Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1847-01-15

known to be disposed TO peace measures. In
the course of few days, we will hear some
thing definite.
THE SINEWS OF WAR.
1t seems to us, that the United States are
placed in rather an awkward predicament by
the recent action of the House of Representa-
tives We are in the midst of a war with
Mexico. Our troops have already advanced
far into the interior of the country; and it is
admitted, upon all hands, that the war must
now be continued, until Mexico evinces dis
position to accede to our overtures for peace.
For we suppose that there is no man in the
country, who would desire or wish to see our
troops withdrawn from the territory of Next
co under existing circumstances. We cannot
now retreat without covering ourselves with
eternal disgrace Even those who are of the
opinion that the war was unnecessarily enter
ed into, must admit, that we have gone so far
that we cannot now pause or retreat. From
the very force Of circumstances, we must now
prosecute the war till peace is concluded in
some shape or form In this view of things,
Mr.. Polk calls upon Congress for the means
to carry on the war with vigor, in order to ter
inmate it as soon as possible. He asks the
GO Smews of War; and unless Congress grants
them, we do not see what is to be done He
recommends that the free list, that is, those
articles which, under the present tariff, (act of
400 are admitted free of duty, shall be taken
up, and such of them as will best bear the
burden, shall be taxed And this he recon-
mends IS war measure only. He also re-
commends that loan of twenty millions
of dollars shall be authorized by Congress, for
the purpose of meeting the extraordinary eX-
penses of Government incurred by the war :;
and Mr.. Walker, the Secretary of the Treasu
nv, says expressly, that it will be necessary to
impose a tax upon some articles in the free
list-particularly on tea and cofee-in order
TO negotiate the proposed loan on advantage
Gus terms In view of this state of the coun-
try and its finances, what is the course which
the House Of Representatives pursues =
Why, in the first place, Mr.. Wentworth, a
leading member from the West, introduces
resolution to the effect that it is inexpedent to
impose a duty on tea and coffee; which
resolution is adopted by large majority
Again, the Executive recommends an increase
in the regular army to the amount of ten new
regiments; and a bill is introduced for the pur-
pose, from the Committee on Military Affairs,
which gives rise to a discussion covering about
fortnight; thus delaying the organization OF
this new force, which is absolutely necessary.
Is this not pretty predicament in which the
government is placed? What is to be done !?
VIII the present Congress refuse to grant the
proper supplies to carry on the war? We
zens of the Republic are willing and ready TO
pay any amount of taxes necessary for the
vigorous prosecution of the war; and it does
seem to us, that a duty laid upon the free list,
during the war, is the most appropriate plan
which can be adopted. But it is inexpedient
to tax tea and coffee Why should these ar
ticles not be taxed, especially as war mea-
sure? Are they not as proper subjects for
taxation as sugar, molasses, and salt Surely
they are. Really we must confess that the
Democratic party in Congress does not pull
together as we think it ought in justice to it.
self and in justice to Mr.. Folks administra-
ton. We do hope and trust that better state
of feeling will be brought about, and that the
National Legislature will second the Execu-
tive in vigorous measures for the speedy and
honorable termination of the present war. The
whole country is now looking to Congress,
and we earnestly trust that it will not be dis
appointed. One thing is certain, the Admins
traton has thus far boldly and vigorously per-
formed its duty in the matter, and should the
war now languish, or should disasters over
take (Which Heaven forbdo our gallant army
now in the enemy's country, the fault will lie
at the door of Congress, and not with Mr..
Polk or his cabinet. But we will hope for
the best. We cannot but believe that our
friends in Congress will see the evils which
are impending over their heads, should they fail
to act up to their whole duty in the present
crisis