The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-05-31


The further we get into the interior of Mexico,
the probability Of conquering peace becomes
reduced The more victories we gain, lead us
further from peace than were at the start.
We have captured city after city, vanqushed
army upon army, and have penetrated almost to
the capital of the country, and the people appear
to be more determined upon war than ever.
We have before US but two alternatives. One
is to subjugate and govern the people of Mexico;
and the other is to take and destroy their cities,
to confiscate the property of the church, and re-
tire to such boundary may be deemed pro-
per for Just ind-mnifcaton for the expenses OF
the war; and leave rhe rulers, the clergy and the
people, 10 make the best of it, to build up their
cities at their leisure, establish whatever form
ofgovernmentt they may choose, to slaughter each
other as much as they please in their civil revo-
lutions We can take possession of such Sec
tions of the country may be deemed sufficient
recompense for the injuries received and for the
blood and treasure expended; and preserve, by
means of Gordon of forts from the Gulf to the
Pacific, the mastery inactivity recommended at
the last session of Congress.
It would, without doubt, be better for this
country to carry out this summary and rigorous
policy, than to attempt to establish military go
vernment throughout Mexico, and support that
government by levying contributions upon all
classes and by the enforcement of revenue laws;
but such course would not be consistent with
our institutions it would be more a level
with the policy of European powers, and have
the appearance more of a war of conquest than
it actually is. When there is no other alterna-
tive, we may be forced to adopt it, but every
other expedient will at first be resorted to.
1t is decidedly the best policy for powerful
nation like this to be liberal, to be humane, to
preserve, if possible, the people and institutions
ola neighborng republic, to improve their politl-
cal and personal condition, to give them more
substantial government, and to remove those bit
ter preludices which exist in the mind Of every
Mexican, relative to all outside barbarians We
must hold forth the olive branch, and forbear
until forbearance ceases to be virtue; we must
exhaust every method of arriving at an honorable
peace, without resorting to harsher measures
than those already used. We must conquer a
peace with kindness, if possible; and should we
fail in so doing, after the most patient and per-
severing efforts, should the government and the
people of Mexico continue to resist all overtures
from our government, retribution awaits them.
that will annihilate some of their fair cities, and
heap Goals of fire upon their heads
Every thing depends upon the policy pursued
by the Mexican government after the American
army has taken possession of the capital. If ne
gotiations are not entered into Immediately after
that movement, we must abandon all hope of
peace, and make up our minds for a continuance
of the war for an indefinite period. The city of
Mexico will be the destination of the army under
General Scott; there will be after the occupation
ofthe seat of government, no more cities to cap
fure, no more to be given up to us. 1t is the po
licy of the Mexican. TO preserve their cities from
injury, and they are, therefore, giving them up
quietly. Another motive in surrendering with
out resistance is draw General Scott as far into
the interior possible, before he gets reinforce
ments, for the purpose of luling him into false
security. We not to be caught in that trap;
and when Gen. Scott enters the city Of Mexico,
he will do so with force sufficient to maintain
himself against any thing that can be brought
against him.
The question of peace will soon be put into
more tangible shape. All doubts upon this point
will soon be removed. The government will
make another effort to procure peace, soon
as we have taken possession of the "Hals of the
Montezumas," and if that fails, a course differ
snt from that which from the start we have re-
ligiously adhered to, must be adopted few
weeks will decide what that course will be.
STEAMER WASHINGTON thousands of
persons visited this ship on Saturday; and many
were obliged to come away unsatisied, as it
became necessary to resume work board, in
order to prepare for sailing. Indeed it was
found indispensable to continue work upon her
at the very time she was thronged with vsiters,
much to the regret Of her excellent captain, who
being, with good reason, proud of his ship, was
lotL ~, har ,ttla oIxy
and very sorry to receive his guests, as he was
constrained to do.
1t is, therefore, with regret that he will be
obliged to exclude visters from his deck on
Monday and Tuesday. But it is matter of indis-
pensable necessity, for being determined that
nothing shall interfere with his well known
punctuality, Captain Hewitt is resolved to have
all his coal, stores, furniture and equipments
completely on board, and the decks and cabins
clean, and fully ready for sea on Tuesday morn
ing.
On her return from Europe, without doubt,
some favorable opportunity will be selected to
crafty the natural and laudable curiosity of our
oitisens in behalf of this first of ocean steamers
City Intelligence.
tba ws.tbsr a.,ara. mad very sudden change In
the day, whion was cold and gloomy The tbermome-
ter Mt O'Clock r. NJ, stood low az "a degrees The
evening was cold and disagreeabc for those who had
"donned" their light summer dress ~ ~
CoNsor CoUNcu.-BoARp or A,u,r.,r. rbi.
board meets this evening Mt O'Clock and every alter
nate Monday evening hereafter. ' i
FrnEA fire occurred last niaht in the butchers sh
In East Broadway next to the corner of PIKE stroa,
which destroyed the interior Of the premises No.
and 20 Hose companies promptly on the spot ana
their exertions stopped the speed Of tho flames
CoRorER's OFFIcE.-Ths Coroner was YESTERDAY
called 70 hold inquest In Twent street be-
tween Third and Fourth the bod tane
Fnnegan. native Of Ireland aged 40 years Verdict
death by hcrmooktsis