The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1848-07-22
WooDsFIELD, OHIO, SATURDAY, JULY g2 1s4s

the peace has been concluded on terms
the most liberal and .magnanimous to
Mexico. In her hands, the territories
now ceded had remained, and it is be-
lieved, would have continued TO remain
almost unoccupied, and of little value
to her or to any other nation; whilst as
part Of our Union, they will be pro-
ductive Of vast benefits TO the United
States, to the commercial world, and to
the general intel ests of mankind.
The immediate establishment of Ter
ritorial governments, and the extension
sion of our laws over these valuable
possessions, are deemed to be not only
important, but indispensable to preserve
order and the due administration Of JUS
tice within their limits, TO afford pro-
lection to the inhabitants, and to facili-
tate the development Of the vast re-
sources and wealth which their acquisi-
ton has added to our country.
The war with Mexico having termi.
mated, the power of the Executive to
establish or continue temporary civil
governments over these Territories :,
| which existed under the laws of nations
whilst they were regarded as conquered
provinces in our military occupation,
has ceased. By their cession 10 the
United States, Mexico has no longer
any power over them; and, until Con.
gress shall act, the Inhabitants will be
without any organized government.--
Should they be left in this condition,
confusion and anarchy will be likely TO
prevail.
Foreign commerce to considerable
amount is now carried on in the ports
of Upper California, which will require
to be regulated by our laws. As soon
as our system shall be extended over
this commerce, revenue of considera.
BILE amount will be at once collected.
and it is not doubted thatit will be an.
nually increased. For these and other
obvious reasons, ] deem it 10 be my du
ty earnestly to recommend the action
of Congress on the subject at the pres
ent session. -.1
i In organizing governments over these
Territories, fraught with such vast ad
/ vantages to every portion of our Union
! invoke that spirit of concession, con
citation, and compromise in your delib
) erations, in which the constitution wa
framed, in which it should be admins
tered, and which is SO indispensable t.
T preserve and perpetuate the harmony
and union of the States. We shoull
never forget that this Union of confed
, Grated States was established and ce
! mented by kindred bio cd, and by tn
common tolls, sufierings, dangers, AM
triumphs oil all its parts, and has beel
the ever.augmenting source Of our ma
I tional greatness and ofall our blessings
There has, perhaps, been no perio'
} since the warning SO impressively Civ
: en- to his countrymen by Washington
. TO guard against geographical division
a and sectional parties, which appeal
, with greater force than the present t.
S the patriotic, sober-minded. and reflect
e ing Of all parties and OF all sections o
h our country. Who can calculate tn
n value of our glorious Union? 1t is
t model and example Of free govern
i ment to all the world, and is the sta
j. of hope and the haven Of rest to the or
e pressed ofevery cline. By its preseI
e vation, we have been rapidly advanc
h ed as nation to height OF strength
S power, and happiness, without para
y lei in the history Of the world. As W
d extend its blessings over new region:
e shall we be- so unwise as to endange
e its existence by geographical division
e and dissensions?
|, With view to encourage the earl
e settlement Of these distant possession.
j. recommend that liberal grants of tn
d public lands be secured to all our cit
e zens who have settled, or may with
J. limited period settle, within the
rs limits. % y-'' ~ q ."a
2, In execution of the provisions of tn
!. treaty, orders have been given to ou
4. military and naval forces, TO evacuat'
of without delay, the Mexican province
W cities, towns, and fortified places in OF
military occupation, and which are nc
s. embraced in the territories ceded to tn
te United States. The army is alread
r. on its way to the United States. Tn;
IN portion of it, as well regulars as volul
,e ieers, who engaged to serve during th
a war with Mexico, will be discharge
De as soon as they can be transported {
I'd marched to convenient points in I'll
vicinity of their homes. A part of ii
e. regular army will be employed in Ne
A. Mexico and Upper California, TO affoI
at protection to the inhabitants, and
n guard our interests in these territories
4 kxC e..