Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1848-02-25
From our Corresponds mt.
WASHINGTON CITY, FEB. IS. 1s4s

~ S4N IA L I'D o. 1910.
My Dear Sir-On yesterday had the plea
sure OF celebrating my arrival at the Metropo-
lis by clean shave, and good supper, at
Gadsby's. Things look pretty much as usual
The ladies, perhaps, dress little more rech-
erehe, and turn out rather more numerously on
the Avenue, but then it is Leap Year, you
know, and the whole world is out of DOORS
1t is worth ones while 10 come to Washing
ton now, where so many distinguished SOL
diers, citizens, and Senators, jostle each other
IN her crowded streets. Mr. Mckay is still
among the most observed by observers. That
plainly dressed old man, in whose face you
can read a lifetime spent in the public service,
commands respect and admiration even among
those who are more dazzling because martial
fame is in the mouths of everybody. The ven
cradle Quincy sits still in the same old place
Age seems to deal kindly with him-his
cheeks are thinner, but his eve as bright as
ever.
The great topic of discussion in both Hou-
ses is, of course, the Mexican War. It's ORR
gin, justice, and necessity, and the objects for
which it is to be continued seem to enter into
the examination OF every question. The new
ten regiment bill will be defeated if urged at
present. 1t is doubtful if even it will pass
the Senate, and ma jority in the House are
said to be opposed to its passage Mr. Polk
will meet better success in attempting to in
crease the number of commissioned officers in
each company of the present line. ! am as
sured such bill will be successful, so that
all your young asprants for military fame may
yet have chance. 1t is the universal impress
sion here that Mr.. Trist has, in conjunction
with Genl Scott, come to a definite under
standing with the present leaders of the Mex
lean anarchy. The United States to pay down
some millions as an additional equivalent and
remuneration. There seems little doubt that
all parties will unite with the President in ma
king any reasonable treaty with our trouble
some neighbor. There are few who are dis
posed to withdraw the troops altogether, as
recommended by Mr.. Poinsett-al go for in
demnity-the chief difference is in the quanti-
ty. Some, consisting of the moderate men Of
both parties, would be satisfied with Tamauli-
pas, New Leon, Coahuila, and both Califor-
Mas, together with free trade, and some privi-
leges IN Tampico and Vera Cruz, and the right
of way across the Isthmus These are all said
TO be embraced in Trists treaty. With the
money which we are TO pay them, should the
Mexicans recommence the war, the whole
country will join in the death rally of the gal
liant Walker at Huamantla-" Men, yield not
an inch not one ineh"' No one here has
any confidence in Mexican treaties or stipula-
lions. No doubt peace will be declared in
to withdraw to the line which will then be a
dop.ed, than the frantic Mexicans will again
renew the desperate struggle Every cent we
give them will so much the more increase
their resources for prolongng this contest,
whose issue seems now great deal farther off
than ever. The army will be cautiously in
creased. Now it will be confined TO the rank
and file, but as soon as this treaty is made and
broken, to the full number asked by the Exc
cutive. Thus will we 60 on until, after the
lapse of perhaps half a century, the Mexican
population will become subdued and power.
less, and the whole continent too small for our
| elbows.
Some of our most prominent men in both
parties, are already anticipating the inevitable
progress of public opinion. The ambition to
make the limits OF the Republic co-extensive
with the continent, seems scarcely concealed.
Sooner or later it will come to that and he
who attempts TO stay our progress, happy or
fatal though it be, in that direction, will find
that he has mistaken a rolling gulf for mar
row stream. With the independence OF the
separate States kept as inviolate as now, and
that wonderful machinery of modern times
which makes the most remote part OF the Re-
public near-in breath, all the difficulties OF
time and space-such result is not to be
dreaded The Union is founded altogether in
sentiment and principle, and like them may be
omnipresent and universal. 1t was not made
for our benefit alone, but for that OF the whole
human race Its importance and rise in this
part OF the continent has kept pace with the
progress OF arts and science, and will continue
to do so over the whole, until, improved and
enlightened by collision with our people, and
that healthy excitement in public matters, the
sure follower OF great public events, the whole
American continent, blessed by equal ntelli.
gence and virtue, will also enjoy similar, OF
at least similar forms of government.
The government will not want funds to car.
ry on the war. The Wings are too sagacious
and far-seeing to refuse money to bring about
a stale OF things of which they may yet take
advantage. Notwithstanding. restrictions and
limitations will be adopted to render the trus
at present unavailable.
Much talk is made about Gen'l Taylor, in
connection with the Presidency. Nothing GER
tain will be known until after the Democratic
nomination. Yours, SC, DON PAUL.