Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-12-30
DECEMBER 80, I847.
THE GREAT QUESTION.


war, and we now add sundry propositions pre-
scented in the House. The debate will begin af-
ter the holidays, and will doubtless be highly /
interesting. OF the result it is impossible to
predict with certainty. In the Senate, Mr.. Cal
houn and his friends will undoubtedly act a
geinst the administration and so may Mr.. Ben
ton possibly but even then, the result in that
body Is doubtful. In the House, too, it is not
certain that majority can agree upon any spe-
cifc measure for securing peace: there arc q
few impacticable Whigs-probobly enough to
prevent The Wings from carrying any policy Of
their own upon this subject On the other hand,
however, there are a few Independent locos but
whether they will act with the majority Of the
Wings, or in any available way, remains to be
seen.
The following are the resolutions already be-
fore the House, on this subject:
Mn. STEPHENS Tor GA.) RESOLUTIONS.
| Whereas it is no less desirable that the inter.
ess and honor Of our country should be cordial
| " sustained and defended so long as the present
war with Mexico continues TO exist, than that
the conflict should not be unnecessarily prolong.
ed, but should be terminated ns soon as an hon
orr BILE peace can be obtained and whereas il is
believed that diversity Of opinion prevails to a
considerable cxen, as to tie ultimate aims and
objects for which the war should be prosecuted;
aud it being proper that this matter should be
settled by the clear expression of the legislative
will, soemnly proclaimed TO the world;
BE il therefore Resolved By The Senate and
House Of Representatives Of The United States in
Congress assembled, That the present war with
Mexico should not be waged or prosecuted with
"a view to conquest" either by the subjugaton
or ACKNOWLEDGMENT of that republic.
BE i farther ReSoired By The authority qfore-
said That it is the desire of the United States
that hos.ilities should be terminated upon terms
honorable 10 both parties, embracing mutual
settlement Of the questions growing out of The
"proper AMI rghuup boundary Of Texas, and
a full recognition and proper provision on her
part to be made for all the just claims of our
citizens against that Countrywide whole 10 be
adjusted by negotiation, to be instituted and eff
ected according to The constitutional forms Of
each government respectively.
Mr.. Boris RESOLUTIONS.
Resolved That among the highest duties
that can devove upon the Representatives Of the
people, is the preservation Of the national integ-
rity a strict observance of the limitations Of the
Constitution, and firm resistance TO Executive
encroachment.
ReSoired, That any war which has for its OBJ
jGct the acquisition Of territory by conquest,
brings into question the national character is
in violation of the constitution Of the United
States in conflict with the genius and spirit OF
our institutions, and dangerous 10 the perpetuity
of the union
Resolved, That the war in which we are now
engaged was not brought on by the act Of Mex
leo.
RCsoired, That the war with Mexico was
brought on by the unauthorized act Of the Pres
idant of the United States, in ordering the army
under the command of Gen. Taylor into terrific
ny then in the possession OF the Mexican Re
ReSolred, That we have no right TO claim in
demnity for the expenses of a war brought on b.
the i'll advised and unprovoked act of our owl
public functonares,
ReSolred, That The honor Of this nation doe
not consist in exacting territory from Mexico t,
which we have no claim, and yielding TO Grca
Britain Territory, the title to which was asserte,
10 be "clcar and unpueslionabe; :" and that Il
evade the strong and parsue the weak, does no
present lle honor courage, or greatness OF GU
people in their true light.
Resolved, That to exact indemnity from Mex
leo would devolve upon us the necessity of max
, ing n similar demand in all future wars, whic
would involve us in ntcrminabe conflicts, or q
surrendering principle now insisted on as in
dispensable to the preservation Of our nationa
honor.
Rrsolred That no new territory can be an
nexed to the United States by virtue of the wal
| without involving the agitation Of domestic diff
culteS, and begetlng sectional anmositles, an
weakening the ties that connect us together.
9 Resolred, Tha, if the conquest of territory
r not the object Of the war, we can perceive n
good reason for continuing our troops in til
heart Of the enemys country, but that their live
s,rtltr avn
: uselessly expended.
Resolved, That a copquering nation has notl
ing to Opprehend from an exhibition of magyar
u unity and generosity to defeated foe; and tn;
). victorious army may retire from the pursuit
;. carnage and slaughter, without mourning I'll
d imputation Of relreaung from the scattered al
. dlscomited forces Of the enemy.
n Resolved, That the most efficient, if not II
h only means OF restoring speedy and honogab
!. peace, would be, under proper preliminary a
rdngemenfS, to withdrew our troops, already CO
cred with glory and suriei;ed with success,
% the true and legitimate boundary Of the Tex
at the time of lis annexation 10 the Unite
n States.
>. RESOLVED, That our institutions, founded
q the rights of man, rppudlate the doctrine tn
# ''mignt makes right" as the ireebootcr's pit
is and The pirates law and so long as we offer
ID asylum to the oppressed, and recognize III
lOerly anu tne pursuit Vi hIPpIhesS ulIollS u
N inalIenable rights Of man, we cannot insist upt
10 the dismembermonl Of republic as the price
1r peace.
nj ReSo,rrd, That if upon the restoration
IL peace, the necessities Of our commerce shall r
quire harbor in any part OF the Mexican teri
tory in California, we are able, and should
IN willing, to pay therefor, would become gre
at and an honest people.
$. RESOLVED, That if it shall be determined
the People, through their representatives,, III
!" this war shall be further prosecuted in MexiC
is 1t then becomes the duty of all parties 10 prote
our national flag and brave army, by furnish
:. all needlul supplies Of men and money 10 cur
" it on with vigor and effect.
= Mn. THoMsoN's (oF KY RESOLUTIONS.
-, BE ii Resolued by The Senate and House Of I
Us personalities Of The United States Of America
e. Congress assembled, That in the opinion of CO
in gress, the President of the United States shou
al forthwith cause to be communicated to the &c
y, ernment OF Mexico that peace may be imme
ID aely established between the two countries I
he on the following terms, viz:
a. First, That the boundary line between I
,o United States and Mexico shall be as follo'
No viz: beginning at the Gulf Of Mexico, near /
OF mouth of the Rio Neuces, and running then
'e. northwest with the course Of said Rio Nueces,