The Evansville journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1834-184?, 1847-01-28
THE POLICY.

AT this moment the House of Representa-
ives is engaged upon bill 10 add ten new
egimenis to the egulral army;ye few days
ago it refused 10 lay tax which the Secre-
larry of The Treasury declared was absolutely
necessary for the prosecution of The war. On
The one hand we find symptom of activity
a projected increase of military force, look
ing towards vigorous hostilities; while on
the other hand, in the rejection of the de-
mand for money, without which nothing can
be done, we discover signs OF disposition to
stop aggressive operations.
The same want of a definite purpose, or
of decision in striking for it, has been mani
tested continually by the Executive branch
of the administration. From the official pa
per valorous outpourings, ever since the war
broke out, have come by fits and srarts-by
sudden blasts dying away as suddenly. Al
one time nothing would be heard but loud
vauntlngs of the terrible things that were to
be done Immediately, if not sooner-ihe war
was TO be carried into the heart of Mexico
blow was 10 follow blow, victory to succeed
victory, until the standard of the Republic
should overshadow the Halls of the Monte
zumas and we would dictate peace with
Mexico in her own capitol. Yet, as we have
said, these bursts of the martial trumpet
came by fits and starts. A gentle calm pre-
vailed while the process of smuggling Santa
Anna into Mexico was going on. The Pres
ident was felcitating himself with the hope
of peace. Another pause took place when
the answer of Mexico was awaited 10 the pa
cific overtures of MIR. Buchanan.
Again when the government directed Gen.
Taylor 10 terminate the Monterey armistice
everybody supposed the evasive and procras-
tnaling character Of the Mexican Govern
ment waste be deferred 10 no longer. For
ward was the word. The Union blew its
trumpet more loudly than ever. But the en-
ergetc prosecution of the war, then announc-
ed, required that Gen. Taylor should be at
once supported by reinforcement and sup
plies. Was he TO be supported? No, he was
not. A period of dull naction followed
Once more the administration took to lis bo-
som the delusive hope that Mexico would
come 10 terms-that she was only waiting
for her Congress TO assemble for an oppoitu
nifty TO treat. After an interval of some
months the President summoned energy
enough to call for nine regiments OF volun
teers which are not all organised yet; anc
there is now pending. before Congress, bill
Cor ten regiments OF regulars-a measure
not yet acted upon, and which probably will
not be definitely disposed of until some in
teligence shall be had of the doings Of the
Mexican Congress.
SIT remains TO be SEEM" says the Presden
speaking in his message of Santa Anna
"whether his return may not yet prove TO be
favorable TO pacific adjustment of the ex
listing difficulties" Here is the key proba
bly, TO considerable portion of the series o
hesiatons and delays which have marked
The course of the administration on the sub
ject of the Mexican war. The Presden
still calls for the special appropriation of tw'
millions, thinking TO make it available in ne
| COLLATION..
The other alternative of stopping the pro
gress of aggressive operations and of assum
ing defensive attitude on the frontier al
ready occupied by our troops, has been sug
gested either by the evident reluctance G
the administration TO go thoroughly and de
cisively into The war with determination t
fight it out to The last, or by the convictio
that such course if resolutely adopted migt
yet lead TO bloody conflicts and great expense
How long Mexico will endure our blows be
fore acknowledging herself conquered-ho
long the war may be maintained among he
mountain Businesses after the large cite
shall have fallen into our possession, this uI
, solved problem puzzles and staggers.
All this ought 10 have been thought of,
5 may be said before we crossed the Rio Grand
True many things ought TO have been tho
of before our troops were ordered TO move
e that river. But whether war exists by oil
j act or by The act of Mexico, the fact is clei
. that war does exist; and The manner in whic
it is to be conducted, whether by offensi'
: or by defensive operations, is the very que
ton now. requiring q speedy solution. {
e all the difficulties attendant on the presel
!, state of things that of uncertainty as to ii
). course to be pursued is probably the grea
= est.
| W. H.