The Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1846-1852, 1847-11-26

11ctcg gfoitOW-Si'tzSusi ultSul pause,
having indicated mode by which the ma
tion, through its accredited aud legiti-
mate representatives in Congress. can an
nounce for what purposes and objects
this war shall be longer prosecuted, and
eau thus let the whole people ofihe Uni
ted States know for what end their blood
shall be further shed and their treasure
further expended, instead of the knowl
edge OF it being locked up and conceal
ed in the bosom of one man. We shoulc
no longer perceive the objects of the wal
varying, from time to time, according I,
the changing opinions of the Chief Mag
isirate, charged with its prosecution
But do not think it right TO stop here
1t is the privilege of the people, in thei
primitive assemblies, and Of every pri
vate man, however humble, 10 express al
opinion in regard TO the purposes fo
which the war should be continued; anC
, such an expression viii receive Just Sc
J much consideration and consequence a,
it is entitled to, and no more.
Shall this war be prosecuted for the
purpose of conquering and annexine
Mexico, in all its bound;ess extent, to the
United Statesl
will not attribute to the President oI
the United States any such design; but
confess that have been shocked and a.
larmed by manifestations of it in various
querters. Of all the dangers and mis-.
fortunes which could befall this nation,
should regard that Of its becoming war
like and conquering power tho mosl
dreful and fatal History tells the mourn
ful tale of conqnering nations and con
querors. The three most celebrated con
querors. in the civilized world, were Alex
ander, Caesar and Napoleon. The frs
after oyerruning large portion of Asia
aud signing and lamenting that there
were no more worlds to subdue, met q
premature andignoble death. His Lieu.
tenants quarelled aud warred with each
other, as to the spolls of his victories
and finally lost them all. Caesar, after
conquering Gau, returned with his tri-
umphant legions to Rome, passed the
Rnbicon, won the battle of Pharsalia,
trampled upon the liberties of his coun-
trymen, and expired by the patriot hand
of Brutus. But Rome ceased to be free.
War had enervated and corrupted the
masses. The spirit of true liberty was
extinguished, and long line of Emper.
ors succeeded, some Of whom were the
most execrable monsters that ever exist
ed in human form. And the most extra
ordinary man, perhaps, in all history af.
ter subjugating all continental Europe,
occupying almost all it Capitals, seriously
threatening, according to Mr.. Theirs.
proud Albion itself, and decking the
brows of various members of his family,
with crowns torn from the heads of other
monarchs, lived to behold his own dear
France itselfin the possession of his enc
mics, and was made himself a wretched
captive, and far removed from country,
family, and friends, breathed his last on
the distant and inhospitable rock of ST
Helena. The Alps and the Rhine had
been claimed as the natural boundaries
Of France, but even these could not be
secured in the treaties to which she was
reduced to submit. Do you believe that
tho people of Macedon of Greece, Of
Rome, or of France, were benefited, in.
dividually or collectively. by the triumphs
Of their great Captainsl Their sad lot
was immense sacrifice of life, heavy aud
intolerable burdens, and the ultimate loss
of liberty itself.
That the power Of the United States
is competent to the conquest Of Mexico,
is quite probable. But it could not be
achieved withoutfrightful carnage, dread
ful sacrifices of human life, and the Gre
alton of an onerous national debt; nor
could it be completely effected, in all
probability, until after the lapse Of many
years. 1t would be necessary to occupy
all lis strongholds, to disarm its nhabit.
ants, and to keep them in constant fear
and subjection. To consummate the
work | presume that standing armies,
not less than a hundred thousand men,
would be necessary, to be kept, perhaps,
always in the bosom Of their country. :.
These standing armies revelling in a
foreign land, and accustomed to trample
upon tho liberties of foreign people, a,
some distant day, night be fit and ready
Instruments, under the lead of some dar.
ing and unprinciplod chieftain, to return
to their country aad PROSTATE the public
liberty.
Supposing tho conquest to be once
made, what is to be done with III Is it
to be governed like Roman Provinces by
Proconsulsl Would it be compatible
with the genius, character. and safety of
our free institutions, to keep such great
country as Mexico, with population of
not less than nine millions, in state of
constant military subjugation?
Shall it be annexed to the United
Statesl Does any considerate man be-
love it possible that two such immense
countries, with territory of nearly equal
extent, with populations so homogeneous,
SO different in race, in languages, in re.
ligion and in laws, could be blended to.
getherin ono harmonious mass, and hap
PLY governed by one common authorityl
Murmurs, discomfort, instructions, re.
bellion, would inevitably ensue, until the
incompatible parts would bo broken a.
sunder, and possibly. in the frightful
struggle, our present glorious Union it.
self would be discovered or dissolved
We ought not TO forget the warning voice
of all history, which teaches the difficnl.