The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1847-11-02
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER Q, 1897.

)
ignorance or disregard OF the principles of
individual freedom; we adulierate the na-
tionaI character with an alloy which it
will require centuries to purge away.
But we need not dwell upon this view
Of the subject. The Mexican States will
not voluntarily accede to our Union.--
They hate us TOO heartily; they condemn
us as heretics, ,detest us as their invaders
and conquercrs, are jealous of our supe
rior intelligence and enterprise, and will
not enter into a partnership which TO
them seems odious and unequal. If the
annexation therefore is TO be effected, it
must be by force; the Republic must be
overrun, sublugated; its defenders beaten
in detail, lis strong places occupied, its
disafiected communities chastised into
submission; military projects must preside
in the different provinces, and I'VE must
hold the country for years by military
government, a despotism. We must fol-
low the sinister example of Britain in O.
verrunning and governing the provinces
of India. The executive will acquire
new and enormous sources OF patronage,
in the appointment OF governors for the
provinces, themselves in turn the dis
pensers OF subordinate patronage; The ge-
MUS Of our nation must become military,
and the habit of force, thus become inyet-
crate, will naturally react upon The char
acter of our Government. We shall be
changed from a people Of peaceful pur-
suits, among whom public order is pre-
served by public opinion, to the condition
of those Governments which rule by
patronage and fear.
'fhe other source from which We
quote is an intelligent Baltimore journal.
which we resort TO because, although
Wing, il has manifested heretofore con-
siderable toleration for President PoLK's
beiIigeren, proceedings against Mexico:
FROM THE BALTIMORE CLIPPER.
TENPER OF TnE TIMEs.-Wllen we
first enaged in war with Mexico, it was
officially proclaimed that our object was
mot conquest, but 10 obtain justice; aud
this declaration was reiterated on all oc-
caslons Tor certain perlod.s Then came
the annunciafion thai we wanted a por-
ton of the Mexican territory, but would
be content 10 pay fair equivalent in
money for it. As our prospect Of acqui-
sition advanced, however, our views seem
to have expanded until the temper of Tie
times has assumed an aspect threatening
TO the national existence of Mexico. First
the New York Sun urged upon Govern
ment the necessity Of conquering the
whole of Mexico. This suggestion was
adopted BY a few papers Of less import
ance; but still there seemed to be ne Sc
rious disposition entertained by the peo-
pie Of the United States or ahv Govern
ment 10 embrace course so expensive
and uncertain in It's result within few
days past, when The oiFicial organ at
Washington contained the oniinous inti-
nation that the sublugation Of Mexico
might become necessary; and we very
much fear that less than the whole will
hardly satisfy our cormorant appetite Tor
territory. But we should count The cost
of the acquisition before we undertake to
make it. The war so sar is said 10 have
cost US the lives OF twenty thousand men,
and from eighty 10 one hundred millions
Of dollars. At this rate what will be the
sacrifice oflife and money 10 obtain per-
nanent possession Of the whole Of Mexi-
co! Aud how arc men and means TO be
procured! Loans TO a limited amount
may beprochred and armies can be raised;
but we doubt whether either can be OBJ
tained for the purpose OF conquering and
holding the whole Of Mexico. We may
overrun the country with oui iorces, but
permanent conquest will require the keep
ing OF a large standing army for an in
definite period. ~
To our view the conquest of Mexico
would be a most unwise act we're it just
and practicable. But it would be mani
festly unjust. We may. we think, with
propriety retain possession Of conquered
cities and levy contributions ia aid Of the
war until Mexico be willing to make
peace; but such places should be surren-
.4rsa
dered to the enemy on the cessation of
hostilities. We should set an example
Of moderation and justice 10 other Pow
ers, even il self-preserva,ion did not de-
mand such policy. But itrequircs no
prophet TO foresee that the subjugation
and annexation OF Mexico would bring
discord and dissolution to the Union. We
-. tEi
hope, then. if the idea fannexing Mexi-
co to the United States be entertained by
Government it will be Abandoned Let
the war against that country be prosecu-
ted with renewed vigor, but let our ears
be always open to receive the offer of
honorable peace.
Previous TO the invasion ofMexico by
order offRe President, the Government
Of that country agreed to receive a Com
missioner TO settle the question OF boun-
darv oriS,,ry fr,,Y, The e,,,,ax- fsz., &c sFvax