The Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1846-1852, 1847-08-06
G1r Ganfasttr Ga3rtte.
Fridny Morning, Augusl Q, Isl7
WhoIcsnIc AnnexaGom.

We we're told by the President and his
followers, ut the commencement of the
outbreak between the United States and
Mexicogthat this was not a war of Con-
quest, but that certain rights had been
violated, that the honor of our nation had
been furnished, and all that the Govern
ment of this nation hoped or desired to
gain, was a compensation for injured
rights aud a salvo for wounded honor.
This consists, the end being considered,
not in conquest, oh! no, but merely the
annexation Of Mexican Territory to the
Union. No one could call that conquest.
A few more p~roclamations like that of
Gen. Kearney to the Californians and the
eyes ofthe people will begin to be open
ed to the object of the war. He says
that the United States has devolved upon
him the civil governmental of california and
that he enters upon his duties with an ar
doEt desire to promote the interests ofthe
country. He does not consider it a tenn
porary acquisition-merely to be held
during the continuance of the War, to
be given up should peace be made on such
terms-but permanent, "as long as the
sun shall shed its light"
:, Heal him.
1.-THE undersigned by these presents absolves
, ali the inhabitants Of California Of my further al
leginnce To the Republic of Mexican, and regards
them as citizens OftlIe United States. Those who
remain quiet and peacable will be respected and
:. protected i'll their rights: but should any enc take
\ up arms against the Government OF this territory,
or join such AS do SO, or i~nstigate otlcsr TO do so.
2 all these he will regard as enemies, and they
. will be treated us such
: This, it must be understood is written
under the sanction of our government.
1t absolves Mexicans from allegiance to
> theirown country and admits them into
. full citizenship with the United States.
! What would an American think of
= Great Britain should she send an army
p into Ohio, absolve our citizens ION all
allegiance to the United States aud make
y them subjects of the British King? Do
: you think she could do in But we are a
great people, this is a great country, our
President is mighty ruler, and although
an lrishinan or German has to serve an
! apprenticeship of several years before he
can become a citizen under the constitu-
+. ton, yet the "barbarous, half civilized
: Californians, without about one half the
qualifications, can be naturallzed by the
, mere machinery of a proclamation.
. The Omitted States" says the General
in his proclamation, twas afraid that some
y European power would steal California
$ from Mexico and through fear ofthis, our
u armies invaded the country aud took pos.
q session of it," Very we'll. 1t must be
confessed that the United States had a
peculiar regard for Mexico and a very
ardent affection for California to show SO
much interest in their behalf. But hear
him aguin:
For many years California has suffered great
- domeslic commissions; froE, civil wars like poison.
6 cd fountains, have flowed calamity aud pestilence
over this beautiful region. These fountains ure
now dried up the stars and stripes now float oveI
I California, and as long us the sun shall shed il
u light they will continue 10 wave over her aud
over the natives of the country, aud over those
who shall seek n domicile in her bosom; and un'
der the protection of this lag agriculture must ad
II vance, and the arts and sciences will flourish like
# seed ina rich aud fertile soil.
These promises and declarations all look
. very fine upon paper; but then if these
s ha lf.civilized Mexicans are so hard ia
: govern, how does ii happen that the foun.
= tains arc so soon dried up, that those con.
/ %vulsions and civil wars have so soon ceas
y cd to cause suffering to the people? And
is the General quite certain that the stars
and stripes shall wave over California as
: long as the sun shall shincl If this be
the case, then is the power of our Presi.
dent and his General superior to all pow
or. The people have nothing TO say
Congress has nothing to say--The Prosi.
dent alone is tho supreme governor ofthis
+ country. He can annex territory. He
, can naturalizc foreigners. He can
conquer nations. In his hands is the
. power to send the stars and stripes over
D the whole world and to Cause them to
wave ovor all nations, provided he sees
: proper to bring tho whole world under
his Jurisdiction, Where is our constitu.
I tionl Where arc our laws2 Where are
J, the laws ofnationsl Are they of no bind.
ing obligation because James K. Polk
happens to DO President of the United
/ Statesl No, says the President. No,
! says his General Kcarney. But.
"Amoricuns and CALIFORNIA; from hencefertl
= one people. Let us then indulge i'll one desire
one hopei let that be for the peace and tranquility
q of the country. Let us unto like brothers, ant
h mutually strive for the improvement aud advance
mcnt of this our beautiful country, which within
n short period cannot fail to be not only beautiful
@ but also prosperous and happy"
There the laad 10 iona A~nnaYaiiot