Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-02-12
MIR. GALLATIN ON WAR EXPENSES.


unless Mr.. ADAMS, yet several years his junior, be
considered an exception-for the purpose, ut would
seem, of shedding the hallowed light of truth and
wisdom on the great events which are now in the
course of fulflment. The subject of his present
Address is one which, at this moment particularly,
engages the attention of all branches of the General
Government, and must soon force itself upon that
Of the whole People whose persons and property
are to be taxed to support the President and his
followers in their ambitious projects of War and
Conquest. One might suppose, indeed, that the
Address had been prepared within week, were it
not seen that it was written nearly two months ago.
and that the discernment of Mr.. GALLATIN has but
anticipated the existing state of things.
In the Daily edition Of this paper we have been
able with great exerton to publish this important
tract entire. Regrettng deeply not TO be able. from
want of space, to do so in our thrce-a-week and
weekly issues, we are consoled in part by the con-
sideraton that being purely financial treatise, its
particulars would not so much interest our readers
generally as would the same amount of miscellane-
6us matter. The main object of the Address is to
nculcate the necessity of providing for the expenses
of the war in way more to be relied upon than
mere ISSUE VI lIcdSuly INoiC5, Souio ~ moao
available only to limited amount
There is portion of this Address, however, which
takes grayer than merely financial view the Mex
lean war; which is so full of instruction and of pro-
phetic warning, that for the purpose of drawing the
attention of the reader more directly to it, we sepa
rate it from the rest of the tract, and here repeat it
as follows:
ssIn defensive war the people would cheerfully
bear every species of taxation, and Government
might call forth ell the resources Of the country.
1t is quite otherwise in of invasion and con-
squest. The Administration say that their object
is to conquer peace: that is to say, peace which
: will give, according to the common vague form,
indemnify for the past and security for the flu
ture.' 1t is not intended here to inquire what
fright the United States have to ask any indemnity
from Mexico. Justice is out Of the question; we
have to deal only with expedency. But to say
that we must have security or guaranty for the
future is really too ridiculous. No one can sup
pose that Merico wiH euer. inpade the United
States. But the Mexicans may think that they
want some security against Government which
dismembers and threatens subjugaton.
Whatever species of peace may be contem-
plated it is necessary, in the first place, TO find
Government with whom to treat; and that in a
country entirely conquered or occupied, is impos
sible In order TO make real treaty of peace,
that Government must be free agent; and no
: such one can be formed, if we extend our occupa-
ton over the whole or the greater part of the
country. That free agency is the only guaranty
that the United States want for solid and real
peace. A treaty made under duresse would be but
the phantom of peace.
But the Administration, in order to attain the
object they have in view, ask for more men and
money. II must be admitted that the army which,
under General Scott, after series of extraordina-
nv victories, penetrated into the heart Of the Mex-
can dominions, and took possession OF their me-
tropolis, was apparently incompetent for such a
bold enterprise and that with greater force, the
success would have been more certain, and attend
ed with less lamentable loss of men. But it is
nevertheless true that army of less than ten
thousand effective men did perform that wonder
full work, defeated forces three times numerous
as themselves, defended by fortresses and strong
positions and annihiated or dispersed all the troops
of the enemy; and now. that our effective force
from Vera Cruz to Mexico has been more than
doubled and that, with the exception OF some mis-
cradle guerrillas, there is no enemy to encounter,
the number of troops authorized by law is de-
cared TO be insufficient; and fifty thousand regu-
lars, with reserve of twenty thousand volunteers
are said to be necessary, in order to occupy that
which has been conquered, and TO extend that oc-
cupation over a greater extent of territory. The
'.ony ayowed object is oconquer peace; but could
NOT this course inevitably lead 10 that subjuga-
ion and annexation for tchich the War party is
so anxious?
This magnificent plan, whether effected by the
humiliation of the native population or by enslav
ing it, will promote their welfare, and is also called
paci6cation. Ubi soiitudinem (seu serUituten,)
.faciunf, pacem appellant" But if this extravagant
. project suggested by the most unbounded ambition,
should be carried into effect, UH not simply say
that IL Wouid in,qict mortal around on insti-
futions: Iassert that IL would break down our
oon Union into separate communities, and de-
stroy our nationality.
"For the object avowed by the Administration
there is not the slightest necessity increase the
number of troops now authorized by law. The
only effect would be to perpetuate large stand
.ing army; TO increase Indefinitely The eTecutiUe
patronage, and 10 appoint greedy proconsuis oUer
'he several Meric0 Departments ,chich might
BE occupied"
The Governor of the State of Louisiana (says
the Cincinnati Gazette) is evidently prominent
member Of the progressive brotherhood who justi-
fly the vigorous prosecution OF wrong under the
plea Of " manifest destiny" He says that the
origin Of the war was The incapacity Of the Meri-
can Government 10 assert The dignity Of human,
nature, and that therefore Z" her renovation IS fdfed