Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-01-07
FROM A DISTINGUISHED CORRESPONDENT.
THE MEXICAN WAR.

FROM a DISTINGUISHED CORRESPONDENTS
THE MEXICAN WAR.
No intelligent and impartial man has examin-
cd the origin of this war that does not believe it
was provoked and brought on by the administra-
ton for party purposes This have reason to
believe, is the solemn conviction Of n 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 her own laws,
did not our citizens essentially contribute to be-
gin and consummate the revolution in Texas p
The message of the President, which attempts to
show that the war was commenced by Mexico,
is undigniiod, weak and erroneous. 1t has the
characteristics of a county eectioneerng docu-
meut-is withou. force, and many of It's facts
are wholly unioundcd
What could be more undgnfed in the Pres
ident than TO 90 behind the solemn adjustments
of existing difficulties between the two govern
ments This he has done, as though all the
wrongs complained Of by our Government were
still open and unadjusted by Mexico, Whereas
injuries complained of have been settled, and an
indemnity agreed to be paid by Mexico, in part
ascertained, and in part to be ascertaned. Sew
eral of the instruments due under this arrange
ment were not paid, because Mexico was unable
to pay them. Distracted by party divisions, its
tltute population, without any Of the recuperaive
energies of our own country, the Republic OF
Mexico stands a spectacle TO the civilized world.
It's population is not enlightened, and many of
its principal men are destitute Of virtue and pat
riotism.
Self-rcspect, it would seem, should have pre-
vented the present Executive from complaining
Of the non payment OF the lnstament by Mexico.
More than halftho States that voted for Mr.. Polk
in the late election are equally in default. And
some of them have repudiatcd their debts at
least in part. And it is worthy of remark that
no Wing State has failed to meet its engage
ments This is a subject for the deepest consid-
Grafton 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 future acquisi-
tons.
That territorial conquest was the principal In
dncement to the war; no one can doubt. To at
tempt to prove this, after the facts which are
now before the country, would insult the under
standing OF your readers. To conquer peace,
meant nothing more nor less than to get glory tc
the administration by territorial Acquisitions
And these, there is ground to fear, in proportion
to their extent, will be calamitous TO the coun-
try. THIS must arise from the lives which will
be lost, the immense debt that will be incurred
the general sterity Of the territory acquired and
the wretched inhabitants it contains.
Are the people of the United States blind to
the Imminent danger of territorial aggrandze-
lnent! We have territory enough for popula-
ton of Two Hundred and Fifty Millions of Peo-
pie Is not this large enough to satisfy the most
extravagant desires for the future? Has history
spoken IN vain s5trai we smut our eyes TO al
its admonltions and examples? This very prin-
cipe, Inherent in our nature, funrestrained, viii
ruin our Government, as it has ruined all the
free Governments of antiquity.
Are we content to be taxed to maintain the
anneXatons proposed TO consider them as
an indemnity for wrongs, real or imaginary
would be absurd. They will be burdensome
and must greatly increase The expenditures Of The
Government And the people inhabiting these
territories cannot be governed by our laws, a;
they cannot be made to understand them for sew
cral generations. Even Texas, rich and fertile
as it was declared TO be, will add much to oui
public burdens. The creditors 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 tc
the expenditures of the Mexican war, and the
increased burden by further annexation Of terri
tory, we shall have an amount approxlmating, il
it shall not equal, the debt of our independence
From this view, portentous Of so much evil tc
our country, turn with alarm, and would find i
could hope for the future. But there is nc
hope except In the good sense virtue and patr
otism Of the people. And seriously and ear
nesty call upon them to consider their own ant
their countrys interests.
We are engaged in the war, and how shall W.
get out of it? This is grave question, and one
that involves our national character. 1t is
great misfortune to have weak and wicked rul
ers. They precipitate the country on its evi
QeS ines. and become. in the estimation Of thf
world, identified with it. Our party contests
are not understood and cannot be appreciated by
foreign nations. We must stand by our country
We must keep its flag afoat, and maintain it.
stars and stripes atany and every expense. But
at the same time, VIC should be just, and we car
afford to be magnanimous Our enemy ha!
, yielded to our military p-owess in every engage
ment, having double our numbers. This show:
our great superiority, and 1t has given to GU
arms no common renown. Is not this glory G
nough? Does the nation desire more blood
believe not. Let, then, an honorable effort 81
made by our Government to terminate the War
BY giving to our weak and comparatively pros
trate enemy honorable and just terms, we elevate
; our own character. Let an effort be serious
y made, and trust it will be met in a prope
spirit by Mexico. 1t does not become grea
and powerful nation, in treating with weak one
to sickle about small matters. Punctiitousness
; may be allowed to PROSTATE adversary, con
scious OF his weakness yet jealous of his honor
But our country stands in no need OF these forms
.