The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-04-03
Senator Corwin's Consistency

-
g In his late speech, Senator Corwin, in answer
10 question Of his own asking, how the United
States became involved in the war with Mexico,
says, sit was by the act and will of the President
alone, and not by the act ar will of Congress- the
war-making department of the Government
s'that the President. and not Congress, declared
and commenced this war;"
On the 18th day Of May, ls46, this same Senator
Corwin voted for the bill authorizing the President
to raise fifty thousand volunteers to prosecute the
war with Mexico;-the bill also declared that "by
the act Of the Republic Of JMerieo, a state of war
exists between that Government and the United
States" (See Senate Journal. May IL, 1876, page
2Ss.) Only two Senators voted against this law
they were Mr. Thomas Clayton, and honest John
Davis, who, during the late war with Great Bri.
tain. threw up his hat. and rejoiced at the success
Of British arms.
Again. Senator Corwin, on page fourteen of
his speech. says,
"Satisfy me that my country was in
peaceful and rightful possession be-
tween the Nueces and Rio Grande,
when General Taylor's army was Or
dered there-show me that at Palo
Alto and Resaca de lag Palmas blood
was shed on American soil in American
possession, and then for the defence of
that possession--I will vote away the
last dollar that power can wiring from
the people, and send epery man able to
bear musket, to the ranks of war;
But until | shall be thus convinced, du.
ty to myself, to truth, to conscience,
to public justice, requires that persist
IN every lawful opposition to this war;"
At the time Senator Corwin made this declara-
ton he very well knew that i. was not to maintain
possession of the territory between the Nueces and
Rio Grande. but to re-eonqusr the ,choie of Texas
chat Mexico declared war against the United
States. The Mexican Minister had declared that
his Government would regard the annexation of
Texas as equivalent to declaration of war. This,
we say, Senator Corwin well knew-for on page
ten of bis speech. he says:
The Mexican "Minister resident at |
that Court Of yours stated at the time
that this revolted Province of Texas
was claimed by Mexico, and that i'll
you received it as one of tho sovereign !
States Of this Union, right or wrong, it
was impossible to reason with his peo-
ple about it--they would consider it as
an act Of hostiHty." y + "Her
Minister, his remonstrance failing,
leaves you. He tells you that he can.
not remain, because you had created,
by this act, hostile relations with his
Government"
Senator Corwin is willing (such is the import
of his language) to "vote away the last dollar that
power can wiring from the people, and send every
man able to bear musket, to the ranks of war;"
If Gen. Taylor had only remained on this side of
the Nueces; or if the United States "was in peace
full and rightful possession of the country between
the Nueces and Rio Grande." But because Gen.
Taylor went beyond the Nueces, Senator Corwin
Gays:
"While the American President can
command the army, thank Heaven.
can command the purse. While the
President, under the penalty of death,
can command your officers to proceed,
/ can tell them to come back, or the
President can supply them as he may.
He shall haze no funds from me in the
prosecution of war which | cannot
approve"
The above are specimens of Senator Corwin's
Consistency. What confidence can the American
people place in the opinions of Senator who has
no more regard for consistency, veracty and pa
triotism, than has Senator Corwin? Can his views
be relied upon-hs statements believed, or his :
patriotism trusted! Can there be found single
American sentiment in his whole speech! We [
doubt it. II
Senator Corwin's Veracity.
Oc nS {