The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1847-12-14

States have abandoned it. Such a govern
ment would be too feeble long to be remem-
hered in independent existence, and would n
nally become annexed to, or be dependent
colony OF, some more powerful State.
Should any foreign government attempt to
possess it as colony; or otherwise to incorPor-
ate it with itself, the principle avowed by
President Monroe in 1924, and reaffirmed IN
my annual message, that no foreign Power shell,
with our consent, be permitted to plant or es-
tablish any new colony or dominion. on any part
Of the North American continent, must be
maintained. In maintaining this principle, and
in resisting Its invasion by any foreign Power,
We might be involved in other wars more ex-
pensive and more difficult than that in which
we are now engaged.
The provinces of New Mexico and the Cali
fornias are contiguous to the territories OF the
United States, and if brought under the gov
ernment OF our laws, their resources-mneral
agricultural, manufacturing, and commercial
would soon be developed.
Upper California is bounded on the North
by our Oregon possessions, and If held by the
United States, would soon be settled by har-
dy, enterprsing, and intelligent portion OF our
population The bay of San Francisco, and
other harbors along the Californian coast, would
afford shelter for our navy, for our numerous
whale ships, and other merchant vessels EN-
plOyed IN the Pacific ocean, and would IN a
short period become the marts of an exsenslve
and profitable commerce with China, and other
countries of the East
These advantages, in which the whole COM
mercial world would participate, would at once
be secured to the United States by the ces-
sion OF this territory; while it is certain that a;
long as it remains part of the Mexican do
minions, they can be enjoyed neither by Mex
leo herself nor by any other nation.
New Mexico Is frontier province, and has
never been of any considerable value to Mex
leo. From its locality, it is naturally connec-
ted with our western settlements The terri
toral limits of the State of Texas, too, as def
ned by her laws, before her admission into our
Union, embrace all that portion of New Mex
leo lying east of the Rio Grande, while Mexico
still claims to hold this territory as part of her
dominions The adjustment of this question
of boundary is important.
There is another consideration which indu-
ced the belief that the Mexican government
might ever desire to place this province under
the protection of the government ofthe United
States, Numerous bands of fierce and war
like savages wander over it, and upon its Dor
ders. Mexico has been, and must continue to
be, too feeble to restrain them from committing
depredations, robberics, and murders, not only
upon the inhabitants of New Mexico ITSELF but
upon those Of the other northern States OF
Mexico. 1t would be a blessing to all these
northern States to have their citizens protec-
ted against them by the power OF the United
States, At this moment, many Mexicans,
principally females and children, are in cap
tivity among them. If New Mexico were held
and governed by the United States; we could
efiectually prevent these tribes from commit
ting such outrages, and compel them to release
these captives, and restore them to their fami-
lies and friends.
In proposing to acquire New Mexico and
the CALIFORNIA;, it was well known that but an
inconsiderable portion of the Mexican people
would be transferred with them, the country
embraced with these provinces being chiefly an
uninhabited region.
These were the leading considerations which
induced me to offer the terms Of peace which
were proposed to Mexico. They were reiec-
ted; and negotiations being at an end, hostili-
ties were renewed. An assault was made by
our gallant army upon the strongly fortified
places near the gates of the city of Mexico.
severe conflict, the Mexican forces, vastly su-
perior in numbers to our own, were driven
from the city, which was held by our troops
Immediately after information was received
Of the unfavorable result Of the negotiations,
believing that his continued presence with the
army could be productive of no good, / deter
mined to recall our commissioner A despatch
to this effect was transmitted to him on the sixth
of October last. The Mexican government
will be informed of his recall; and that, in the
existing state Of thugs, | shall not deem il
proper to make any further ovcrtures of peac>
but shall at all times be ready to receive and
consider any proposals which may be made by
Mexico.
Since the liberal propositions of the United
States was authorized to be made in April
last, large expenditures have been incurred, &
the precious blood of many of our patriotic fel-
low-citizen has been shed in the prosecution of
the war. This consideration, and the obsti-
nate perseverance Of Mexico in protracting the
war, must influence the terms of peace which
1t may be deemed proper hereafter to accept
Our arms have been everywhere victori>
Gus, having subjected to our military occu-
patton large portion Of the enemy's coup
try, including his capital, and negotiations
iOt PSdSO hdNS inllcu, duu important Que6-
items arise, In what manner the war oueh
10 be prosecuted and what should be our
future policy! cannot doubt that we sh ould
secure and render available the conquests
whc b we have already made; and that, with
this view, We should occupy, by our ma
val and military forces, all the ports, towns;
cities and provinces now in orr occupation,
or which may hereafter fall into our posses
sion: that we should press forward our mil>
itary operations, and levy such military con>
trihutiens on the enemy as may. as far as
practicable, defray the necessary expenses of
the war.
Had the government of Mexico acceded to
the equitable and liberal terms proposed, that
mode Of adjustment would have been pre-
ierred. Mexico having declined to do this.
aud failed 10 offer any other terms which
could be accepted by ,he United States, the
national honor. no less than the public inter-
esls, requires that The war should be prosecu-
led with Increased energy and power until a
Just and satlstac tory peace can be obtained