Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-01-08

And whereas IN the prosecution OF The war with Mexico
the United States has sacrificed the lives Of thousands of hei
citizens. either by dseas, the field of battle has
pended all her revenues and contracted debt of many mil
lions Of dollars
And whereas, if further prosecuted with view Of obtain
ing Indemnity for the past and security for the FUTURE
will cost millions upon millions of money, thousands up
thousands Of valuable lives, and requiring increased taxation
TO sustain the credit Of the Government and all that shall
get in return for this sac6ce Of life and expenditure Of mo-
ney and taxation OF the people, will be the jurisdictions either
civil or may of the territories conquered, and the
nues and public property belonging to the Government OF
Mexico
And whereas by the law Of nations cannot appro-
pirate the property of private citizens OF Mexico by way OF
indemnity, and may realize nothing from territory which
may acquire from Mexico the the is brought
honorable termination the better will be for the people of the
United States, who have to bear all its burdens:
And whereas the people of the United States fom the
tue OF their pursuits must desire state Of peace rather than
military strife and violence the agrcultus the manufacture
err the mechanic, the labore the merchant the Of
ence, OF teraure of law, of medicine and the teacher of
the divine pecep Of holy religion, all of whose occua
tons peaceful, must desire that the with Mexico be
terminated at the earliest period that it can be accomplished
with honor and with justice Therefore
Resoled By the Senate and House of Representatives of
The United STATES Of An.erica in Congress assembled That
committee OF five members of the Senate and five members
of the House of Representatives be appointed whose duty
shall Re to nvea conference with tue President of the United
States TO advise and consult the best mode OF terminal
ing the existing with Mexico in honorable aud
just to both belgerents and that the committee report
each House respectively the result Of the conference either
IN open or secret session, may be By them deemed ad
visable.
Mr. HAMPTON, of Pennsylvania, moved the following
preamble and oin resolution which were read aud laid
under the rule
Whereas in pursuance of the existing war with Mexico
large portion of the territory Of that Republic has been
duced into possession by the army and navy of the Uni
ted States and for this and other has become diff
cult if not mpraccabe permanent and honorable
by any treaty that could be ratified by any constitutions
al authority in Mexico which would be recognised and OBJ
served by the people and States of that Republic and
toned by the President and two thirds Of the Senate OF these
United States and, protraced will necessarily be
attended with vast expenditure Of blood and treasure the
part of the United States and probably result in the complete
conquest and permanent subugaon Of the whole Of Mcxco
and the said territory is free, and must remain
until its character be changed by local laws enacted by the
citizens thereof:
And whereas it is believed that the people Of tia! country
anxious to for themselves and their postey that
degree of tranquility, liberty, and protection which enjoy,
and that the prosperity Of the people of both countries aud
the of humanity peace, and civilization would be pro-
NOTED by their voluntary union under one conedercy and
the consequent vast enlargement OF home Market and
free interchange Of their staples and specie for products
and manufacturer
Be therefore resoired 6y tie Senate and House Of Re-
personalities the United States Of america IN Congress
assembled That any of the States Territories within the
limits Of the Republic of Mexico occupied by the armies
OF the United Sa'c under the military government thereof
may be admitted from time to time Saes Territories OF
the American Union, upon the Tree and voluntary application
of majority Of the people of such State Territory for
that purpose and the presentation by them Congress
republican constitution form OF government in conformity
with the provisions of the constitution of the United States.
THANKS TO GEN. TAYLoR-THE BEGINNING
OF THE WAR. 81
Mr. HOUSTON, Of Delaware, previous notice hayiR<
given introduced the following joint resolution Of thanks
to Major Gen. Taylor:
esoed b. the Senate and House Of Representatives Of the
United Seates Of .ferica IN Congress assembled That the
of
Major General Zachary Taylor and through him to the Off
and soldiers of the regular army and OF the volunteers
under his command for their ndomabe yaor skill and good
conduct conspcuousy displayed the 22d AND 23d days Of
February last the battle of Buena Visa, il defeating
Mexican army consisting Of four times their number,
OF chosen troops under their vote comman-
DER General Santa Anna and thereby obtaining victory
the enemy which, for its signal ard brilliant Character IS un-
surpassed in the military annals OF the world
Resolved That the President Of the United States be
quested to be struck gold medal with devices emble
matca OF this splendid achievement AID presented TO MAJOR
General Taylor testimony OF the high entertained
Congress his udcious and dsps he'd conduct on that
memorable occasion.
Resolved That the President OF the Untel States be
quested the foregoing resolutions be communicated
Major General Taylor in such hemay deem best
calculated TO effect the objects thereof
Mr. EVANS, Of Maryland, desired to offer an amend
ment which he up the Clerks t., and moved the
previous question the adoption Of the amendment and re-
solutions
open 10 amendment.
Mr. CUMMINS inquired il they could now be considered
as a matter of course il objections made
The SPEAKER replied that the resolutions having been
received they would be read first time by their title.
After the first reading il objections made, they would
lie for a second reading until Tomorrow.
The resolutions having been read first, and, no objection
being made, a second time
Mr. JAMESON moved their commitment to We Commit
tee on Military Affiirs
Mr. EVANS now proposed 10 offer his amendment, and
renewed the demand Tor the previous question thereon
The SPEAKER replied that their commitment being
called for, that question FIRST in order.
The question then being on committing to the Committee
on Military Affairs
Mr. GAYLE demanded the yeas and nays
Mr. JAMESON withdrew the motion 10 commit
Mr. SCHENCK renewed it.
Mr.. HOUSTON, OF Delaware, said he appreheaded there
woul he objection to the adoption Of the resution No
gentleman this House would vote against resolution OF
thanks TO Gen Taylor and he officers Of his command.
The SPEAKER reminded the gentleman from Delaware
that debate was not in ortcr.
Mr. EVANS again intmatel bis desire 10 offer the follow
ing amendment:
Resolved That The capitulaon OF Monterey meets with
the entire and appreciation OF this Congress and
that the Of that catuation were as credabc 70 the
humanity and skill Of the gallant Taylor as the achievement
oil the victory OF Monterey was glorious to our arms
Some conversation ensucl between the SPEAKER, Mr.
SCHENCK, MIR. EVANS, and Others.
Mr. HOUSTON Of Delaware, TO obviatc all difficulties,
moved the previous que, ion the original resolution
The previous question was not seconded.
The SPEAKER again announced the question 10 We on
the motion {, refer the Committee Military Affairs
Mr.. HENLEY moved TO amend Ivy adding instruction
10 the committee 10 add the words engaged they
a.. -