Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1847-12-15
ogTTIoN TO vRArGNu Is oRESazEMc = eoD.u-rna
AVENNA, OHIO Is, 1917

LAVA r1C, 5tIo1ts s-. Ey iE ~
binds of fierce and warlike savages wan
der over it. NJ exico has been and must
continue to be too feeble to restrain them
from, committing depredations, robberies
and murders, not only upon the inhabitants
OF New Mexico itself, but upon those OF the
other Northern States of N exico. 1t would
be n blessing to all these Northern States
to have their citizens protected against them
by the power Of the United States
At this moment many Mexcans, princi-
pally females and children, are in captivi-
~ among them. If New Mexico were
.Eseld and governed bs the pnited States,
we could efectiidfty prevent these tribes
from committing such outrages. and COM
pei them TO release their captives and re-
store them to their families and friends.
In proposing to acquire New Mexico
and the Caltornias, it was known that but
an inconslderable portion Of the Mexican
people would be transferred with them, the
country embraced within these provinces
being chiefly an uninhabited region.
These were the leading considerations
which induced me to aulhorse the terms of
peace which were proposed to Mexico
They were rejected, and negotiations being
at an end, hostilities were renewed, and an
assault was made by our gallant army upon
the strongly fortified places near the gates
of the city Of Mexico, and upon the city it.
SELF and after several days Of severe con-
tlict, the Mexican forces, vastly superior in
numbers to our own, were driven from the
city and it was occupied by our troops.
Immediately after information was Ie-
ceived Of the unfavorable result of negotia-
tlons, believing that his continued presence
with the army could be productive Of no
good, determined to recall our Commits
sioner. A despatch to this effect was trans
mitted to him on the 9Th Of October last.
The Mexican government will be informed
of his recall, and that in the existing state
of things | shall not deem itproper to make
any further overtures Of peace, but shall
be at all times ready to receive and con-
slider any proposals which may be made by
Mexico.
Since the liberal proposition of the Uni
ted States was authorized to be made,in A
pril last, large expenditures have been in
Cured, and the precious blood Of many Of
our patriotic fellow citizens has been shed
in the prosecution Of the war. This con-
81 i1eration, and the obstinate persever-
ance of Mexico in protractlng tho war,
must influence the terms ofpeace which it
may be deemed proper hereafter to accept
Our arms having been everywhere VIC
torious, having subjected to our military oc-
cupation large portion of the enemy's
country, including the capitol, and negotia-
tons for peace having failed, the inpor-
war ought to be prosecuted, and what should
be our future policy? cannot doubt that
we should secure and render available the
conquests which we have already made,
and that with this part we should hold and
occupy by our naval and military forces,
all the port towns and provinces now in
our occupation, or which may hereafter fall
into our possessions; and we should press
forward our military operations, and levy
such military contributions Oh the enemy
as may, as far as practicable, defray the
future expenses of the war.
Had the government of Mexico acceed-
ed to the favorable terms proposed, that
mode Of adjustment would have been pre-
ferred. Mexico having declined to do this,
and failed to offer any other terms which
could be accepted by the United States, ma
tional honor no less than the public inter-
est requires that the war should be prose-
cuted with increased energy and power,
until a just and satisfactory peace can be
obtained.
In the meantime, as Mexico refuses all
indemnity, we should adopt measures to in
demnify ourselves, by appropriating per-
manently portion of her territory. Ear
ly after the commencement of the war,
New Mexico and the Californies were ta-
ken possession of by our forces. Our mill
tary and naval commanders were ordered
to conquer and hold them subject to be dis
posed Of by a treaty of peace.
These provinces are now in our undis-
puted occupation, and have been so for many
months-all resistance on the part Of Mex
leo having ceased within their limits. |
am satisfied that they should never be sur
rendered to Mexico. Should Congress
concur with me in this opinion, and that
they shonld be retained by the United States
son why the civil jurisdiction and laws Of
tLn6 OlltGu otuL0S StlOulu 1T OIIC0 D0 OK
tended over them. To wait for treaty
of peace,such as we are willing to make, by
which our relations towards them would be
changed, cannot be good policy, whilst our
own interest,& 81 that fthe people inhabiting
them, require that stable, responsible, land
free government, under our authority,
should be as soon as possible established O.
yer them.
Should Congress therefore, determine to
hold these provinces permanently, and that
they shall hereafter be considered rs con-
stituent parts Of our country, the early es-
tablishment of territorial governments over
them will be important for the more perfect
protecli' n persons& property; &l recon-
mend that such territorial ialgovernmentsibe es-
tabished. 1t will promote peace and tranquil
ity among the inhabitants, by allaying all
apprehension that they may still entertain
Of being again subjected to the jurisdiction
of Mexico. | invite the early and earnest
consideration of Congress to this important
subject. ..-l ~ ''@#F.
Besides New Mexico and the CALIFORNIA;,
tboro .,ro othar Mayic,p oroyinooe 1yh ich