Democratic banner., 1847-12-20

ingly rejected. Tie Mexican Government
refused even to hear the terms Of adjust
ment which lie was authorized to propose,
and finally, under wholly uniustifable pre-
texts. involved the two countries in war, BY
Invading Territory of The State Of Texas,
striking the first Blow, and shedding the
biood of orr citizens on our own soil.
Though the United States were the ag-
grieved nation, Mexico commenced the
war, and we were compelled, in self de-
fence, to repcl The invader, and to vindi-
toate tie national honor and interests, BY
prosecuting it with vigor until We should
obtain a just and honorable pcac2.
Onleaining thathostilities had been COM
menced By Mexico, I promptly conimuni-
Gated that fact, accompanied with a sue
%icinct statement Of our other causcs' of COM
lplaint against Mexico, 10 Congress. and that
body, by the actof TIE 18th Of AIay, 1916,
declared, that b. act of the Republic of
Mexico, a state of war existed between that
Government and the United States. This
act, declaring the war 20 exist By the act of
the Republic CT Mexico, and making pro
vision for its rrnscrhlion, to 4 speedy and
successful termination, was passed with
great unanimity by Congress, there being
hut two negative votes in Tie Scnatc, and
bat fourteen ii tic House of Representa-
The existence Of the war having.
thus been declared by Congress, it became
my duty, under tic Constitution and the
laws, 20 conduct and prosecute it. This
dnty has been performed, and though at
every stage of its progress, I have mani
Tested a willingness 70 terminate it by a Just
peace, Mexico has rcftisct;to accede to any
terms which could be accepted by the Uni
led States, consistently with the national
homer ard interests. The rapid and brill
liant success Of orr armies, and the vast
extent Of the enciny's territory, which had
been overrum amd conquered before the
close Of the lastsrssion Of Congress, were
fully known TO that body. Since that time,
the war has been prosecuted with increased
energy, and lam gFatiied to state, with a
success whicli commands universal admira-
ton. History presents no parallel Of so.
many gIoriousvictcries achieved by any ma
ton, within 80 short i period. Our army,
regulars and volunteers, have crowned
themselves witiimperishable honors, when
ever and wherever our forces have encoun-
tered the enemy. Though he was i~nvaria-
bly, srperiori in numbers, and often cntrench-
ed in fortified positions, Of his own ~sclec-
lion and of great strength, he has been de-
fcatcd. Too much praise cannot be brstow-
cd upon our officers and men, regulars and
volunteers, and their gailantry, discipline,
~indnmitahle courage and persevcrance-al al
seeking the post Of dangcr, ard rieinG
with each other III deeds e noble daring.
While every patriothcart must exnlt, and a
just national pride animate, every Bosom,
beholding the high proofs of courage,
consumnmate military skill, steady discip-I
line and humanity to The vanquished enemy,
exhibited by orr gallant army, the nation is
called TO mourn over the loss OF many brave
officers and soldiers, who have fallen in de-
fence Of tli~ir country'S honor ard interests.
The brave dead mcs their melancholy fate
in a foreign land, hobly discharGing their
duty, and With their country's flag waving
triumpI,antly ia the face of the foe. Their
patriotic deeds are justly appreciated, and
viii long be remembered by their grateful
couuntrymcini.. The parental care; of the gov
mnent they love and served, should be ex-
tended to tiicir surviving families.
Shortly aft&r the adjournment Of the last
session of Congress, the gratifying mteili-
gence was received Of the battle of Buena
Vista, and Of Gle fall of the city of Vera
Cruz, and with it the strong Castle of San
Juan d'Ulloa, by which it was defended
Believing that after these and other sue
c%eeShsaes., So honor ableyto orr arms, and so dis
assttffoSust TO Mexico, the period ProPitious to
ford her an opportunity, if she thought