The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-10-12
CITY OF WASHINGTON THURSDAY MORNING OCTOBER l2 lsl8

never consent to any further extension OF the inequat,
of slave representation. The question of freedom Of
slavery in these Territories must therefore, speedil,
up be discussed and settled as great potica
question: question of power arising out OF the compro
misses OF the constitution of the most exciting and agi,a
ting character.
sion 10 terores' Have not already 80 increased
our domain, that the old thirteen States have become
almost insignificant IN thelr dimensions IN eompanso,
foreign people to discover the Ties OF allegiance whc'
bind them to the government OF their CHOICE to associate
them with that alien 10 all the sympaihies and hab
its of their race? Sir there is principle OF public policy
or OF justice that requires it, and in my Judgment II is no
warranted by the constitution of the United States. Blu
look for moment at The expense that such an acquisition
of territory will necessarily entail upon Many fierce
and warke tribes OF Indians roam the vast
gions between the western border OF New Mexico and
the Pacific Their predatory habits have led them into
almost continual conflict with the neghborng Mexican
population These it would become at duty Il
restrain or subdue. An addition 10 standing army
at least 900 at of four five millions of dol
lars, would immediately become necessary. And who
can fail to see that with standing army kept up for suc
purpose amidst restless border population should
soon become involved in other controversies with the
neighboring Mexican population, leading to other
acquisition and conquest
How will Justice be administered to our people when
these large additions made to territory? The
constitution has provided but Supreme Court, am
that court is now unable to administer justice to IFS
merous sntos short OF two or three years from the time
when their suits entered on docket New systems
of laws will have be learned and administered by ouI
judges, and it will be utterly impossible Tor that court
however necessarily It may be occupied to fulfil the great
duty imposed by the constitution and which 1t was one
OF its highest purposes to of the speedy admins
tration of justice to the people OF the United States Sir
the capacity of government to administer justice to the
people in its court of dernler resort furnishes natural
limit to its territory Ours has already passed that limit
If we compel Mexico to cede to the portions OF her
territories which the President now desires, where,
ask to stop? To what new wars will the desire
for foreign conquest lead next To what acqui-
sitions will the attention of our people be dreced' TO
Canada to Cuba to the conquest OF other States OF the
Mexican republic, bringing with them fresh causes of do
meslic disquiet and disunion'
the lust of dominion is to unchecked and
quest is to be hereafter deemed legitimate mode of
QuistOn-if this principle, asserted in a resolution now
pending before the Senates to be regarded establish
ed American doctrine, with the sanction Of statesmen
who have hitherto denounced as destructive TO in
sttutons, power will hereafter exist in the govern
ment to restrain the cupidty OF citizens New wars
will be stimulated and while the old States OF the Union
will be shOn of the influence they once possessed in the
government established by fathers 'to the
blessings of liberty themselves and their poserity
shall 20 on under the guidance of the
people who drank at the fountains OF the revou
ton, conquerlng and to conquer, till our manifest des
tiny" is fulfilled What that destiny will be il requires
prophet to foretell.
In whatever view have been able to consider this
question perceive nothing to commend to my judg
ment the policy of sending additional army into Mexi-
to compel that conquered republic to cede to the
territory which the President requires.
But, sir such an object were desirable, have we moi
now in Mexico army capable Of enlargement, under
it's present organization, 10 sixty thousand men Have
not officers enough, without employment now traversing
the country at their leisure to perform the duty OF enlist
ment Have not regiments enough already formed, to
which volunteers who desire to make sacrifices for theiI
country the altar of patriotism may attach themselves
What need them of passing the present bill for the creation
OF additional regments Sir can see no other object to
be gained by but the distribution of an immense amount
OF executive patronage to which utterly opposed
1t already endangers the Liberties OF the country.