Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1847-03-06
CONGRESSIONAL.
SPEECH OF Mr.. CALHOUN.

mas Deen upon Tue stage OF aCtion have we
been placed in more critical POSITION
We were in the midst of war, and there
was also question Of great domestic in
qietude. He hoped there would be the
fullest discussion upon both topics 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 the hostile
country, and the other to take defensive
position, Which was besll
Mr.. c. said it was a grave question, and
one to which he had given his most DELHI
crate attention. His judgment was that
the defensive position was the best; the
best to bring the war to certain and sue
cessful end. This would result in most
economy and most honor. If 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 q Boun-
Diary.
TO secure Indemnity due to our citizens.
The two first were first considered.
The President did not ask Congress to
declare war. He asked Congress to re-
cognise 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 regar.
ded the primary objects of the war the es-
Enlistment of boundary. Congress has
avowed no other object than this Being
in the war, however. it was recommend
ed that it be prosecuted for the payment
of our claims.
| The two objects Of the war had been
aintainnd-invasion repealed, the Rio
Grande secured--and we could safely act
upon the defensive
| MIR. Calhoun went on TO state what the
character of this defence should be. II
ought to be near our supp!ies--in proximi.
ity to our country, convenient, &c. To-
wards Mexico we ought to be most liberal.
not only because she was our neighbor and
a sister republic, but great power upon
our continent.
| More than this, Mexico was one of the
greatest problems connected with our for
eign relations. There was a mysterious
connection between her and US. She was
a forbidden fruit. The day of her death
would be almost the end of our political
existence. Her independence, her capaci-
ty, her greatness, should be esteemed by Us
as next to our own.
Mr.. Calh un defined what he thought
good boundary defence. Beginning at the
mouth of the Del Norte. continuing to
Pass Del Norte, and then due west 10 the
Gulf of California, end 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,
| ,La,
ments would be sufficient for all purposes,
as follows:
One fort at the mouth of the Del Nortc.
One near Camargo.
One at Pass del Norte.
From The waters which separate the Del
Nolte from those entering the Gulf Of Cal
ifornia one more might be placed.
i Hence five regiments and small naval
force. one consistent with our naval peace
establish nent, 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 unnhabited country was the best
/ for us; we wanted space for our population
, which doubled once in twenty-three years.
, 1t would be eighty millions in forty six
years. This country (New Mexico) was
remote from Mexico, farther from her
than from Washington. For the first time
the sayages were making their great in
roads upon the Europeans. This was not
because the Spaniards were not brave, bu,
because they were disarmed by the Federal
authorities of Mexico.
This country he would recommend to be
held not as absolute, but as subject to ne
4 gotation: and SO he would say 10 Mexico
. He would deal with her literally and dc
: so from the FIRST. Until such peace should
. be made, he would hold all the ports r
Mexico which could be held without too
great a sacrifice of men and money HI
would impose low rate Of duty, not ex
ceeding Ten per cent. and this would yiel,
sufficient revenue 10 ensure the paymen
of the defence which would not cost NOR
- than between two and three millions O
dollars.
ID The effect of this policy would be n
more taxes, a reduction of fifteen million.
e; and the great measures, which he and hi
friends Qree-trade) held so much al hear
~ saved.
,d He did rot think that Mexico woul
of hold out under such state Of fact. Sh
n, would see that we were resolute and yt
v meaning her no harm. She was now mac
10 dened, excited, bold and determined. U
ne der different policy she would see a
. honorable Deace ahead SuDnosinu IN