The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-08-18

The Mexican War-What OF Peaeot
II 10 about fourteen months since the Mexican
war commenced, and within that time the
American troops have achieved a succession OF
victories. without parallel in the history OF
modern warfare. The enemy's territory has
been penetrated and assaied in every direction,
and at the present time we masters OF nearly
two-thirds Of all his domain. His sea ports are
either in our posse ssion, or blockaded by our
ships-he is deprived of all commercial inter-
course with the rest Of the ld-innumeraoie
flags, guns, arms, and other trophies OF war
proofs Of the prowess and undaunted energy "
chr brave soldiers in the bloody strife, lie Ia
cumbersome quantity at our seat oisgoVerhh'e"''
his strongest forts have been reduced ana are
garrisoned by our soldiers; and to crown all, the
conouering invading army is either IN the city
of the Aztecs, the capital OF the enemys coun-
trv. or within few days march of, and daily and
hourly approaching II.
The defeats which the Mexicans have hitherto
sustained at our hands are nothing to what they
would suffer in the event of their capital being
reduced. Those were like wounds on the extre-
mites of the human system, which time and
medicine would, sooner or later, heal but the
capture of the capital, with which many
great and glorious associations are connected,
would be as a wound in the most vital part
The others are but the arteries supplied by the
great reservoir. the capital but the capital
once taken, and Mexico retains her nationality
only at the will Of the conqueror.
The war is now at its eliminating point. We
can't recede if we would. Onward we must pro-
coed, no matter what may be the consequences,
but there is little danger that victory will
continue to court our eagle 1t remains with
Mexico to say when we shall halt. An intima-
tion--a bare hint TO that efect-is all that Is
needed to give her once more peace, with all Its
blessings. Hitherto she has been rash with i'm
potent fury; and when reason returns. and she
accepts what we have repeatedly rendered
her, our army will retrace its steps and return
home No disposition of this kind has, how
ever, yet been evinced by her. She continues to
founder in the depthe of her imbecility, and to
rave at her enemy, whom she cannot injure.-
Her Castilian pride will not bend to overpower-
ing circumstances
Tie next arrival from the seat OF war will be
pregnant with interest. If we receive intelli-
gence by it that Gen. Scott and the forces under
him had not reached the capital, we may enter
tain hope OF an early settlement Of the difficult
ties between the two countries. II, on the con-
trary, the capital be taken, the war will be as
likely to continue five years more as one. The
enemy would, in that event, have nothing left
worth saving-his honor would have been
wounded in the tenderst pc int, and he would be
driven to desperation; nothing would be left to
him worth preserving. The miserable remnant
of government would be flying precpitately
from one place to another. Although with but
little ground on which TO found hope, we must
cherish the wish that matters will not result
thus. If they do, the Mexicans will have but
sealed their own doom, and courted their own
annihilation-more than we ever sought or de-
sired.
1t has always been supposed that the influence
of the clergy, which is greater in Mexico than
even in any other Catholic country, would
sooner or later be exercised toward the attain
ment of peace. Hitherto that influence, we have
reason to believe, has not been exercised to that
end. There is hope, however, that it will be
before the capital is reduced, and that it will be
successful We have always been of those who
thought that the clergy Of that country would ne
yer permit hostile army to enter the capital,
where their immense wealth Is stored, and
where the spires of their numerous and splendid
cathedyals reach the armament. An enemy is
At auy time to be dreaded, but an enemy of he
relics in Catholic country 10 more especially
TO be feared lest the affairs and places of worship
might be de6led. In the entry of our troops,
however, no terror need be felt on this score.
The temples and affairs Of Mexico would be safe
the sanctuaries of religion would be unde-
filed by American soldiers
II is thought that Great Britain too IS exercis-
ing her influence towards peace. She, as every
one knows exerted herself to the utmost to pre-
vent the annexation Of Texas, because it would
add considerably to our already extensive terri
tory, and colossal greatness. The same motive
which impelled her to act in that matter, will
induce her to act in this war, ard prevail on
Mexico 10 come to terms; for she knows that
every day the war is prolonged is attended with
expense which Mexico must eventually pay, and
as her means will not allow her 10 do so with
money, she will be obliged TO do 30 with terri
tory, every square mile of which that comes to
us by treaty q peace, will add proportionably
TO our national greatness. England has, there
fore, direct interest in bringing about con-
clusion of the war. She avowed as much in her
endeavors to defeat the annexation Of Texas.
On the influence Of the clergy on the one
hand, and the influence of England on the other,
on Mexican councils depend the chances Of an
early peace. If the capital has been reduced be-
fore this, we may conclude that pride and arro-
eance have been more than a match for BOTH
and that the war is as likely TO last five years
more al one. The next arrival at New Orleans,
will, doubtless give us materials on which to
form an opinion.
II has been intimated, and it is supposed, that
Lord Palmerston's recent speech in Parliament
looked that way, as we'll as to Cuba--thst
England will foreclose on Mexico, as soon
as we are done with her, and will de-
mand payment Of the debts she owes Bril-
tish subjects, and in case Of funds not coming
forth Immediately, will seize an equivalent in
territory. Such may be the intention, or that
speech may have been made as a feeler, but we
have the best reason to believe that it cannot be
put INFO effect as long the present administra.
tion is in'power.