The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-03-31
The Mexican War-Opinions of the Mexican
Press and PcopIe-Our Duty.

The cheering intelligence which we published
yesterday of the safety Of the gallant old Rough
and Ready, the invincible hero OF Palo Alto, &C.,
Sc, and the glorious victory which he achieved
over the whole of the Mexican army, under the
command of their ablest general, caused, as
might naturally be expected it would, the most
unbounded JOY and delight wherever it reached
Our citizens felt immediate relief from the anx-
iety they had for his safety. Although they had and
have unbounded confidence in his sagacty, pru-
dence, bravery and foresight, yet the tremendous
forcs which it was known had determined to at
tack his little band, they feared would overpower
itby the force ofnunbers. Dependency and doubt
have given place 10 delight and Thanksgiving
that the gallant soldier is not only safe, but has
conquered a victory greater in its immediate and
ultimate results than even his former ones The
old general stands higher than he ever did in the
estimation of his fellow citizens, if were possible
for him to do SO.
If the defeat of the Mexicans has been so grea
as is represented, it will be difficult matter for
them to raise another army that would be willing
10 face our soldiers again. The question then
arises what will be the effect Of this victoryl
Will it, and the reduction of Vera Cruz and .S
Juan de Ul1a, accelerate peace, or will the Mexi
cans still continue TO prosecute the war; To an
swer this question, we must if possible ascertain
the feelings and views of the influential classes of
the Mexicans, and this we have the means of
doing.
Two days after Santa Annals letter announc
ing his intention of giving General Taylor battle,
had appeared in the Mexican papers, El Repub
licon0, which is looked upon as the best
index TO public feeling in Mexico, in discuss
ing the results Of that battle, which it states had
tnen probably taken place, holds the following
language in regard, in the first place, to the OBJ
lects of the war;
States North cannot be worhily maintained unless
the whole nation is profoundly convinced that its honor
and its interest mperavely require that hould be pro-
secuted with insuperable enegynot to be shaken by
reverse, satisfied with partial victory Such is the
true point Of view 0ihe question at this moment
Nations do not wage war. save to preserve and So
their rights and hence II follows that when they
have justice on their side they should lay down
their until they have obtained these important ends
In Mexico is defending the interests Of her
tonaly her territory and her resisting the nva
sion with which the people of the United States threaten
loan Union, and to extend themselves he cont-
nent We therefore, must regard as object in the
war the preservation OF our territory and the establish
ment of relations which shall assure its future security
On the probable duration of the war, in the
opinion Of the Mexican people, that journal, re-
Neither of these ends can be obtained without pro
longed To believe the contrary TO suppose that
single battle is TO decide the great question is TO mistake
the OF H. and TO cherish fatal to the Repub
liz. Among nations there are epochs in which their no
and their interest impose upon them great sacrifices
and then becomesa duty to submit to nem, Whatever
they may be-
Thus, then, we see the most influential journal
in Mexico say that the war is not to be decided
by single battle, and that the obi ects for which
the war was commenced cannot be obtained
without prolonged war This certainly is very
significant.
And again, on the same point, the same paper
states -
Even should to day obtain q victory, II we examine
we'll the situation OF eairs we cannot deceive ourselves
with the hope Of an honorable peace The territory o.
Texas having been incorporated with the American
Union, the Union will TO its dsme
unless ~ forced 20 by great reverses and anxious to
ooqufe all The land In the north Of our Republic have
seen pre ndus TO extend the boundaries of Texas In
manner shamsiuily niquitous Thus II has claimed
the ine o. me kIo Bravo Del Nore the righul boun
Gary oil Texas and IN its las, propositions according to
some Of the papers proposes to occupy ali the territory
eomprehended by line running from the mouth OF the
srnyo ana GLOWING mat parallel Of latitude to the shore
Of .he Pacic whereby we should lose one half of No a
Republic, and have aided dangerous neihhors in az
curing upon this continent perncions
rance. And in truth II IL not 10 be expect ed that tn
viii abae from these ignominous proposals 90 long ~
they DO not feel the full burden Of the war and
tie advantages which they have ganed-beng master,
al long line OF coast OF towns Of cities and States no
IN their occupation Under these circumstances a yico
~ which should destroy one division of their army o
should restore 10 Of our cities would not suite
~ change the aspect Of affairs. But the other hand
by proongng the war; the Anerican Union will be mad
T. feel oil the weight Of the expenses which IL has
c0untered; II will be constrained 10 replace every da
s troops and to contend with difficulties Of climate an
var which will pervsde every part Of our Republic
Thus then tho continuation Of the anecessary 10