Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1847-11-18

scssing it, has right 10 determine upon the
motives, causes and objects OF wars when
once commenced, or at any time during the
progress OF their existence.
4ih. Resolved as the farther opinion OF
the meeting That il is the duty OF Con-
gress TO declare, by some authentic act, tor
what purpose and object the existing war
ought TO be further prosecuted that II 10 the
duty OF the President, 10 HE official capacity,
TO conform to such q declaration OF Congress ;
and if, after such declaration, the President
should decline or refuse 10 endeavOr, by all
the means, civil, diplomatic and military, IN
his power to execute the announced will OF
Congress, and in defiance Of its authority,
should continue and prosecute the war for
purposes and objects other than those de-
clared by that body, it would become the
right and duty of Congress 10 adopt the most
efficacious means to arrest the further pro-
gress OF the war; taking care to make ample
provisions for the honor, the safety and Sc
curity of our armies in Mexico, in every con-
tingency and if Mexico should decline or
re fuse to conclude a treaty with Us, stipula-
ting for the purposes aud objects so declared
by Congress, it would be the duty Of the 60.
vernment TO prosecute the war with the Ut
most vigence, until they were attained by a
treaty Of peace.
5th. Resolved, That we view with serious
alarm and are utterly opposed 10 any purpose
like the annexation Of Mexico TO the United
States in any mode, and especially by con.
quest that we believe the two nations could
no, be happily governed by one common
authority, owing to their great difference OF
race, laws. language, and religion, and the
vast extent of their respective territories,
and the large amount Of their respective pop
ulat ions a.; that such union, against the con-
sent of the exasperated Mexican people,
could only be effected and preserved by
large standing armies, and the constant ap'
plication Of military force: in other words,
by despotic sway, exercised over the Mex
lean people, in the first instance, but which
there would be just cause to apprehcnd
might. in process Of time be extended over
the people of the United States that we
deprecate, therefore. such a union, Is wholly
incompatible with the genius Of our govern
ment, and with the character o: our free and
liberal institutions and we aDxiously ho?e
that each nation may be left in the undistur-
bed possession OF It's own laws, language,
cherished religion, and territory. to pursue
its own happiness according 10 what II may
deem best for ITSELF
9th. Resolved, That, considering the Sc.
ries of splendid and brilliant victories achieved
by our brave armies and their gallant com.
manders, during the war with Mexico, un.
attained by a single reverse, the United
States, without any danger Of their honor
suffering the slightest tarnish, can practise
the virtues Of moderation and magnanlmlty
towards their dlscomflted foe we have no
desire for the dismemberment Of the Republic
of Mexico bu, wish only just and proper
fixation Of the limits OF Texas.
7h. Resolved, That we do positively and
emphatcaly dsclaim and dsavow any wish
or desire on our part, to acquire any foreign
territory whatever, for the purpose Of propa-
eating slavery. or Of introducing slavery from
the United States into any such foreign ter
ritory.
9Th. Resolved that we invite our fellow
citizens Of the United States, who are unx-
ous for the restoration of the blessings OF
peace, or If the existing war shall continue
10 be prosecuted, or desirous that its purp,,se
and object shall be defined and known; who
are anxious to avert present and further per-
lis and dangers with which il may be fraughi;
and who are also anxious to produce con-
tentment aud satisfaction at home, and to el
evale the national character abroad, 10 as
semble together in their respective commu.
mites and to express their views, feelings
and opinions on the subject.