The daily national Whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1849, 1847-10-16
To The Editor ofhe National Mig.
MR. HUGH N,s STATESMA NsHIP.

MIR. BUCHANAN,s srATEsMANsHIP.
We have heard II remarked by several of our friends,
that Mr. Buchanans projected treaty with Mexico Is
wholly silent upon one important point. II contains
no provision guarding against recurrence OF ouru-
ges similar In character To those which have been Tor
| so many years prominent subject OF complaint
Compensation for those injuries and security against
repetition Of them, have been declared to be the
two important objects TO be attained by the WAL
How does 1t happen, then, is the inquiry, that no
such security is named by the American Secretary
With great respect for our inquiring friends we
think they have given the subject superficial ex-
animation. We think full justice has not been done
to the diplomatic skill Of our accomplished Secretary
True II is that no distinct provision is made upon
this points but It does therefore follow, that the
great object lost sight of or forgotten IT, sub
stantialy, the end attained-and eftectualy at
taned-it seems TO that II is all that could DC ask
ed and il indicates far higher order OF diplomatic
talent to secure the object without placing II in the
power of the antagonist to evnde direct proposition
upon the point or COUGHING it in such ambiguous
terms to give opportunity for future controversy
We see no reason TO doubt that il Mexico had ac-
cepted Mr.. Buchanan's proposals. the practical effect
Of the treaty would have been to prevent during Its
continuance, renewal of those spoations upon the
property Of American citizens, which had caused so
| .
Look at the actual terms of this proposed treaty.
They provide that Mexico shall surrender half her
territory, as compensation for those enormous out
RACES of which we have complained Can any one
doubt that this is n sufficiently severe Judgment
Mexico will certainly be careful not again to awaken
our wrath by any violation of our rights--any OPP
preston Of citizens lest, for the next offence
we should exact the cession of the remainder OF the
republic. We have exhibited great magnanimity on
this occasion: we have only compelled her to satisfy
the memorable demands of justice. We have been
content with taking from her half her possessions
depriying her Of half her power. Wo betide her II
she again offends. Justice will no longer be guided
by magnanimity, or moderated by mercy. 1t VIII
become vindctive-and an Increased punishment
must bcal those who wilfuly, and, nfter such les
son. wantonly, persevere in wrong SO far as Mexico
is concerned, therefore, think Mr.. Buchanan has
provided, 50 far human sagacity can do it, ample
security for the future ~
But this sagacious and accomplished statesman
has not been satisfied, without making assurance
douby sure" Having, by exacting this severe pun
shment from Mexico, done all in his power to terriiy
her into more righteous policy he has thought the
end only half accomplished until he could produce
an equal impression upon the other party. Anima-
ted by this high determination he has condescended
to offer to pay to the claimants upon Mexico, in full
of their demands, five millions of dollars; about
twenty five per cent of the amount of their losses.
True II is as Mr.. Polk has said thousands of our c-
items, reposing the filth of treaties have Ind their
property wrung from them-their rights outraged
their persons maltreated-have been reduced from
aifiuence to poverty and have expended the small
residue of their means and the vgor of their lives in
seeking redress from their own government. Still
all this was their own fault and folly. If they Ind
never nv poinp to Mexico placed themselves in the
power of that nest of robbers they would have
suffered njury-if they had not been silly enough to
rely uponhe security provided them by treaty, they
would have encountered no osses-had they not
stupidity trusted to the honor Of their own govern
ment and believed that would redeem the pledges
we had made that they should be fully UNIDENTIFIED,
they would have put up with their losses and have
watched their time and in pressing their wrongs
upon our notice. .S
These people must also have lesson and be taught
better. You may think yourselves well oil II You
get no matter how late, fourth part Of your loss
You may congratulate yourselves that only retain
ninety five cents per cent, Of what eXtort from
Mexico in payment of your dues. Should you again
venture to rely upon such broken reeds the truth
and honor of your goveenment-the faith of treaties,
or ati worse Our personal pledges, warn you that
Won shall fare worse Whatever we may make MeXi-
co pay YOU shall be none the better-We will retain
the whole and thus punish your repetition such
| fooery. N.,~ ".
| Can any one doubt that this double lemon will be
effective and that while Mexico on the one hand will
learn conduct herself If not with more justica at
| least with more cautonAthe American citizen will
have been taught never to expose himself to foreign
aggrcssions never to replace confidence in his rulers
never to rely again upon their honor or the truth.
Surely Mr.. Buchanan is great statesman.
|