The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-10-19
The Fate OF Mexico.

Since the formation Of our government, no
question has ever come before the American peo-
pie so vitality important in the consequences of
its decision, the disposition that is to be made
of Mexico. 1t is no longer question as to the
acquisition of portion of territory mostly unin-
habited, but as to the total subjugatlon and abb
sorption of the whole country of Mexico, as it
stands, with its mountains and valleys, its sea-
coast and LANDS, and its inhabitants of eve
~ caste, and class, and color 1t is most mo-
mentous issue, requiring for its solution the ut
most calmness and deliberation. And upon this
question il Is we'll that there should exist, as
there does exist, the widest diversity of opinion.
We hope to see, on all sides, the freest discus
sion of its merits, the most patient consdera-
ton of its results and we must protest in inine,
against any attempt to repress the most latitu-
dinous expression of opinion on the subject. II
cannot be too thoroughly examined The fate of
this country is in no small measure bound up in
prudent decision. For II reason, party spirit
should, if possible, be for once thrown aside,
and the question should be weighed simply as it
may affect, for veal or for wo, our common
country, for all time.
And, first of ALL we disclaim, for ourselves, all
wish to see Mexico absorbed into this Union.
Notwithstanding that the annexation of that re-
public would bring to US great many important
commercial advantages, we can well afford TO
dispense with them and, moreover, we cannot
but foresee that the measure will be fraught
with more than counterbalancing number of
disadvantages. We are, therefore, very far from
advocating the forcible absorption of all Mexico,
as ntrnsically polite or advisable. On the
contrary, were Mexico to signify her willing
ness to make peace tomorrow, we would re-
loice as well at the cessation of hostilities, as
that we had not been compelled to resort to ex-
IRENE measures. Nay, if after the lapse Of one
or even two years, she should become convinced
of the sad fruitlessness of her present struggle,
we would gladly see restored to her every foot
OF her territory, except such as we should have
acquired from her by honorable treaty-honora-
able as we'll to her as to us-for we are not poor,
thank Heaven, that we should covet to exact
terms from her derogatory to her honor We
are, therefore, willing to say to Mexico, come
TO terms now, or within some reasonable period,
and we will still be ready to treat with you
We will be liberal-giving fair equivalent for
what we demand But you cannot expect US to
remain in this state of inquietude forever. 1t
must soon terminate-in what manner, is at
the advantages we have gained. You ask us
why we use force We answer, that you your
self appealed to the arbitrament of the sword, in
the dispute between us, and that, having pleaded
TO the general Issue, and followed up that plea
through all this litigation, you cannot now enter
a plea to the Jurisdiction. You have disputed
every inch of the ground; and now, that you
have been worsted, you should, with a good
grace, bow to the decision Of the tribunal you
have yourselves selected.
Will she do sol Now or in enc, or two, or
hve, or ten years9 1t is very question enable.
When this war commenced, her people
were IN state Of comparative quiescence
now, the popular masses are stirred up
from their lowest depths. cir hostility
is absolutely frantic-their thirst for war
Unsuitable. They are a people unimpressi-
bic by reverses in the field. Ever since the time
of Strabo, the Iberian race has been remarkable
as well for its capacity for strategic operations,
as for peculiar aptitude for partisan warfare,