The daily national Whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1849, 1847-08-17
THE TERRITORIAL ISSUE.

opening Of his administration, TO so shape
things, and to so execute his office, as 10 COM
pei the Democratic party 10 renomlnate him
as their candidate for the Presidency, in lo4e.
And it is also becoming very evident to the
most careless observer, that his object in bring
Ing on the Mexican war was TO create a terri
torial issue before the country, upon which, II
he were the nominee OF the Democratic party,
he could be elected.
That he has succeeded in great measure,
so far, in destroying the political influences Of
his Democratic rival aspirants for the Presi-
dency, is matter Of political history. As
things at present stand, Mr.. Polk has the best
chance for the Convention nomination in ls4S.
His election is another question; into which
SO many aud SO untoward elements have thrust
themselves, in spite of Mr.. Folks exerlions 10
the contrary, that il is impossible for him to
contemplate the result with any degree OF sat.
isfaclion. ,.
That the bringing on Of the war had sin
lister and selfish purpose is plain, from the
manner in which the Administration has waged
it. Never, at any time, has the energy Of the
country been brought into play TO force the
enemy 10 make peace. Just enough men and
means have been called into the field 10 aggra,
vate the enemy, and incile him 10 new resist.
ance. When peace threatened 10 follow the
battles Of the Rio Grande, Mexico was fur
nished by the President with the only chiel
who could make her people fight; and he
counted not in vain upon Santa Annals Prov
sent far into the interior of the eneniy's coun.
try, to invite, as II we've, the attacks Of the
Mexicans, and seemingly 10 fall prey 10 su
perority Of numbers. Their own good swords
saved them from this catastrophe-not the
wisdom and foresight of the Administration
All this policy was intended, it is now plain
TO prolong the war, and exasperale the enemy
into continued opposition.
1t has long been believed by those who are il
connection with the government here, that the
design Of the repeated offers Of peace to the
Mexicans has been, and still is, 10 gain the
sympathies of the American people in favor Of
the President. The argument has been, ant
is-See, have done all that an honorable man
can do and they still refuse to treat. It has
been and is now believed that this repeated
rejection Of our oyertures will rouse the coun
try 10 such pitch of scorn against the foe as
| IN in tho p,,hi, mind dou,ro In III,
gate the whole Of Mexico Every day. ever,
hour makes it plain that such are and hav,
been the objects Of the Administration, an,
within the law few days new evidence Of this
fac, has been forced upon The attention. Ter
ritorial acquisition is The political shIbboletl
now of the Democratic party.
The question then foows--will the oppo
nents of the Administration join issue with
on this subject? 1t is plain, it is the desire O
the Administration that they should. The Pre-
sident from the inception of this war has look
ed to this state of things. 1t is the issue upo
which he has determined to 60 into powe
again, if he goes there at all. The war ques
ton has obviously forced the Democratic par
ty to meet together and sustain his administra
ton, when no other question could or woul
have done it. So far he has judged well of III
power Of the instrument he has used. II hi
opponents will only go against territorial ac
QUESTION, il will he all he desires. He believe
and hasobelieved that upon this question, n
party can stand, which goes against acluis
ton Of territory, and all his acts prove that
is anxious to try this issue before the people
with himself as the Democratic candidate lc
the Presidency. s.a.,.
This state of things being now clearly see
awaiting us, il remains for the opposition |
take ground What ground will they take
We are pleased to learn that there are minds a
work in the country devising a policy to b
pursued in this matter which will absorb tn
dangerous question of the extension or non
extension Of slavery by Congress, and deiea
the objects Of the President upon his owl
ground We shall revert 10 this subject to
morrow.