Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1847-12-18

the other northern States Of Mexico. II would
be blessing to these Northern States 10 have
their citizens protected against them by The power
OF the United States. At this moment, many
Mexicans, principally females and children, are
in captivity among them. II New Mexico were
held and governed by the United States we
could effectually prevent these tribes from com.
hitting such outrages, and compel them to release
these cap;ives and restore them to their familie.
and friends. In proposing to acquire New Mex.
leo and the CALIFORNIA;, il was known that but
an inconsidersble portion OF the Mexican people
would be transferred with them, the country en-
braced within these provinces being chiefly an
uninhabted region.
These were the leading considerations which
induced me to authorize the terms of peace
which were proposed to Mexico. They were
rejected, and negotiations being at an end, hos
tilities were renewed, and an assault was made
BY our gallant army upon the strongly fortified
places near the gates Of the city OF Mexico and
upon the city ITSELF and after several days of
severe conflicts, the Mexican forces, vastly supe
rior in numbers to our own, were driven from
the city, and it was occupied by our troops.
Immediately after information was received OF
the unlavorabe result OF negotiations, believing
that his continued presence could be productive
Of no good, determined to recall our Commits
sioner. A despatch to this effect Yves transmitted
to him on the 9Th October last The Mexican
Government will be informed OF his recall. and
that, in the existing state Of things, | shall not
deem it proper to make any further overures OF
peace-but shall be, at all times, ready TO re.
ceive and consider any proposals which shall be
made by MEXICO.
Since the liberal proposition Of the United
States was authorized to be made in April last,
large expenditures have been incurred, and the
precious blood Of many Of our patriotic fellow
citizens has been shed, in the prosecution OF tie
war. This consideration, and the obstinate per
severance OF Mexico in prolracting the war,
must influence the terms OF peace which it may
be deemed proper hereafter 70 accept. Our arms
having been everywhere Notwithstanding sub.
jected, TO our military occupation, large portion
Of the enemy's country, including his capital, and
negotiations for peace having failed. the import.
ant question arises, in what manner the war
ought TO be prosecuted and what should be our
future policy? | cannot doubt, that we should
secure ard render available the conquesis we
have already made, and that for this purpose,
we should hold and occupy, by our naval and
military forces, all the forts towns, cities and
provinces now in our occupation, or which may
hereafter fall into our Professionalism we should
press forward our. military operations, and levy
such military contributions on the enemy as may,
as far as practicable, de(ray the future expenses
OF the war.
Had the government Of Mexico acceded 10 the
favorable and liberal terms proposed, that mode
Of ad jus,ment would have been preferred. Mexico
having declined to do this and failed 10 offer any
other terms which would be accepted by the
U. States, the national honor, no less than the
public interests, requires that the war should be
prosecuted with increased energy and power, until
a just and satisfactory peace can be obtained.
In the meantime. as Mexico refuses all in
demnity, We should adopt measures 10 indemnify
ourselves, by aPPropria!ing permanently por.
ton Of her territory.
Early after the commencement OF the war,
New Mexico and the Cali(ornias were taken
possession OF by our forces. Our military and
naval commanders were ordered 10 conquer and
hold them, subject to be disposed OF by treaty
Of peace.
These provinces are now in our undisputed
occupation, and have been so for many months.
All resistance on the par, Of Mexico having
ceased within their limits, am satisfied that they
should never be surrendered to Mexico. Should
Congress concur with ME in this opinion, and
that they should be retained by the United States
as indemnity. can perceive no good reason why
the civil jurisdiction and laws OF the U. s.
should not at once be extended over them.
| To wait for u treaty of peace, such as we are
willing TO make, by which our relations to them
would not be changed, car mot be good policy whilst
our interests and that of the people inhabiting
them, require that stable, responsible and free
government, under our authority should be, n,
soon as possible, established over them. Shnult
Congress determine to hold these provinces perma.
nently, and that they shall hereafter be considered
constituent parts of our country, the early estab
lishment Of territorial government over them will
be important for the more perfect protection OF
persons and property, and | recommend tina, such
territorial governments be established. It will
promote peace and tranquility among the nhabi.
tants, by alaying all apprehension that they may
entertain Of being subjected again to the jurisdc.
| ton of Mexico. | invite the early and favorable
consideration Of Congress 10 this important sub
ject.
Besides New Mexico and California, there nr,
other Mexican provinces which have been reduced
TO our possession by conquest. These other Mex.
lean provinces are now governed by our niltar
and naval commanders, under the general author
ty which is conferred upon q conqueror by thu
laws Of war. They should continue to be held a.
means Of coercing Mexico TO accede to u 81
terms Of peace. Civil, as well as military
officers, are required to conduct such a govern
ment. Adequate compensation, to be drawn from
contributions levied on the enemy, should be fixe
by law for such officers as may be thus employed
What further may become necessary, and wha
final disposition it may be proper to make of them
must depend on the future progress of the war
and the course Mexico may think proper hereafte
| to pursue.
With the views entertain, ! cannot favor thu
! policy which has been suggested, either 10 with.