Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1847-01-08


shall wave the enquiry altogether, and con-
tend that we would have been justified in orr
ginating the aggression at period long ante
rior to its actual preparation.
We had unadjusted difficulties with Mexi-
co which had been pending through long
series of years. She had amused and deceived
us by indecision and procrastination-and al
ter the annexation of Texas, which deem
proper and legal, she made pretext OF with
holding altogether our claims, and adding in
suit to injury by refusing to receive our ac-
credited minister. Now among all civilized
nations, where there are unadjusted difficulties,
and where, as in the case of Mexico, an ack-
nowledged wrong has been perpetrated, and
no, or an inadequate reparaton made, the ad-
versary has right to indemnify herself, by
force, for the injury. Mexico had got to that
point and seemed immovable in her purpose
What were we to do Coolly surrender our
rights? TRANQUILITY witness indignity hcaped
upon indignity' No. We were called upon
by the paramount duty of self-respect-by the
unredressed and accumulated injuries of our
suffering fellow-citizens, to indemnify our
selves for her injustice, and to chastise her for
her insolence.
Incapable of approaching the high and en-
nobling virtues of our nature, she had mista-
ken pity for fear, and our generous and long
forbearance for pusianimity. Was she not
making threats and preparing for an invasion
of our territory The history of the times
will abundantly prove it. To have anticipa-
ted her, therefore, would be the dictate of pru-
dence But that we committed the first act OF
aggression, am by no means disposed to adj
nit, only justify the deed, supposing it &C
tually done.
But our country is now involved in this
war, and whether it be right or wrong, every
good citizen will stand by her banner. We
had rather, to be sure, be in the right, for
:" thrice is he armed who has his quarrel JUS"
Right or wrong, we are bound to see it brought
to a fortunate issue But how shall it be
brought, most speedily, to such an issue >
Not, can assure you, by misrepresentation
by rendering it unpopular, and by throwing
obstacles in the way of its prosecution.
| So far the events of this war have been most
suspicious. Let us now pause and beware OF
the temptation of making it, war of ambition.
If we seek only indemnity, we have already
obtained il. In seven months we have sub
dued territory larger than the original thir-
teen States Let us stop here and act on the
defensive! Let us say to Mexico-you refu-
sed to do us justce-we have taken it into our
own hands-we have acquired territory sufh-
cient to indemnify us-we hold possession,
and if you are dissatisfied, come and take it
back, # you can?
The country we are now in possession of,
assuming FORTS Southern boundary the paral-
lei of latitude $50, comprises all Mexico to
its Northern boundary, and between the Gulf
and the Pacific Ocean. South of this we do
not want You cannot mix the old and dense
population of Mexico with ours, but the North
ern region would soon amalgamate-th hardy
pioneers of the West would readily mingle
with and overshadow their sparse population.
We would give them stable government, fol
the want of which they seem paralyzed in all
their efforts towards civilization. The con-
quest of the country would eventuate in real
blessing to the inhabitants. An immense tract
of country, withheld by the selfish policy OF
the Spaniard, invites the emigrant to its bo-
SON. From the earliest periods OF history,
civilization has been pressing towards the set
ting sun. May ii not be an ordinance OF
If it be such, you cannot stop it-you moral
ize in vain. In vain you spin your casuistry
to its most attenuated thread, still the wave
will roll onward and westward. May not the
Saxon race be the favored race of Providence
to carry out its portentous destiny 1t is far
in advance Of all others in civilization and the
arts to render life desirable. Should the war
of invasion stop here, the expense would not
be much felt by Government. think could
show, automatically, that there would be moth
ing alarming in the cost. but hate statistics
they are often fallacious--besides it is the
laboratory of the miser
Establish Gordon Of military posts between
the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific 1t would
be necessary, for some time, to protect the
country against the invasion of Mexico, anC
in few years such would be the influx o.
population into that region that it could pro
tect itself, l say the country would soon b.
capable of protecting itself No Mexican, il
arms, would dare cross the line of demarca
ton. From the 25th to the 49th parallels O
latitude-from the Rio Grande to the Pacific
the hardy Saxon race would soon cover tn,
land-sprlnging up and vegetating as if sowl
by broadcast swing of the arm. | woult
not advance one step further South. Haras
her commerce, if you please, and blockade he
ports, it may bring her to her senses sooner
but cannot look upon the advance of on
Army further South without awful and anx
, ious apprehensions, and could speak witt
the trumpet tongue of an angel, | would war;
them to go no further.
In conclusion, nations, like individuals, ar
; often their own worst enemies, and canno
but deprecate that demon of discord which j
ever preying upon the vitals of our republic