteristic zeal
and patriotism they rushed 10 their
country's standard, determined to sus-
tain their nations honor, or perish in
the last effort. They exchanged the
peaceful freside, the comforts ofhome,
and domestic felicity, for the tented
field and clangor of arms. They bid
fare well to their parents, wives, children
and friends, many of them never to re-
turn again.--Along the lonely banks
Of the Rio Grande, or on the mountain
heights of Sierra Madrs, they sleep..-
Peace to their ashes!
Whilst these brave men were fight
ing battels, and pouring out their life's
blood like water, curiosity led me to ex-
anime what their representatives in
Congress assembled, were doing for
them.-ln the Senate, at the very hour
of the fiercest strife, GEORGE Evans,
the Federal Senator from Maine, was
giving moral aid and comfort to our en-
emies, by making a furious and denun-
ciatory speech against'his country, ex,
tolling Mexican justice and Mexican
patriotism, whilst these very miscre.
ants whose character he was extolling,
were butchering the wounded and pros
trate son of his friend, Henry Clay
Little did these brave patriots, as they
were dying for their country's cause,
think that, at that very moment, an A.
merican Senator, in the National Sen.
ate chamber, was denouncing the coun-
try and cause for which they were dy-
ing, as unjust: and that their enemies
were waging a just and righteous war.
But they breathed out their spirits:
and the cold, unfeeling anti-American
words fell not upon their ieaden ears.
In the other end of the Capitol, where
the immediate representatives of the
were assembled, another scene
was being enacted: the army appropri-
alton bill was under considerations
The debate opened with an able and
patriotic speech from Mr. Norris, of
Now Hampshire, a worthy representa-
tive Of a noble State. In succession
followed the Hon. Charles Carroll, of
New York, a Federalist. He made
the most liberal speech on that side of
the House; and by his patriotic appeals
to his brother Federalists "to raise
themselves above all party considera-
tions, and help to prosecute the wal in
such a way as would refec! honor and
glory upon their country" did creditto
his distinguished relative of "Carroll-
tom" Next was heard the deep.toned
voice OF Virginia's :avorite son. the
patriotic DRoMGooLE. His defence of
the administration, the justice of the
war, and the necessity Of its vigorous
prosecution was logical, eloquent and
conclusive. II was admitted by all
who heard him, to be one of the most
brilliant efforts of the session. The
hour Of 8 o'clock arrived and the House
proceeded to vote upon the bill.
1t was the great measure ofthe coun-
try. Upon its fate depended the sue
cess OF our arms, the honor and glory
of our nation. Our army needed pro-
visions: the weary soldier necded anew
coat to cover his shivering limbs from
the peltings of the mountain storm: he
wanted shoes to guard his feet from the
tinty rocks owe which he cheerfulIv
marched. Shall he have them? The
vote upon the bill was to determine the
question. Would to God, for the cred
it of my country, that l could say that
the vote was unanimous in the afirma-
tive. But with confusion and shame
will the future historian who writes the
events of this brilliant campaign, be
compelled to record the names OF %
of Congress. who, at the very
moment our glorious little army on the
far off mountains OF Mexico were con-
tending in deadly strife with five times
their number, were by their votes re-
to give them the necessary sup
plies. To the veteran General in COM
and to his brave compatriots in
,roos thev xuould cav in the hour ofI