Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1847-12-16

our western settlements. The territorial limits
of the State of Thxas, too, as defined by her
! laws before her admission into our Union en-
| brace ali that portion of New Mexico living east
of the Rio Grande, while Mexico still claims to
hold this territory as a part of her dominions--
The adjustment of this question OF boundary is
important.
| There is another consideration which induced
the belief that the Mexican government might
even desire to place this province under the pro-
lection OF the government of the United States.
Numerous bands of fierce and warlike savages
wander over it, and upon its borders; Mexico has
been, and must continue to be, too feeble to re-
strain them from committing depredations, rob-
berries, and murders, not only upon the inhabi-
tants Of New Mexico itself, but upon those OF
the other Northern States and Mexico. ltwould
be a blessing to all these Northern States to have
their citizens protected against them by the pow
er of the United States. At this moment, many
Mexicans, principally females and children, are
in captivity among them. IL New Mexico were
| held and governed by the United States, we could
effectually prevent these tribes from committing
such outrages, and compel them to release these
| ca aptives and restore them to their families and
| friends. So.
In proposing to acquire New Mexico and the
CALIFORNIA;, it was known that but an inconslder-
able portion Of the Mexican people would be
| transferred with them. the country embraced
within these provinces being chiefly an uhlnhab-
tied region.
These were the leading considerations which
induced me to authorize the terms OF peace which
] were proposed to Mexico. They were rejected;
and, negotiations being at an end hostlltles were
renewed. An assault was made by our gallant
army upon the strongly-fortifed places near the
gates of the city of Mexico, and upon the city
itself; and after several days of severe conflict;
the Mexican forces vastly superior in numbers I'd
our own, were driven from the city and it was
occupied by our troops.
Immediately after information was received OF
the unfavorable result of the negotiatiationS, be-
lieving that his continued presence with the ar
INV could be productive Of no good, determined
to recall our commissioner. despatch to this
effect was transmitted to Rim on the sixth of Oc-
tober last. The Mexican government Will be
informed of his recall & that intbe existing state
of things, | shall not deem it proper to make any
= further overtures of peace, but shall be at all
times ready to receive and consider any proposals
which may be made by Mexico.
=, Since the liberal proposition of the United
States was authorized to be made in April last.
large expenditures have been incurred, and the
precious blood of many of our patriotic fellow
citizens has been shed in the prosecution OF the
war. This consideration, and the obstinate per-
severance of Mexico in. protractng the war, must
influence the terms Of peace which 1t may be
deemed proper hereafter to accept.
Our arms having been everywhere victorIous'
. having subjected to our military occupation
large portion Of the enemy's country, including
his capital, and negotiations for peace having fall
/ ed, the important questions arlse-n what mani
ner The war ought to be prosecuted! And what
should be our future policy? cannot boubt that
we should secure and render avallab the conquest
which we have already made and that, with this
view, we should hold and occupy, by our naval
and military forces all the ports, towns, cities,
and provinces now in our occupation, or which
NAV hereafter fall into our possession; that we
should push forward our military occupations and
levy such military contributions on the enemy as
NAV, as far as practicable, defraJ the futFe ex-
penses of the war.
Had the government of Mexico acceded to the
equitable and liberal terms proposed, that mode
of adjustment would have been preferred. Mex
leo having declined to do this and failed to offer
|, anv other terms which could be accepted by the
United States the national honor, no less than the
rublc interests, requires that the war should be
!, prosecuted with increased energy and power url-
til lust and satisfactory peace can be obtained.
In the mean time as Mexico refuses all lBfemnI-
:, tv, we should adopt measures to indemnify our-
!, selves, by appropratng, permanently, portion
! of her territory. Early after the commencement
: of the war, New Mexico ana tHe CdiIio' ~ il'
> were taken possession of by our forces. Our
Z military and naval commanders were ordered 20
! conquer and hold them, subject to be disposed OF
5 by treaty OF peace.
!. These provinces are now III cur undiSputed
!. : occupation. and have been for many months
ali resistance on the part of Mexico having ceao
!. cd within their limits. am satis6eI thas the,
! ! should never be surrendered to Mexico. Shoul,
!. Congress concur with me ip this opinion, anl
that they should be retaire by the United States
4 as indemnity, can perceive no good reason VIII,
the civil jurisdiction am. laws of the United
;, States should not o. orce be extended over them
! TO wait for t.ea..y of peace, such as we are
;. Wiling to maze, by which our relations towards
!. them woulr .1e changed, cannot be gool policy
= whilst ore own interest, and that of the people
r nhaoI.ng them. require that stable, responsible
4 and free government under our authority should
: As soon as possible, be established over them.
,e Should Congress, therefore, determine to hoi
e these provinces permanently, and that they sha
hereafter be considered as constituent parts OF ou
Country the early establishment OF territorial gov
:. ernments over them will be important for IN
more perfect protection of persons and properly
VI and / recommend that such territorial govern
as men,s be established. 1t will promote peace oil
- TRANQUILITY among the inhabitants. by aiiayihg