Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1848-09-15
From The National hteiHgencer.
Gen. CaSS on War, Conquest and Annexation

The erient to which Gen. Cass might be ex-
pected, if chosen President, 10 carry his passion
for war, conquest and annexation, may be infer.
red from what fell from him at different times at
the present session Of congress, before his re-
trement from the Senate.
On the 17lh of January, in reply TO gentlemen
who had expressed something like horror at the
tone of the Presidents message concerning the
war, and at the eagcrness of certain Senators TO
carry out the recommendations Of further con-
quests and Of occupation, if necessary, of all
Mexico, Mr.. Cass ridiculed the apprehensions
of Senators who had spoken Of the present as
a pcrlous crisis.
"Lct me say" remarked Mr.. Cass, ''thot it
takes a great deaIto kill This country. We have
had an alarming crisis almost every year. But
we have oullived them all, and advanced in all
the clemens of power and prosperity with ra-
pidity heretofore unknown i'll The history OF ma.
lions. If we should SWALLOW MEXICO, lo.mor-
row, do not belive il would kill US. The Sen
ator from North Carolina and myself may not
live TO see it, but | am by no means satisfied that
the day will not come in which the whole of the
vast country around us will form one ofthe most
magnificent empires the world has yet seen."
On the 2Olh of January, upon a resolution
proposed by Mr.. Mangum, calling for inlorma-
ton in regard 10 the reported orders 10 MAJ. Gen.
Scott (in conformity with the policy suggested
in the Presidents Message) TO spread our army
over the whole of Mexico, Mr.. Cass expressed
his hope that the executive would communicate
fully to the Senate and TO the House the whole
objects which The proposed call had in view.
i l., ~ al, Exnp KxtIIIc cnN
in so many words, that its object is, in any CIR
cumstances, to conquer Mexico"
Mr.. Mangum, lin his seat.) To conquer
Mexico?
"Mr. Cass. repeat, to conquer Mexico"
"Sevcral Senators. The whoIol"
Mr.. Cass. The whole-but not TO hold it ALL.
TO conquer Mexican injuslice-to conquer Mex
leo until she socks fair and honorable peace;
and hope that The Executive will carry on its
operations in every part Of the Mexican coun-
Try lilI that object be accomplished"
In subsequent part Of the same debate, his
| formal declaration about Swallowing all Mexl-
co being brought in question, the General said:
"Wel, sir, repeat again that have no be-
! lief that, if Mexican independence were annIhI-
lated tomorrow, aud the whole country annex
ed to the United States, it would kill u.s."
On the same point, later in debate. he took
occasion to express himself more plainly:
1--WE may have to make the great experiment
so dreaded BY the Senator from South Caroline
and the Senator from Kentucky, and ANNEX
THE DOMAlNSO OF MEXICO TO OUROWN
This is the penalty to which national inius'ic
has often been called to pay, and which Mexl
co may be preparing for herself"
, At every Stage the lexcun war, as through
I out the Oregon controversy, his voice was "su
: for war;" And, when from a(ar, from the held
1 of Mexico, his nostrils inhaled the scent
. blood, there was no bound to his zeal in its sur
/, port. His continual cry was for war, conques
: carnage! Or, if there was any variation in
n carnage, conquest, the entire su6Iugo'on
S Mexico, aud annexation of her domains to on
d own, became his theme; aud annexation, not {
y Mexico only, but of "tho whole country aroun
+, us!"
d The levity with which Gen. Cass treats sui
II ects so solemn is really shocking; aud, as con
j. ing from one who has acquired some reputalo
n as a statesman, such language, in the measul
,r which it gives Of his capacity or will to consi'
r. er consequences, is Piriable. We are comPe