Weekly national intelligencer., 1848-02-12
CONGRESSIONAL.
HOUSE OF REPREsENTATIvEs-JAsuAnr IS, lsls.
TIE MEXICAN WAR.

. Il n
The resolutions referring the Presidents message being un
der consideration Committee Of the Whole the state o
the Union
Mr.. ROMAN rose and said Mr.. Chairman, can scarce
y repress the embarrassment feel in raising my voice for he
first time in this halt surrounded as am by the assembled
wisdom Of the nation and but for the this debate has
taken within last few days should have continued seA
listener. II is had intended at future time TO make
comments the subject OF the tl but assure the
committee that until very recently nothing could have been
further from thoughts than TO make speech the origin
and causes of the Mexican and The contdc OF the Pes
dent in relation to it, In truth sir had discussed that sub
ect frequently previous to the late election IN Maryland as
persuade myself least that the President was q ary
wrong in assuming the Rio Grande the boundary of Texas
the evidence conclusive against him, that must be
garded settled question, scarcely open TO further debate
But the President in his recent message has again asserted
and almost every paragraph substantially repeated that all
the territory of the Rio Grande belonged TO Texas and
was included within her limits when admitted State into
our Unon and which he therefore bound to defend To
sustain this position his friends this floor have exert
ed all their ZEAL and prominent amongst them my honorable
friend and colleague, Mr. McLASE the other day. speech
of great ability, its earnest and Jealous advocate But his
reasoning, hope to show, based upon erroneous
the facts which, being corrected, his whole superstruc-
ture of argument must fall.
In addition this sir distinguished Senator from Mary
land whom entertain the kndes personal regard and the
profound respect has recently advanced opinions IN the
other wing Of this Capitol tending to sustain the views OF the
President to which, however, Ishoud have deemed it
proper aude had his speech been already introduced
this debate by my colleague and more particularly by the
gentleman om Indiana, Mr. ROBINSON, evidence Of the
opinions of Maryland on this subject
Under such circumstances feel il incumbent me,
of the Representatives Of that Sate say this House that
far authorized TO speak for her people, they enter
W1ey different opinion, and am here to give the
reasons for the faith which is in And in reply the
gentleman from Virginia, who has just taken his seat (M
BEpISegR,) who kindly warned of that whwnd Of
popular Indignation which awaited if scutinzed
severely the Presidents conduct let that gentleman
that in the district which have the honor represent this
subject has been already discussed that whwind has already
arisen and the first effect OF its fury send here
the first Wing one that represented that district IN
this hail.
But, sir, there is preliminary question which desire
remark and that is, how far is consistent with true pa
tosm for speak, freely and boldly, real sentiments
though be in terms of respecting the conduct
Of the President in relation the Mexican He has de-
noInced moral treason and has been Oft repeated
BY his friends in this hall that must not breathe word OF
lest give aid and comfort the enemies of
country. Heaven forbid that should subject myself to such
charge. When country, at know but two par
es-the my country the other is her enemy and
would that her President should and approv
ing resolution of this House would make has conduct right
should have to-day Or il would convince the
world and other nations and the impartial page OF future
history to exempt country from al blame, would present
strong iuducemen to violate that conscientious regard for
truth which have made the guide of life But
the truth the Presidents position question Of fact The
evidence has been given the world and that great jury will
render its verdict accordingly notwithstanding resolves
would therefore, be the extreme folly
shut to the truth, and them because cannot
like the ostrich suppose ourselves hidden from all others
But this novel doctrine Of passive obedience, that bold
and fearless expression Of opinions here inconsistent
with patriotism, which subscribe is
abandonment of highest privilege dereIcton of our
most sacred duty. Our President is neither Cesar
Napoleon He had right expecttha his conduct would
the seveet scrutiny of free people, jealous of their
liberties. The right ofee discussion undoubtedly renders
Government untitled for Of conquest which is most
successfully waged by despot and that consideration should
have deferred him from commencing it. wi hout The consent
OF Congress The fact that he has placed himself in such
position shall be admitted a why should
abandon rights coordinate branch IF the Govern
ment and duty 10 those represent He ough, have
known and he must be made know, that he is bu
ordinate branch and that Congress is exclusively the
making power and every member this floor vii
speak his sentiments, whether praise censure with ha
independence becoming the representative OF free people
Where will such doctrine lead The President and h
friends mansty induging the mad project Of subuga
ing and annexng all Mexico be adopts the suggestion
Of my colleague he will conquer for the purpose of giving
moral and physical strength TO the people and institutions
that portion Of the American continent But we forbea
to censure will he stop there Surely Having so kind
y aided Mexico in establishing free institutions you
refuse the boon of your aud your swords Central
America for the purpose. She is infinitely gov
erned than Mexico has been, and humanity and pha
thropy will alike demand that you should their hroas
give moral and physical strength her people and nstu
dons" And yet The lip Of in this hall must be her
metcay sealed lest we give said and comfort to the
enemy.
Again. Our next President may be Northern Democra
uIto Southern feeling, and deemng it "kis destiny
TO extend the Of Gnsaue territory, and "to give
and physical life to the people Of the Canadas NAV order
army across the ST. Lawrence. War will certainly ensue
ana when menaced by the Of the British on gentlemen
on the other side would denouncc rank treason to give
= aid and comfort to enemy so powerful Not word
OF complaint could be permitted the breath Of ccnsure mus,
be hushed until we should conquer an honorable pence
But where would be constitution Where our liberties
Broken-Iost-sunk in the yerest despUism.
Gentlemen the other side call upon us to stand bv
country, for enemy in the field Sir recipocats tho
eeng-thc patriotism Of my heart ardent and as cure
theirs. And reciprocae the call call upon G.,5 n
We in feeling, but differ as u the enemy They ~
it Mexico. Sir, when Mexico an enemy dangerous 70
safety is true il has much blood 70 conaue,
her but if we had let her alone, should have done
an enemy she was, and il and be beneath our
contempt The enemy which dread is much more dan.
gerous to constitution. The wise paachs our
try have enjoned the sacred duty Of restraining
branch Of the Government within il legitimate sIbre
a. the only safeguard Of free institutions. And cali
upon gentlemen 10 stand by country, for far more
serous enemy than Mexico is now at our doors The Ere
euSe branch Of the Government il fas, swallowing up The
ohers' The legislative power is nuIicd by his absolute
veto The President has waged war which Congress neve
declared the objects whereof are only known 10 himself
ms w has usurped the place ofhe tu,on and the law
and ne now wied power which the dignity and au
mo'y o Congress TO tremble TO lis foundation call up,r
ne" 20 sasd by country" Csa has crossed the Ru
Dicon The constitution demands our vigilance.
Du' wherefore should restrain our speech The lmi
OF ie1a Is question Of fact and, SUCH il was decided
IN the Other end Of this Capitol adversely to the position now