The northern tribune. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1847-1855, 1847-11-19


objects as he may deem the honor and interest
of the Nation to require.
| Sd. Resolved That, by the Constitution of
the United States, Congress being invested
with power to declare war and grant letters of
marque and reprisal, to make rules concerning
| captures by land and water, to raise and sup.
port armies to provide and maintain q navy,
and to make rules for the government of the
land and naval forces, has the fullest and most
complete war making power on the part of the
! people of the United States, and SO possessing
| it, has right to determine upon the motives,
causes and objects of the War, when once
commenced, or at any time during the pro-
gress of its existence.
4th. Resolved, In the farther opinion of
this meeting that it is the duty of Congress
to declare, by some authentic act. for what
purposes and objects the existing War ought
to be further prosecuted : that it is the duty
of the President, in his official capacity, to
| conform to such declaration of Congress; and
! if after such declaration the President should
decline or refuse to endeavor, by all the means,
civil, diplomatic and military, in his power, to
execute the announced will of Congress, and,
in defiance of its authority, should continue
to prosecute the War for purposes and objects
other than those declared by that body, it
would become the right and the duty of Con-
gress to adopt the most eficacious measures
to arrest the farther progress of the War, TAX
ing care to make ample provisions for the
honor. the safety and security of our Armies
in Mexico, in every contingency and if Mex
leo chould decline or refuse to conclude
treaty with us, stipulating for the purposes
and objects SO declared by Congress, it would
be the duty Of the Government to prosecute
the War with the utmost vigilance, until they
were attained by treaty Of Peace.
! 9th. Resolved, That we view with serious
alarm and are utterly opposed to any purpose
like the annexation of Mexico to the United
States in any mode, and especially by con-
quest; that we believe the two nations could
not be happily governed by one common au-
thority. owing to their great differences of
Race, Law, Language, and Religion, and the
vast extent of their respective territories, and
the large amount of their respective popula-
tions that such union, against the consent
Of the exasperated Mexican people, could
only be effected and preserved by large Stand
ing Armies, and the constant application of
Military force in other words, by despotic
sway exercised over the Mexican people in
the first instance, but which, there would be
just cause to apprehend might in process of
time, be extended over the people of the
United States that we deprecate. therefore,
such union as wholly incompatible with the
genius of our Government and with the char
acter of our free and liberal institutions and
we anxiously hope that each nation may be
left in the undisturbed possession OF its own
laws, language, cherished religion and territory.
to pursue its own happiness according to what
it may deem best for itself.
9Th. Resolved, That, considering the series
| of splendid and brilliant victories, achieved by
our brave armies and their gallant command
ers, during the War with Mexico, unattended
| by single reverse, the United States, without
any danger of their honor suffering the slight
est tarnish, can practise the virtues OF modera-
| ton and magnanimity towards their discom-
fitted foes. We have no desire for the dis
memberment of the Republic of Mexico, but
wish only just and proper fxation OF the
( limits of Texas.
7th. Resolved, That we do positively and
emphatcally disclaim and disavow any wish
or desire on our part to acquire any foreign
territory whatever for the purpose OF propa-
eating Slavery, or of introducing Slavery from
the United States into any such foreign ter
rtory.
Sth. Resolved, That we invite our fellow
citizens of the United States, who are anxious
for the restoration of the blessings of Peace
or, if the existing War shall continue to be
prosecuted, that its purpose and object shall
be defined and known; who are anxious to
prevent present and future perils and dangers
with which it may be fraught; and who are
also anxious to produce contentment and salts
faction at home and to elevate the National
character abroad-to assemble together in
their respective communities, and express
their views feelings and opinions.
| Mr.. Clay, after these resolutions had been
read. opened his remarks by again stating his
! unwillingness to have his remarks reported.
or published, until they had undergone hip
supervision, as the subject upon which he
was about to speak was one upon which he
was especially DESTROYS not to be misrepresent-
ed lie then proceeded to compare the
gloomy aspect of the weather with the pres