Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-12-16

out paying for them, and TO reouire contribu-
lions for lis support" in that way he was salts
fled he could get abundant supplies for his
forces" In directing the execution of these in
structions, much was necessarily left TO the dis
cretion of the commanding officer, who was
best acquainted with the circumstances by
which he was surrounded, the wants of the ar
my and the practicabity of enforcing the meas
ure.
Gen Taylor, on the twenty-sxh of October,
1916, replied from Monterey, that " it would
have been impossible hitherto, and is now, 10
sustain the army TO any extent by forced contri-
buttons of money or supplies" For the reasons
assigned by him, he did not adopt the policy of
his instructions, but declared his readiness TO do
so, should the army, in its future operations,
reach position of the country which may be
made to supply the troops with advantage
lie continued TO pay for the articles of supply
which were drawn from the enemy's country
Similar instructions were issued TO Major Cen
eral Scott on the third OF April 1S47, who repli-
ed, from Jalapa on the twentieth of MAY, 1S47,
that, il il be expected that the army is 10 sup
iport itself by forced contributions levied upon
The country, we may ruin and eXasI eiate the
inhabitants, and sarye ourselves" The same
discretion was given 10 him that had been 10
Gen. Taylor in this respect Gen. Scott for the
reason assigned by him, also continued 10 pay
for the articles Of supply for the army which
were drawn from the enemy.
After the army had reached the heart of the
most wealthy portion of Mexico, it was suppo-
sed that the obstacles lhich had before that
time prevented il would ifot be such as 10 render
impracGcable the levy OF forced contributions
for lis support and on the 1st of September,
and again on the 9th of Oct 1917, the order
was repeated in dispatches addressed by the
Secretary of War 10 Gen. Scott and his atten-
ton was again called 10 the importance of ma
king the enemy bear the burdens of the war by
requiring them to furnish the means of support
ing our army and he was directed TO adopt this
policy, unless by doing so, there was danger of
depriving the army Unnecessary supplies. Cop
les of these dispatches were forwarded 10 Gen.
Taylor for his government.
On the 3lst of March last, | caused an order
10 be issued TO our military and naval comman-
ders 10 levy and collect military contribution
upon all vessels and merchandise which might
enter any of the ports of Mexico in our military
occupation, and TO apply such contributions to-
wards detraying the expenses OF the war. By
virtue of the right of conquest and the laws of
war, the cOnqueror consulting his own safety or
convenience, may either exclude foreign COM
merce altogether from all such ports he may pre-
scribe Before the principal ports of Mexico
were blockaded by our navy, the revenue deri-
we'd from impost duties, under the laws of Mex-
CO, was paid into the Mexican treasury. After
these ports had fallen into our military posses
sion, the blockade raised, and our COM
merce with them permitted upon prescribed
terms and conditions.
They were opened 10 the trade of all nations
upon the payment of duties more moderate in
their amount than those which had been prev
iously levied by Mexico and the revenue,
which was formerly paid into the Mexican treas
ury, was directed 10 be collected by our military
and naval officers, and supplied 10 the use of
army and navy. Care taken that the Off
GERS, soldiers, and sailors of our army and navy
should be exempted from the operations OF the
order: and as the merchandise imported upon
which the order operated must be consumed by
Mexican citizens, the contributions eXacted
were in effect, the seizure of the public reven-
ues of Mexico, and the application of them TO
our own use. In directing this measure the
object was 10 compel the enemy TO contribute,
far as practicable, towards the expenses of
the war.
For the amount of contributions which have
been levied in this form, refer you TO the
companying report of the secretary of War and
ofthe Secretary of the Navy by which ii appears
that sum exceeding halta million dollars has
haer .,oll potad
This amount would undoubtedly have been
much larger but for the difficulty of keeping op-
en- communications between the coast ard the
interior, so as to enable the owners of the mer-
chandiZe imported, to transport and vend it TO
the inhabitants of the country. 1t is confidently
expected that this difficulty will. 10 great eX-
tent be soon removed by our increased forces
which have been sent TO the field,
Measures have recently been adopted by
which the internal as well as external revenues
Of Mexico, in all places in our military occupa-
ton, will be seized and appropriated to the use
| OF our army and navy.
The policy of levying upon the enemy con-
| tributious in every form, consistently with the
laws OF nations, which il may be practicable for
our military commanders TO adopt, should, in
| h., 81
tothis effect have accordingly been given. By
such policy, at the time that our own treasury
will be relieved from heavy drain, the Mexi-
! can people will be made TO feel the burdens of
! the war, and, consulting their own interests
may be induced the more readily 10 require
their rulers TO accede to just peace.
After the adjournment of the last session of
Congress, events TRANSFERRED in the prosecution
of the war, which, my judgment, required
| greater number OF troops in the field than had
been anticipated. The strength of the army was
accordingly increased by accepting the SER
| vices of the volunteer forces authorized by
the act of the thirteenth of May, 1916, with
out putting the construction on that act, the
correctness of which was seriously questioned.
! The volunteer forces now in the field, with
those which had been " accepted" TO serve
for II months, and were discharged at the
end of their term of service, exhaust the fifty
thousand men authorized by that act. Had it
| been clear that proper construction OF the act
warranted it, the services of an additional num-
Der would have been called for and accepted /:
but doubts existing upon this point, the power
was not exercised
! 1t is deemed important that Congress should,
al early period of their SESSION, confer the au-
thority 10 raise an additional regular force 10
serve during the war with Mexico, and 10 be
discharged upon the conclusion and ratification
OF treaty of peace. invite the attention OF
Congress TO the views presented by the Secre-
tary of War in his report upon the subject
u | recommend also that authority be given by
law 10 call for and accept the services OF an
additional number IS volunteers, TO be exer-
cised at such time and 10 such extent as the
i emergencies of the service may require.
4 In prosecuting the war with Mexico, whilst
the utmost care has been taken 10 avoid every
Just cause of complaint on the part OF neutral
nations, and none has been given, liberal priyil-
eyes have been granted 10 their commerce in
the port of the enemy in our military occupa-
lion.
The difficulty with the Brazilian government, which
at time threatened to interrupt the friendly rela-
tons between the two countries, will trust be speed
lily adjusted have received Information that an envoy
extraordinary and minister penpoentary 10 the United
l,rflV Ia, utal Inv