The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1848-04-13

rurSions of the sava1es-have been the Mex
leans most truly patriotic; because, forgetting
their domestic complaints, they have only
agreed that they are and wish to be of the
family; exposing and sacrificing themselves
already many times to the vengeance of their
invader, which has been excited against them;
and disconnected and discovered their plans
they have again conspired. And TO these
| Mexicans can a government 90 and sell them
like cattle ? Neverl And if perish by that
the nationality of the rest of the republic, we
will all perish together"
And as to the right of way across the 18th
mus Of Tehuantpec, the Commissioners say :;
THAT some years since the Government OF
the Republic granted to private contractor
privilege, with reference TO this object,
which was soon transferred, with the sane
ton of the Government, to English subjects,
of whose rights Mexico cannot dispose"
These are the reasons, sir, assigned by the
( Mexican Government for rejecting the terms
of peace offered by Mr.. Trist, and, in the
present posture of affairs, without word of
comment, | submit them TO the Senate and
the country.
But Mexico did not here throw away the
olive branch and seize the sword No, sir,
she offered her project Of q treaty, by which
she proposed, first, to yield Texas proper to
the United States; second to maintain the
desert country between the Nueces and the
| Rio Grande in its unnhabited state as a ma
tional frontier; and third, to cede to the
United States more than one half of Upper
California, including the port and bay OF San
Francisco. The territory she proposed to
ccde comprises about 100000 square miles,
or all area larger than all New England, New
York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware,
and Maryland. This proposition was reject
ed by our Commissioner, and hostlllhes re-
newed, "The boundary of the Rio Grande,"
says the President,
"And the cession to the United States of
New Mexico and Upper California;, constitu-
ted an ultimatum which our commissioner
was, under no circumstances to yield"
Mr.. Trst, therefore, WAS bound to reject
the terms of peace offered by Mexico.
"Thc terms of treaty proposed by the
Mexican commissioners" says the President,
"wcre wholly inadmisSible. They negotiated
AS if Mexico were the victorious and not the
vanquished party. 1t contained no provision
for the payment by Mexico OF the just claims
of our citizens"
Is this, sir, just, true, and impartial re-
presentation Of the terms Of peace proposed
by Mexico? Did she take the stand of a
victorious party, and clam concessions from
us Did she refuse TO make provisions for
the payment Of the just claims of otr citizens?
What consideration, sir, was she to receive
for the two hundred thousand square miles Of
territory she proposed to cede TO the United
States, but a discharge from those claims ?
am not prepared to estimate the value OF
The territory Mexico proposed to ccdc to the
United States. 1t may have been insufficient
to pay the just claims of our citizens upon
that Governments but the port and bay Of
San Francisco alone, know, have been con-
sidered of great value to the United States.
1t does, however, appear from the message,
that the ces,on of territory demanded by our
Commissioner, was Of greater value than a
fair equivalent for our just demands for lie
& was authorized to stipulate for the pay
mcnt of such additional pecuniary considera-
ton as was deemed reasonable"
Now, sir, PROFOUND to gentlemen on the
other side of the chamber this question:
Was it lust and honorable TO demand of Mex
leo, with victorious army laundering at the
gates of her capital, ccsson of territory Of
greater value than fair equivalent for our
Just demands This is an important cues
ton, and, hope, it will be answered before
the debate closes,
But, sir the war is now raging, and to
show the purpose for which It's more vigorous
prosecution is recommended and desired,
refer to the last annual message Of the Presi.
dent. He says that
"Sincc the liberal proposition of the United
States was authorized to be made in April
last, large expenditures have been incurred,
and the precious blood of many Of our patri'
otto fellow-citizens has been shed in the pros
erution of the war. This consideration, and
the obstinate perseverance Of Mexico in pro
tracing the war, must influence the terms OF
peace which it may be deemed proper here
after to accept
"Our arms have been every where yicto-
rious, having subjected to our military occu-
patton large portion Of the encmy's coun-
try, including his capital and negotiations
for peace having failed, the important ques-
tons arise, in what manner the war ought to
be prosecuted and what shonld be our fu
ture policy? | cannot doubt that we should |
secure and render available the conquests
which we have already made and that, with |
this view, we should hold and occupy, by our
naval and military forces, all the ports, towns,
cities, and provinces now in our occupation,
or which may hereafter fall into our posses
sion; that we shall press forward our military
operations, and levy such military contribu-
lions on the enemy, as may, as far as practi-
cable, defray the future expense of the war,
"Had the Government of Mexico acccded
to the equitable and liberable terms proposed,
that mode of adjustment would have been
preferred. Mexico having declined to do
this, and failed to offer any other terms which
could be accepted by the United States, the
national honor, no less than the public inter-
ests, requires that the war should be prosecu-
ted with increased energy and power, until
a Just and satisfactory peace can be obtained
In the meantime, as Mexico refuses all indcm-
M. rlo,,ll nlnnt surnS TO indemnify |