The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-02-11
as Mexico herself Of the existence Of any beter ode to

as Mexico herself of the existence OF any better title to
the one side than the other Of the Nueces.
address S few Ses rs one insisted
and elsewhere thai the letter of the Secretary OF War
OF the 18th of January, 1916, ordering General Taylor
from Corpus Christi TO the Rio Grande, was the real
cause of the war Some go far to charge the Pres
dent with giving the order for the purpose OF producing
war; while others, who are more charitable, content
themselves with saying that 1t was an act so mpruden
and reckless that any his Dug hit to have
known that would have been the inevitable conse-
quence 1t often becomes necessary, IN military move
mens, theatre from the capital to trust much
the superior local knowledge and discretion OF the COM
handing general, in respect TO the proper disposition OF
the forces under his command Such was the case IN
this instance General Taylor put in full possession
OF the OF the government IN sending HIM to lexas
and left TO select his position. Those views were
the defence OF the western boundary OF exas IRON nva
sion, and the preservation of friendly relations with Mex
co If possible. He selected his position at Corpa,
Christi and after remaining there several months, on the
4th OF October lsl5 he wrote to the department as io-
lows: rig
SIR beg leave suggest considerations in re-
aton to the present position of our force, and the dsposi
lions which become necessary the etecual
iraied." saetn -iH4 t4 ttaJ i.
After detailed exposition of the reasons for the rec
ommendaton which he about to make, he proceeds
follows: lt anh .lt.5
For ,Gsss our position thus s far has hn ink,
be concentrated, may we'll be question whether
the rieps of gopern,nent cA be best carried by
make any suggestions topics which may become
OF delicate negotiation but If government, in settling
nl,imatun, cannot doubt that the settlement ,cW be
greatly Facilitated and hasned by taking at
Our strength and state Of preparation should be displayed
be mistaken However saluuary may be
the effect produced upon the border people by presence
here, TOO far from the frontier 10 impress the govern
men OF Mexico with readiness to vndcae, by force OF
It title the country far as The klo
Grande The army of occupation will in few days be
n ipf.
declaation Of war Or committed any overt act OF hosi-
larry those of July s, forward the
Rio Grlnde rcithot authority from the Var Department.
These are the recommendations OF Gen. Taylor: 81
doubt that the settlement will be greatly faclita
ted and FASTENED by taking at once OF one
or two suitable points on, or quite near that rverhe
Rio Grande Il do not fee at liberty, under my instruc
tons, particularly those Of the sth of July, to make
forward the Rio Grande, without authority
from the War Department" Gen. Taylor was the COM
manding general theatre of action. He had better
opportunities of knowing the movements Intentions and
feelings OF the Mexicans, than any one else. tie had
previously July 90 1s45) gwen the department this as,
will take no step interrupt the friendly relations be-
tween the United States and Mexico' Relying upon
the faith of this assurance, and upon his better means OF
information, the department complied with his request
and gave him the desired order "for forward movement
to the Rio Grande' Gen Taylor had recommended it
peace measures calculated TO facilitate and hasten
the settlement of the boundary questions; and in that
view, and that recommendation. the order was gwen
1t is clear, therefore, tina, Gen Taylor, and he aone is
responsible Tor that order III II was ana WiSe
is the merit; and if it wrong, he ought (as have no
doubt he is perfectly wing) to take the responsibility
have doubt that the order was an act OF policy and
wisdom--nay, of necessity. .t ~
But SIR who are the men that condemn this ORDER and
for what purpose the condemnation made this time
They The protested advocates Of the election OF Gen.
era Taylor the presidency and the order condemned
for the purpose of making political capital Tor themselves
and their candidate, against the democratic party Under
the influence of the patriotic motives, II has sud
denly been discovered, by portion OF those who voted
for the that il was unjust unnecessary, and unc1n-
stutional They see hope OF rescuing the ship
of State from the hands of the wicked rulers who are
directing its course except by the elevation to the pres
dency Of man whose very name has been introduced
to the knowledge OF the civilized world only by his ex
aordinay in shedding human blood in unjus,
cause! BY denouncing the war as scheme OF raplne
and robbery they in effect charge Generals Taylor and
Scott and all the officers and men under their commando
pirates whose only titles to the gratitude of their coun
ymen is derived from series OF unparalleled trumphs
in violation of the constitution of their country,
weak and an unofending people Should il hereafter
be to matter of surprise to hear all Europe, whose
jealousy has been aroused by growing greatness and
Importance among the nations of the world denounce us
nation of robbers and pirates, when they can refer
the speeches of American senators for the truth and
justice OF their Statements Suppose gentlemen sue
coed in making the world believe that the which
we are engaged, and which has been sanctioned by
the nation according to all the forms and solemnltes
known TO the constitution, is unnecessary and unusta
of rapne and robbery their only triumph OF which
they boast will be, that they have rendered the
and the fame of their country infamous III the eyes
OF Cnr1Sten0Om whose neaTt uu not swell anu pulsdtc
with patriotic pride as he heard the shout Of the glorious
victories achieved by our counrymen waited from the
plains and mountains of Mexico, striking terror to the
hearts of all enemies OF republican institutions, and
demonstrating that ours is the first military as well as
civil power upon the g6be' Sir, shall never forget
the proud and grateful emotions OF my own breast,
when the response was heard from all parts OF the
Union to the call for volunteers the summer oil 1916,
showing that more than three hundred thousand had ten
dered their services, when only fifty thousand could be
received Was that response prompted by love of plum
der and robbery? was it patriotic response from the
hearts OF eemen burning with ferven desire to avenge
their countrys wrongs and vlndcate her rights Shall
be said that in republican America the only sentiment
which can animate and arouse the whole peOple-whlch
can que partisan strife, and obllteate party distinction
for time, Unsuitable lust for rapne and robbery
upon our unofendlDg and unfortunate neighbos? Such
be the traits of the victory if gentlemen triumph IN
all the emotions of my heart and the feelings OF my ma
ure revolt at the idea National and State pride rebels
At the thought My own State has sent nearly seven
thousand men to this and has offered up more ires
upon the field of battle, and sacrificed more by tne as-
eases of the country, than any other State IN the Unio
Their patriotic deeds of noble daring have shea hohoe
upon the State as well glory upon the American arms
feel grateful TO them-the living and the dean-lot inc
services they have rendered and the renown iney nave
won Every other State has had its share IN the glory
Of this war If they have not furnished as many men, 1t
was because the government declined to receive them
All have done their duty and all ought TO feel proud OF
| their achievements. i' .ati I'D -il a3
| U,IE IDENTICAL PRINTING PRESS at which DR..
| i BENJAMIN Franklin worked while apprentice in
| london is offered for sale. i1tH l.- ss &
s now in the United States Patent Office ashing-
ton where deposited on its arrival from London in
-. =. u