Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-05-06
NEGOTIATIONS FOR PEACE.


Inumations, in letters from Washington, are
very frequent and apparently not without au-
thenticity, that the new proposal Of peace has
been forwarded by our Government TO MeXi.
co. The chief clerk Of the State Department,
Mr.. TRlsT, is supposed to be the BEARER of the
overture.
The terms Of this proposal, as indicated by
report, are SO exachng as TO render their ac-
cep,ance by Mexico rather doubtful Forex-
ample, it IS given out that our line of bounda.
~ is TO run as far south as Paras, including
all Of New Mexico aud upper California, all OF
Chihuahua, all of Sonora, and parts Of Tam
aulipas, Coahuila, Durango and lower Cali
fornia. Why not 60 to the Sierra Madre al
once2
The line Of the Rio Grande as far as the
Passo del Norte, and thence TO some point on
the Pacific which would give US the harbor oil
San Francisco, would be line which Mexico
might be disposed to conclude an adjustment
upon. If we insist upon further dismember-
ment protraction OF the war is likely enough.
The idea of annexing an inhabited territory,
occupied aud cultivated by foreign people
foreign in language and race, in habits, usagees
and associations--is as repugnant TO the wish
es Of our people, we believe, as II certainly
adverse TO the spirit of our institutions. a
hostile population Incorporated INTO our point
cal system against their wlll-the thing upon
the very face of it is at war with all the prln-
ciples upon which our Union and lis ins,ltu-
lions ofrepublican selfgovernment are found
ed
To extend annexation, then, across the Rio
Grande, at this time, would, evidently, be pre-
mature. The country beyond would have 10
be governed by military occupation, by force;
we should have to send 10 Chihuahua, and
other places, Governors with pro consular
authority beautiful illustration Of freedom!
In speaking on this subject Of annexation
one should look at the tendencies OF things,
and without insisting on preferences must re-
gard the inevitable. To many the whole bus
mess Of annexation is displeasing. But if we
cannot have things as we would wish,
we must take them as they are. and be
prepared for what is TO come.
In expressing the belief, then. thar annexa.
ton beyond the Rio Grande would be prema-
ture at this time, the inumation is undoubtedly
implied that it would not be unreasonable at
some period hereafter. Well; that is our
meaning. And the reason is that the north
ern States of Mexico, lying between the Rio
Grande and the Sierra Madre, must in due
course Of time become SO Americanized that
annexation viii come of their own motion;
they will seek it--insist on it--and will il not
be effected!
The conclusion Of the present war will leave
many elements of Anglo Saxonism in that
part Of Mexico. Matamoros and Canargo.
Monterey, Saltillo and Chihuahua, occupied
by our troops, will retain not only the effects
Of the occupancy in an increased activity and
enterprise, infused by our contact and exam
pie, but they will have also many American
residents who will settle permanently there
When peace is established there will be i'm
migration 10 those salubrious regions, where
delightful climate prevails throughout the
year. Thus will the ties Of afiilation grow
up and strengthen between that portion OF
Mexico and our Union; and thus annexation
may naturally follow.
The unity Of the valley of the Rio Grande.
in geographical point ofview, would require
in the end, the conjunction OF that part which
extends to the Sierra Madre. Beyond that
bold and rugged chain of mountains new geo
logical CONGREGATIONS extend, having their
own afinities. The compact portion Of Mex
leo, with its special individuality as nation,
is found beyond the Sierra Madre. The North
eTn departments have ever hung loosely as
appendages of the body polite rather than as
part and parcel it. The central govern
ment has always found Itself unable to defend
them from the hostile savages.
Viewing annexation as progress, which,
having once started, must 60 on until some
terminus is reached where its progressive i'm
pulse may be exhausted, or where twill meet
with reactive barriers that must stop its fur
ther advance, we confess a solicitude 10 avoid
all occasion ioD additional war and violence
in the course Of the inevitable tendency.
Let US allow Time to work for US, instead
of the sword. The war spri, is now satiaed,
sick. The nation applauds the achievements
gifts brave soldiers, and is filed with admira-
ton at their heroisn, while shudder of re-
pugnance is felt at the necessity which causes
the slaughter Of miserable Mexicans defend
ing their soil from invasion and their homes
from the intrusion OF foe. Baltimhe Amer
ieoa april &c