Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1847-01-07
The Great Question Of the Day,
From the National In,elligencer. ]

citizen Of great experience in public life
though now in retirement from it-de-
serves conspicuous place in our col
umns, on account of both Of its source
and Of its substance.
From Distinguished Correspondence.
The MEXICAN WAR No inieli-
gent and impartial man has examined the
origin Of this war that does not believe
it was provoked and brought on by the
Administration for party purposes. This,
have reason to believe, is the solemn
conviction OF "a very large proportion of
the intelligent men Of this country, with
out regard 10 party. | do not mean TO
say that we have not suffered great
wrongs from Mexico but has our con-
duct towards her been without reproach? |?
In violation Of our own laws, did not our
citizens essentially contribute to begin
and consumrnate the revolution in Texas?
The message Of the President, which at
tempts TO show that the war was COM
menced by Mexico, is undigni6ed, weak,
and erroneous. It., has the characteris-
tics Of county electioneering document
is without force, and many Of its facts
are wholly unfounded.
What could be more undigDified in the
President than to 60 behind the solemn
adjustments Of existing difficulties be-
tween the two Governments f? This he
has done, as though all the wrongs CON-
planned of by our Government were still
open and unad djusted by Mexico. Where
as injnries complained of have been set
tied, and an indemnify agreed to be paid
by Mexico, in part ascertained and in
part to be ascerained. Several Of the
ins,alments due under this arrang ment
were not paid, because Mexico was una
bic to pay them. Distracted by party
divisions, its resources exhausted by IN
ternal wars, with destitute population,
without any Of the recuperative energ les
of our own country,th Republic Of Mex
leo stands spectacle to the civilized
world. Its population is not enlightened,
and many OF its principal men are desi-
tute OF virtue apd patriotism, ...
Selfrespect, it would seem. should
have prevented the present Executive
from complaining of the non pay ment
Of the instalmen,s by Mexico. More
than half the States that voted for MIR.
Polk in the late election are equally in
default. And some OF them have repu-
dated their debts, at least in par.-And
il is worthy of remark that no Wing State
has failed TO meet its engagements.
This is subject for the deepest consid-
Grafton by the thinking men Of our coun-
trv-by men who have something 10
lose and something to protect and also
by those whose enterprise may justify
the expectation Of future acquisitions.
That territorial conquest was the prin-
cipal inducement to the war no one can
doubt. TO attempt 10 prove this, after
the iacts which are now before the coun-
try, would insult the understanding OF
your readers. To conquer peace"
meant nothing more nor less than to get
glory to the Administration by territori-
al acquisitions. And these, there is
ground to fear, in proportion to their ex-
tent, will be calamitous 10 our country.
This must arise from the lives which
will be lost, the immense debt that will
be incurred, the general steriIIty of the
territory acquired, and the wretched in
habiian,s that it contains.
Are the People of the United States
blind TO the imminent danger Of territori-
al ggrandizement We have territory
enough for population Of Two Hun
dred and Fifty Millions of People. Is
not this large enough to satisfy the most
extravagant desires for the future Has
history spoken in vain /? Shall we shut
our eyes to all its admonitions and exam
pies This very principle, inherent in
our nature, if unrestrained, will ruin our
Governme as it ruined all the free
Governments Of antiquity.
Are we content to be taxed to main
tain the annexation proposed TO con-
slider them as an indemnity for wrongs,
real or imaginary, would be absurd.
They will he burdensome, and must great
iy increase The expenditures Of The Gou-
ernmem. And the people inhabiting
these territories cannot be governed by
our laws, as they cannot be made to un-
dersiand them for several generations
Even Texas, rich and fertile as it was
declared to be, will add much to our pub
lie burdens. The creditors Of that State
are already asking payment of this Gov
ernment; and this was predicted by the
Wings. How many millions will be
paid on this account time only will show
But ifthese claims be added to the ex-
penditures Of the Mexican war, and the
increased burden by further annexation
Of territory, we shall have an amount
approximating, if it shall not equal, the
debt of our independence. From thi:
view, portentous OF SO much evil TO on,
country, | turn with alarm, and would
find if could ground Of hope for the
future. But there is no hope except ir
the good sense, virtue aud patriotism o
The people. And l seriously and ear.
nestly call upon them to consider the
own and their country's interests.
/ We are engaged in tho war, and how
shall we get out of it This is n grave
question, and one ,ha, involves our ma
uonal character. 1t is a great misfor
tune 10 have weak and wicked rulers
| ~ al. .x,,,,.y 90, a., 4, "a,