Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-12-15

well as to the pride Of our State, that no oppor-
tunity has occurred for IL 10 obtain those aurels
which have been so abundantly gathered by the
gallant troops Of our common country in every
battlefield. Although war with Mexico still con-
tinueS, the prospect for distinction is not natteT-
ing. The armies Of Mexico have been annihila-
ted; her resources have been captured or eXhaus-
ted her government disorganized and forced to
flee; and there seems to be nothing left for our
armies to encounter but the sullen and logged
temper Of our imbecile and benigh,cd foe.
Allow me, gentlemen, TO cong ratuia,e YOU up
on our uniform success in Mexico. The splendor
OF our achievements has elevated tho name Of
our country, covered our arms with imperishabe
glory, and excited the wonder and admiration of
the world. Commenced as the war was by Mex
leo, wrongfully and without sufficient cause,
trust il will not be terminated until we shall have
obtained "indemnity for the past and security for
The future" and shall have taught Mexico TO re-
spect power she has heretofore treated with ar
rogance and scorn. Had il been her pleasure,
treaty of amty, Of peace, and Of friendship, upon
terms highly liberal, would have been readily en-
tered into by This country; but, preierring war,
and having entered the disputed territory, and at
tackled the army of Gen. Taylor, preceded by
sundry incidents of bloody atrocity, the question
is widely different. BY the laws of nations this
country has the right to require a surrender of
territory some equivalent for the heavy loss TO
which we have been put by the aggressive policy
u
try and TO the future peace of the world, to insist
as sine qua non, upon such concession.
| Shall the insolent Mexican 90 unpublished 3
Shall the glories OF Palo Alto, Resaca de la Pal
ma, Monterey, Buena Vista, Ccrro Gordo, Con-
treras, Churubusco, Moino del Rey, Chapul,e-
pee and the Gari,as; pass away a dream,
leaving no solid memorial behind them of a
skill, gallantry, and self-sacrifcing devotion
unsurpassed in the history of man! | regard
this war as practical question, and to be dis
posed of accordingly. That morbid sympathy
which lives only for MeXico-,hat Mexico which
murders the drunken soldier. and lances the
wounded on the field of bat,le-I cannot approve
nor can l respect that closet philosophy which
teaches a magnanimity that calls us TO surrender
every thing, because are victorious. No.
my sympathieS are for my country, for the gal
liant dead, for those whose mighty deeds have
given holder and broader light to our glorious
constellation, for their widows and for their or
phans. Instead of this unhealthy magnanimity
to which l have adver,ed, | would be Just tc
Mexico, but just also TO my own country.
Allow me, gentlemen again to congratulate
you upon the suspicious circumstances i'm which
you commence yonr important labors. l trus
that they will be characterized by enlarged ant
practical wisdom, and that by the adoption o.
the true policy, you may obtain the gratitude o
your constituents, and live in the affections O
our beloved Commonwealth.
WILLIAM SMITH.
December 6, l847.