The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-12-18

their resources, mineral, agricultural, manufactul
and commercial, would soon be developed.
Upper California is bounded on the north b
our Oregon possessions, and if held by the Uni
ted States. would soon be settled by an %enterpri.
ing and intelligent portion Of our population
The Bay Of San Francisco, and other harbors a
long the California coast, would afford shelter TO
our navy, our numerous whale ships, and the mer
chant vessels employed in the Pacific ocean; an
would, in a short period, become a mart of an ex
t~ensive and profitable IN with China AM
other countries of the East.
These advantages, in which the whole CONNIE
cial world would participate, would at once be Sc
cured to the United States, by the cession of thi
territory; while it is certain that so long as IT re
mains a part of the Mexican dominions, they car
be enjoyed neither by Mexico herself, nor by an,
other nation.
New Mexico is a frontier, and has never beer
of any considerable value TO Mexico. From its 10
cality, 1t is naturally connected with our western
settlements. The territorial limits OF the State o
Texas too, as defined by herlaws, before admission
into our Union, embraces all that portion OF New
Mexico lying east Of the Rio Grande; while Mex
leo still claims to hold this territory, as a part Of
her dominions.
The adjustment Of this question of boundary
then, is another consideration which induced the
belief that the Mexican government might even
desire to place this province under the protectian
of the government OF the United States. Numer.
Gus bands of fierce, war-like savages wander over
it, and upon its borders. Mexico has been, and
must continue ia be. too feeble to restrain them,
from committing denredations. robberies and mur.
der. .not onlv mon The inhab,tan,s of New Mexico
itself bIt unon those IF other northern States nj
Mexico. II would he a blessing to ali these north.
ern States To have their citizens nrotected against
them bv The power of the limited States Al
This moment many Mexicans. principally females
and children. are in captivity among them. II
Nav Mexico were held and governed nv tle Uni.
ted States. W.. could effeciuallv preyent these
tribes from committing such outrages. and compel
them 10 release these captives. and restore them 10
their families and friends. In nroposinp to acquire
New Mexico and the CALIFORNIA;. il was known
Thai but an nconsiderable portion of the Mexican
people would be transferred with them: the coun.
try embraced within those provinces being chiefly
an uninhabited territory.
These were the leading considerations which
induced me TO authorize the terms of peace which
which were proposed TO Mexico. Thew were re.
iected: and negotiations being at an end. hostili-
lies were renewed. An assault was made by our
gallant army. upon the strongly fortified paIaces
near the gates of the CITY of Mexico. and upon the
city itself. After several DAYS of severe conflict,
the Mexican f%urces, vastly superior in numbers to
our own. were driven from the civ. and IL was
occupied by our troops.
Immediately after information was received OF
the unfavorable result OF negotiations, believing
that his continued presence could be productive Of
no good, I determined to recall our Commissioner
A despatch ia this effect was transmitted Ia him
on the 9Th of October last. The Mexican govern
ment will be informed Of his recall, and that, in
the existing state of things, | shall not deem it
proper to make any further overtures of peace, but
shall be at all times ready to receive and consider
any proposals which shall be made by Mexico.
Since the liberal propositions Of the United
States were authorized TO be made in April last,
large expenditures have been incurred, and the
precious blood Of many of our fellow citizens has
been shed in the prosecution Of this war. This
consideration, and the obstinate perseverance of
Mexico in protracting the war. must influence the
terms of peace which it may be deemed proper
to accept.
Our arms having been everywhere victorious
having subjected 10 our military occupation a large
portion of The enemy's country, including his cap
ital. and negotiations for peace having failed, the
important question arose, in what manner the war
ought to be- prosecuted, and what should be our
future policy. I cannot doubt that we should Sc
cure and render available the conquests we have
already made: and for this purpose. we should hold
and occupy, by our naval and military forces, all
lhe ports. towns, cities and provinces now in our
Dccupation. or which NAV hereafter fall into our
possession-that we should press forward our mil
tary operations levy such military contributions
IN the enemy, as may, as far as practicable, defray
he future expenses Of the war.
Had the government of Mexico acceeded to the
and liberal terms proposed, that mode of
would have been preferred. Mexico
,avinp declied TO do this, and failed to offer any
,ther terms which could be accepted by the United
States, the national honor, no less than the public
interests. REQUIRES that the war should be prosecu-
ed with increased energy and power, until a Just
nd satisfactory peace can be obtained.
In the meantime, as Mexico refuses all indem.
,ity. we should adopt measures to indemnify our.
BY appropriating permanently a portion of
Ter territory.
Early after the ement Of the war, New
dexico and the CALIFORNIA; were taken possession
4 by our forces. Our Military and Naval Com
nanders were ordered to conquer and hold them,
ubiect to be disposed of BY a treaty Of peace.
These provinces are now in our undisputed oc.
and have been so for many months; all
e%sistance on the part of Mexico having ceased
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