The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-08-14
From the Washington Union.
"What are we Fighting fOr!"

Is question frequently reiterated in
querulous tones by the whig press--a
question which those who put it take
good care to answer in a manner satis-
factory to themselves, and to the NAL
contents whom they address, and one
which might be answered in a very
different sort, did the country require
an answer to be given.
Thanks, however, to the intelligence
and patriotism Of the mass Of our peo-
pie, they need not to be informed Of
their rights, or be stimulated TO vindl.
cate them. They are aware of the
long course of outrage and aggression
by which the war with Mexico was
forced upon this country. They know
that it was commenced to repel inva-
sion, and that it is continued not to
crafty lust for conquest, Or satiate a
thirst for revenge, but to obtain a peace
which shall be permanent and enduring,
and such indemnity for wrongs inflicted,
as the immutable rules Of justice entitle
US to. yd fat5.Ig a. r.et
But while The insidious question with
which this article is commenced is very
properly disregafded by the community
at large as being, in the sense in which
it is put, impertinent in manner, and
seditious in motive; one of similar inn
port might be asked in different state
Of feeling, and the answer to it would
be of the deepest interest to all who
have the welfare and prosperity Of
their country at heart. 1t is not our
present purpose even to enumerate,
much less to expatiate upon, the, i'm
mense incidental advantages which
must accrue to ourselves, to Mexico,
and the whole human race, from our
contest with the last named county,
A. single one of the great events which
must grow out of the present state Of
things, affords ample theme for rsfiec-
ton, and requires an abler pen than
ours TO do justice to its Importance.
Our hostilities with Mexico will
doubtless solve the grand problem,
"Who is to establish the communica.
ton between the Atlantic and the Pa
cific" For a long series Of years it
has been topic OF discussion almost
the civiizedworld, by whom
and in what manner, these two oceans
should be connected. The govern
ments Of England, France, and Spain,
the Spanish American Republics, and
latterly our own, have all, at different
times, had the subject under considera-
ton, Individual enterprise has been
aroused, plans have been suggested,
projects set on foot, companies charter
ID, and every thing done except the
work itself. While all have admitted
The Importance Of this mighty under
taking, the impediments to its execu->.
lion have been as numerous as the par.
lies who have contemplated 1t. We
will glance at a few Of them, by way
If showing that they still exist, and are,
or an indefinite time, likely, in most
:ases, 10 continue TO exist. England
ind France have been, and still con.
inue to be, deferred from this enter.
,riss by political considerations, which
will be apparent to any one who con.
iders their relative position TO each !
,ther, and the Jealousy growing out Of
I. Spain, once possessing the uniis-
,oted right, together with. abundant
means, to execute and hold the work.
legfected it till she had lost the one and