Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-01-01
WASHINGTON, Dec. I6, 1886.

In both Houses, to-day the Mexican war mat.
ter was The theme Of discussion. In the Senate
the debate occurred on a motion Of Mr.. Wescou
10 refer that part Of the Presidents Message re-
lating to the conQuess of California and New
| Mexico, to the Committee on Terrories.-
Should this be carried, it would appear that they
are recognized as Territories ofthe United States,
which both parties deny. The Resolution was
finally laid on the table, the Wings voting for
laying IN the table, the LocoS generally against
it, by vote of % 10 %.
! In the House. after the reception Of petitions,
Mr.. Pollock, ofPa. made movement 10 have the
Tariff of I842 restored, during the war, rather
than to tax tea and coffee. motion to sus-
pend the rules, 10 give notice Of this measure,
failed by a vote of 73 TO 10. The Southern Lo-
co-Focos boast that it will not be long before the
Tariff of 1916 is modified by q still further ap-
Proclamation to Free Trade.
| The House has resolved itselfinto Committee
ofthe Whole. Mr.. Gentry Of Tennessee open
ed the debate with splendid speech on the Mex
ican war. How glorously do such sentiments
ofan Independent Representative compare with
the groveling homage oftho pandersto Executive
power, who forget their character as Representa-
tives ofthe People in their volunteer defence of
the throne and sovereign.
He said that he spoke more to show that he
was not afraid to speak. Others might defend
Ipower-it was his destiny, as we'll as that of the
Wing party with which he acted, TO defend the
people. There are times when as much patriot
ism is necessary to defend the people. There
are times when as much patriotism is necessary
to defend the Constitution and the people, as to
defend the Executive, or even the mountain pas
Of IN nh Il
war with foreign foe.
He denied the Presidents assertion that this
war was not waged for conquest, he asserted that
it was for conquest. He gave reasons for not be.
lioving the President, He referred to his asser.
tions on Oregon. We all recollect that he went
for Sd deg. 40 mn.-that Senator had said
that if Mr. Polk should ever consent to settle
ment on 40 deg. he would sink to political dam
nation so deep that the hand of Resurrection
would never reach him-yot the President did
this very thing.
Mr.. Folks Message was tissue of low dema-
gogueical filings, intended TO make the people be-
lieve lie. Mr.. Polk thought he could initiate
his illustrous predecessor, and by rushing in, as
fools will do, where angels fear to tread hoped to
make his name luxurious as that of Tyler, Of
whom he was but second edition. He hoped,
by doing something rash and ultra, to make the
people know in some way, "who is James K.
Polk"
This was war commenced and carried on in
such a way that il would be moral treason not TO
denounce the way in which it was begun and is
carried on. lfthe ndignities heaped upon us by
Mexico were just causes of war, WHY were they
not brought before Congress3 He thought quite
likely that he would have voted for a war, but
he protested against the President usurping the
power TO declare war.
He was opposed to these movements. II
would bring up question in its most objecnona-
bic form, which had more than once shaken the
foundations of our Union. The threatened cal
amity had been averled by distinguished states.
man not now in public life, and he doubted
whether there was disnterested patriotism enough
now in the public councils 10 avert the calamity
again.
Mr.. Kennedy Of Indiana, got the floor from
number of candidates. He began by stating that
MIR. Gentry had ovowed himself willing to s'give
aid and comfort to the enemy" At the expla.
nation Of Mr.. Genwy he had to Withdraw that.
Mr.. Gentry explained that he said he would
share the Presidents denuncaton, to show him
thar he despised and scorned him.
Mr. hehneoy proceeded by-the.way, to
show you how such things are done, believe it
is understood that Mr.. Boyd of Kentucky, who
was in the Chair, by previous arrangement, gave |
the floor TO Mr.. Kennedy. By this arrangement !
the worst speakers on our side always obtain the
floor al important crises.
Mr.. X. said he would show that the Wings {
were guilty Of the blood shed in this war, and
how did he prove III Because The Wings had
spoken against inception of this war; and the An.
nexation of TexasI In other words, whoever
speaks werd in favor of truth and justice, is