The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-05-19
The United States and Mexic0-Poiicy % the
txvo C5ovorunaents.

The United states and Mexico-Poiicy oT the
two Governments.
The policy the government oil the ohi'eu
States has pursued in relation 10 the manner oi
conducting the war in Mexico, must have aston
ished the governments Of Europe. IL diners We
Nv materially from that which any OF the Euro
man novvers would have exercised, particularly
when we take into consideration the great dis
,ar;tv of strength and resources. II is that very
thing that partially compels us to pursue the
course we have from the beginning.
All who are intimately acquainted with the
Spanish character, know very well that the Spa
nish race cannot be conquered-that the more
you Cypress them, the more they resist; or in
other words, they will accede TO terms in pros
perity which never could be wrung from them in
adversely. We have never warred with the peo-
pie Of Mexico, and have therefore avoided dis
tressing them more than circumstances COMPEL
ed us to do. We have paid them at all times tor
supplies furnished our army, and have never APP
propriated private property, without giving fair
equivalent in payment. We have respected non
combatants, and have liberated all prisoners on
their parole who were disposed to give it. We
have respected the national religion and pre-
served the property Of the church from sacri-
Iege. Such is the policy have pursued from
the beginning, and we have no doubt our govern
ment will adhere to il to the end
It has been asserted upon what many are dis
posed to consider official authority, that it is
the intention of the government to confiscate
the immense property of the clergy in Mexico,
TO despoil the churches, and TO force by such
measures the submission of that influential par
ty; but we have no faith in these semi official
statements, we do not believe the government
intends any thing of the kind; it would be incon-
slstent with its previous course, and we doubt
very much the policy of the charge
Gen. Scott gave the people of Mexico to I'M
derstand by his proclamation to the citizens Of
Vera Cruz, that their institutions should be held
sacred, and that their lives and property should
be preserved. Gen. Taylor has repeatedly
sured the citizens of the section of country TO
which his operations have been confined, that
their rights should not be tramped upon 30 long
as they continued non-combatants, and his acts
have been consistent with that promise. In
every instance, humanity tempered with justice
has marked his progress; and the prejudices of
the people have, without doubt, been very much
reduced, the benefits of which we shall hereafter
reap.
We do not believe that all the advantages we
have gained, all the prejudices we have remov-
ed, are to be annulled by such course of action
on the part of our government. At this stage of
affairs, there is too much good sense in the Gu
bnet to consent to such revolution in its
tions. Any attempt to coerce the clergy, would
be met with such a resistance as would lengthen
the contest, at much expenditure oflife and trea-
sure n is our policy TO protect that class, and
he, md hal
property and their religion. The clergy Of
Mexico, as we'll as Of every other country
are generally an intelligent, well-informed
class; and it appears to US that very little diff
hculty will be experienced in placing in
proper light the policy Of our government.
The institutions of the United States are
established upon the most liberal basis-free-
dom Of thought and action exists in every section
Of this great country. We recognize, and in all
instances where an opportunity offers. sock to
establish similar principles in other countries.
The clergy Of Mexico, there is very little
doubt, are anxious for peace, upon certain con-
ditions. They have nothing to do with boun-
dairy or bonus; they want quiet possession Of
their property, and no interference with their
religion or that Of the people. Guaranty these,
and we have peace at once; and that our govern
ment will do So we have not the slightest doubt,
all statements to the contrary notwithstanding
According TO recent accounts from the city of
Mexico, the inhabitants of the country, apart
from the sodery, seek the protection of the
American troops, and the slightest evidence of
movement on the part of the mass for peace will,
we have no doubt, b eseized at once by the Com
mander in Chiel in the field, and followed up
by the government.
In the event Of negotiations being resumed,
Mr.. Buchanan will probably leave for Mexico,
clothed with all the powers necessary TO bring
the matter to an honorable conclusion. In his
hands, the interest of our own country would be
properly provided for, and just consideration
would be exhibited for those Of the deluded mis-
guided, and oppressed eople Of neighboring
republic.