Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1847-01-02


its substance The general correspondence of the
views of the writer with those expressed in an Edi-
torial article Of some length in paper Of Friday
last whilst it gratifes us in high degree might al
most induce belief of previous understanding on
the subject between the writer OF this Essay and
the Editors the fact being, however, that its dis
tingushed author had, when he wrote it, had no OPP
portunity of reading the article referred to.
FROM DISTINGUISHED CORRESPONDENT.
THE MEXICAN WAR.-No intelligent and impair
tial man has examined the origin of this war that
does not believe il was provoked and brought on by
the Administration for party purposes. This, |
have to believe, the solemn conviction of
a very large proportion of the intelligent men of
this country, without regard to party. | do not
mean to say that we have not suffered great wrongs
from Mexico but has our conduct towards her
been without reproach? In violation of our own
laws, did not our citizens essentially contribute to
begin and consummate the revolution in Texas !!
The message of the President, which attempts to
show that the was commenced by Mexico, is
undlgnihed, weak, and erroneous. 1t has the cha
racteristcs Of county eectioneering document
is without force, and many of its facts are wholly
unfounded.
What could be more undignifed in the President
than to go behind the solemn adjustments of exist
ing difficulties between the two Governments
This he has done, as though all the wrongs com
planned of by our Government were still open and
unadjusted by Mexico. Whereas injuries COM
planned of have been settled, and an indemnity
agreed to be paid by Mexico, in part ascertained
and in part to be ascertaned. Several Of the install
ments due under this arrangement were not paid,
because Mexico unable to pay them. Dis
tracted by party divisions, its resources exhausted
by internal wars, with destitute population, with
out any of the recuperative energies of our own
country, the Republic of Mexico stands spectacle
to the civilized world. Its population is not en-
hghtened, and many of its principal men are desti-
tute Of virtue and patriotism. ..,
Selfrespect it would seem, should have prevent
ed the present Executive from complaining of the
non-payment of the nstaments by Mexico. More
than half the States that voted for Mr. Polk in the
late election are equally in default. And some of
them have repudiated their debts, at least in part
And it is worthy Of remark that no Wing State has
failed to meet its engagements. This is subject
for the deepest consideration by the thinking men
OF our country-by men who have something to
lose and something to protect; and also by those
whose enterprise may justify the expectation OF fu-
ture acquisitions.
That territorial conquest the principal in
ducements TO the war no one can doubt. To at
tempt 10 prove this, after the facts which are now
before the country, would insult the understanding
OF your readers. To conquer peace meant no
thing more nor less than to get glory to the Admin
istratlon by territorial acquisitions. And these,
there is ground to fear, in proportion their extent
VIII be calamitous to our country This must arise
from the lives which will be lost the immense debt
that will be incurred, the general sterility of the
territory acquired, and the wreched inhabitants it
contains.
Are the People Of the United States blind to the
imminent danger of territorial ACKNOWLEDGEMENT? We
have territory enough for population of Two Hun
dred and Fifty Millions of People. Is this
large enough to satisfy the extravagant desires
for the future Has history spoken in vain Shall
we shut our eyes to all its admonitions and exam
pies This very principle, inherent in our nature,
if unresrained, will ruin our Government as it ruin
ed all the free Governments of antiquity.
Are we content to be taxed to maintain the an
nexations proposed? To consider them as an in
demnity for wrongs, real or imaginary, would be
absurd. They will be burdensome and must
greatly increase the expenditures Of The Govern-
naenf. And the people inhabitng these territories
cannot be governed by our laws, as they cannot be
made TO understand them for several generations
Even TEXAS, rich and fertile as it declared &c
be, will add much to public burdens. The ere
ditors of that State are already asking payment Of
this Government; and this was predicted by the
Wings. How many millions will be paid on this
account time only will show. But if these claims
be added to the expenditures of the Mexican war
and the increased burden by further annexation Of
territory, we shall have an amount approxmating
il il shall not equal, the debt Of our independence
From this view, portentous of so much evil TO ON
country turn with alarm, and would find if could
ground Of hope for the future. But there is nc
hope except in the good sense, virtue, and patriot
ism of the people. And seriously and earnestly
call upon them to consider their own and thei
counry's interests.
We are engaged in the war, and how shall we
get out of it This is grave question, and one
that involves our national character. 1t is grea
misfortune to have weak and wicked rulers They
precipitate the country its evil destines, and be
come, IN the estimation of the world, identified with
It, Our party contests not understood and can
not be appreciated by foreign nations. We mus
stand by our country. We must keep its flag aloft
and maintain its stars and stripes at any and every
expense. But, at the same time, we should be Just
and we can afford to be magnanimous. Our enemy
has yielded to our military prowcss in every en-
gagement, having double our numbers This show,
great superiority, and il has given to our arm.
no common renown. Is not this glory enough
Does the nation desire more blood | believ,
not. Let, then, an honorable effort be made by on,
Government TO terminate the war. By giving Il
our weak and comparatively PROSTATE enemy hon
orable and Just terms, we elevate our own charac