The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-12-11
" ri E G A 4 E ID d N A N.

Power snail, WIN our cOnseHl, DG PeIHitto"
to plant or establish any new colony or do
mnion on my purt of the North American
continent, must be maintained. In mnintaln-
ing this principle, and in resisting its invasion
by any foreign power, we might DO involved
in other wars more expensive and more diff
cult than that in which we arc now engaged.
The provinces of New Mexico and the
CALIFORNIA; are contiguous TO the territories
of the United States, and if brought under
the government of our laws, their resources
mineral, agricultural, manufacturing, and
mmercinl--would soon be developed
Upper California is bounded on the north
by our Oregon possessions; aud if held by the
United States, would soon be settled by II har-
dy, entcrprising and intelligent portion OF
our population. Tho bay Of San Francisco,
and other harbors along tho California coast,
would afford shelter for our navy, for
our numerous whale ships, and other
merchant vessels employed in the Pacific o.
cenn, and would in short period become the
marts of an extensive and profitable com
merce with China, and other countries Of the
East.
These advantages, in which the whole
commercial world would participate, would
mt once he secured TO the United States by
the cession of this territory; while it is GER
tain that as long as it remains a part of the
Mexican dominions, they can be enjoyed nci-
Their by Mexico herself nor 10y any other ma
ton.
New Mexico is n frontier province, and
has never been of any considerable value 10
Mexico From its locality, it is naturally
connected with oar western settlements
The territorial limits of the State of Texas,
too, as defined 10y her laws, before her admis-
sion into our Union, embrace all that portion
Of New Mexico lying cast of the Rio Grande,
to
nv as part of her dominious. The adjust
mont Of this question of boundary is impor-
tant.
There is another consideration which in
duced the bclicfthat the Mexican government
might even desire 10 place this province un-
der the protection Oft government Of the
United States. Numerous bands of fierce
and warike savages wander over it, and up
on its borders. Mexico has been, and must
continue 10 he, too feeble 10 restrain them
from committing depredatons, robberles,and
murders, not only upon the inhabitants of
New Mexico itself but upon those ofthe 9TH
or northern States of Mexico. 1t would he Il
blessing to all those northern States 10 have
their citizens protected against them by the
power of the United States. AT Ibis
moment, many MeXicans, principally te-
males and children, are in captivity among
them. IfNew Mexico were held and gov
crned by the United States, we could cflectu-
ally prevent these tribes from committing
such outrages, and compel them to release
these captives, and restore them 10 their fam
lilies aud friends.
In proposing to acquire New Mexico and
the CALIFORNIA;, it was known That but an in
considerable portion of the Mexican people
would be transferred with them, the country
embraced within these provinces being chief
ly an uuinhabited region.
These were the leading considerations
which induced me to authorize the terms of
peace which were proposed 10 Mexico
They were reelected; and negotiations being
at All end, hostilities were renewed. An as
sault was made by our gallant army upon the
strongly fortified places near the gates OF the
city Of Mexico, and upon tho city itself; and
after several days of severe conhict,the Mex
lean forces, vastly superior in number TO our
own, were driven from the city, and il was
occupied by our troops.
Immediately after information was receiv-
ed of the unfavorable result of the negotia-
tons, believing that his continued presence
with the army could be productive of no
GOOD, determined to recall our commissions
ef. A despatch to this effect was transmit
ted 10 lin on the sixth of October last. The
Mexican government will he informed of his
recall: and thatia the existing state ofthings,
shall not deem it proper 10 make any further
overturcs ofpcace, but sh2i! be at all times
ready to receive and consider any proposals
which may be made by Mexico.
Since the liberal propositions ofthe United
States was authorized to be made in April
last, large expenditures have been incurred,
and the precious blood of many of our patri-
otto fellow citizens las been shed i'll the pros
ccution ofthe war. This consideration, and
the obstinate perseverance of Mexico in pro-
81, g
peace which it may be deemed proper here
after to accept
Our arms having been everywhere victori-
ous, having subjected to our military occu-
patton large portion of the enemy's couu-
try, including his capital and negotiations
for pence having failed, the important ques-
tons arise, In what manner rhe war ought to
be prosecuted? and what shall be our future
policy? | cannon doubt that we should Sc
cure and render available the conquests which
we have already made; and that with this
view, we should hold and occupy, by our ma
val and military forces, all the ports, towns
and provinces now in orr occupation, OF
which may hereafter fall into our possession
that we should press forward our military
! operations and levy such military contibu
tons on the enemy, as may, as far as practl
cable, defray the future expenses ofthe war
| Had the government of Mexico acceded t
the equitable and liberal terms proposed tina
mode of adjustment would have been pre-
lerred Mexico having declined to do this
and failed to offer any other terms which
could he accepted Ivy the United States, TIT
national honor, no less than the public inter
ests, requires that the war should he prose
cuted with increased energy and power unit
a just aud satisfactory peace can he obtain
ed. In tho meantime, MS Mexico refuses al
indemnity, we should adopt measures to in
demnify ourselves, by approprinting perma