Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1847-12-16

prlI last, large expenditures have been
incurred, and the precious blood o.
many of our patriotic fellow citizens
: has beer shed III The prosecution Of he
war. This Consideration, and TIE ob
s'inatc perseverance Of M"xiro IN pro-
tracing the war, must ihAurHce In.
terif's Of peace which it may be deemed
proper hereafter to accept
Our arms having been everywhere
victorious, havirg subjected to our mi
'ltary ectuPation large portion Of the
enemy's county, including his capital,
and negotiations for peace having fail
| ed, the important questions arise, In
what. manner the war oiight to be pros
ec,,ed , and what shall be our future
policy cannot doub, that we should
secure and render available the con-
quests which we have already made;
and that, with this view, We should
hold and occupy, by our military and
naval forces, all the ports, towns, and
cities, and provinces nov in our octu-
patton, or which may hereafter :all into
our possession that we should press
forward Our military operations, and
levy such military contributions on the
enemy as may, as far as practicable,
defray the future expenses of the war.
Had the government of Mexico &C
eeded to the equitable and liberal terms
proposed, that mode Of adjustment
would have been preferred. Mexico
having declined to do this, and failed
to offer any other terms which could be
accepted by the U. S., the national
honor, no less than the public interests,
requires that the war should be prose
cu,ed with increased energy and pow
er until just and satisfactory peace
can be obtained. In the meantime, as
Mexico refuses all indemnity, we should
adopt measures to indemnify ourselves,
by appropriating permanently portion
of her territory.
Early after the commencement Of the
war, New Mexico and the CALIFORNIA;
were taken possession ofby our forces.
Our military and naval commanders
were ordered to conquer & hold them,
subject to be disposed by treaty of
peace.
These provinces are now in our un-
disputed occupation, and have been so
for many months; all resistance on the
part Of Mexico having ceased within
their limits. am satisfied that they
should neyerbe surrendered to Mexico.
Should Congress concur with me il.
this opinion, and that they should be
retained by the BuitrdH Stntrs
demnity, l can perceive no good rea-
son why the civil jurisd c ion and laws
of the United States should not at
once be extended over them. To wait
for treaty of peace, such as we are
willing to make, by which our rela-
lions towards them would not be
changed. cannot be good policy;
whilst our own interest, and that OF
the people inhabi,ing them, require
that stable, responsible, and free
government under our authority, should
as soon as possible, be established over
them. Should Congress, therefore,
determine to hold these provinces per
manent!y, and that :hey shall hereafter
be considered as constituent parts OF
onr country, the early establishment OF
territorial governments over them will
be important for the mere perfect pro
tec:ion ofpersons and property; and
recommend that such territorial gov
ernments be established. 1t will pro
mote peace and tranquility among the
inhabitants, by aIlaying all apprehen'
sion that they may still entertain of be
ing again subjected to The jurisdiction
of Mexico. invite the early and ia
yorable consideration Of Congress Il
this important subject.
! Besides New Mexico and the Cali
fornias, there ATE other Mexican pro
vinces which have been reduced TO GU
. possession by conquest. These othe
3 Mexican provinces are now governed
? by our military and naval commanders
, under the general authority which ]:
4 conferred upon c5ndH 'f 81 he law
5 of war. They should continue 10 b.
, held as means Of coercing Mexico e
. accede to Just terms Of peace. Civil
as we'll as military officers are required
: to conduct such government. AIDE
qnate compensation TO be drawn from
: contributions levied on the enem,
, should be fixed by law for such Officers
; as may be thus employed. Wha, fur
Z ,her provision may becomes necessary
$ and what 6nal disposition il may b
!. proper to make of them. mustsdepent
an ths future progress Of the war, an
5 the course which NJ ex.cp may .thml
!. proper hereafter to3aaes
With the views entertain, ! canno
8 favor the policy :whiehs has 9rsn s',g
: gesiefl, ei,her.Ein yi,hsI 80 -arrn,
altogether, pr ID ESll5 9. ignale &