Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1848-02-24

SPEECH OF
Hon. John A. Dix, OF New York,

On the Bill reported from the Committee on Military
Affairs to raise, for limited tine on additional
Military Force.
Mr.. DIX said Mr.. President, it was my wish to
address the Senate the resolutions offered by the
Senator frOm South Carolina, (Mr. Calhoun,) and not
on this bill. should have preferred to do so, be-
cause ain always unwilling To DELAY action on any
measure relating to the war; and because the resolu-
tons afford wider field for inquiry and discussion.
But as the debate has become general and extended to
almost every topic that well be introduced under
either the force of the considerations by which have
been Influenced, has become weakened that have
not thought It necessary to defer longer what wish
to say
Two leading questions divide and agitate the pub
lie mind in respect the future conduct of the
with Mexico. Tie first of these questions is, shall
we withdraw our forces from the Mexican territory,
and leave the subject of indemnity for injuries and
the adjustment of boundary between the two repub-
lies TO future negotiOn, relying a magnanimous
course Of conduct our part to produce a cores
pondng feeling on the part of Mexico! There are
other propositions subordinate ths, which may be
considered as parts Of the same general scheme of
policy such that If Withdrawing from the Mexican
capital and the interior DISTRICTS and assuming
terror line OF occupation. shall apply TO all these
propositions the arguments; and if | were to
undertake to distinguish between them am not sure
that should make any difference in the force of the
application For whether withdraw from MexI-
CO altogether take defensive line which shall In
clude all the territory intend TO hold permanently
as indemnify the consequences TO result from it,
far as they affect the question of peace would, 1t ap
pears to me, be the same.
The second question is shall retain the posses
sion Of the territory we have acquired until Mexico
shall consent to make treaty of peace which
shall provide ample compensation for the wrongs of
which we cOmplan and settle to our satisfaction the
boundary in dispute
Regarding these questions as involving the perma-
nent welfare of the country, have considered them
with the greatest solcitude; and though never more
profoundly impressed with Of the responsible
iy which belongs TO the solution Of problems of such
magnitude and difficulty, my reflections have, never
theless, led me to clear and settled conviction to
the course which justice and policy seem TO indicate
and demand The first question, in itself of the
highest Importance, has been answered afirmatlvely
on this floor and it derives additional interest from
the fact that 1t has also been answered in the affirm
alive by statesman, retired from the busy
scenes of political life, who, from his talents expert
ence. and public services, justly commands the re-
spect of his countrymen, and whose opinions any
subject are entitled to be weighed with candor and de-
liberation. l have endeavored to attribute 10 his
opinions, and to those of others who coincide with
him wholly or in part, all the importance which be-
longs 10 them, and to consider them with the defer
ence d1e TO the distinguished from which they
enlanate believe have done SO ; and yet have,
after the fullest reflection come conclusions totally
different from theirs. | believe it would be in the
highest degree unjust to ourselves, possessing we
do, well-founded claims Mexico, to Withdraw
forces from her territory altogether, and exceedingly
unwise, as matter of policy, looking 10 the future
political relations of the two countless to withdraw
from It partially, and assume line of defence with
out treaty of peace. On the contrary, am in favor
Of retaining possession, for the present, Of all
have acquired, not a permanent conquest, but
H. q. L
most earnestly desire, restoration of peace and
WILL with the indulgence of the Senate, proceed to
state, with much brevity as the magnitude Of the
subjects admits, my objections to the suggested
by the rst question, and my in favor Of the
course suggested by the o;ner.
desire, at the outset to state this proposition to
the truth of which, think, all will yield their assent
that no policy which does not carry with it
able assurance Of healing the discussions dividing the
two countries, and of restoring, permanently, AMIGA
bic relations between them ought to receive our sup
port We may differ in opinion, and. perhaps, hope
Iessy, to the best calculated TO produce
this result; but If it possible for US to
an agreement in respect to them, the propriety of
their adoption could scarcely admit Of controversy.
This proposition being conceded, think II will be,
It follows, that if the measures proposed-tO with
draw our forces from Mexico-be not calculated to
bring about speedy and permanent peace; ; but,
the contrary II IT be rather calculated TO open field
OF domestic dssension, and possibly Of external in
reference, In that distracted country be followed
IN all probability, BY renewal of active hostiltes
with Us, and under circumstances to make feel
verely the loss of the advantage which have gain
ed, and which il is proposed voluntarily to surrender
then, 1t appears 10 me, it present claim to
D our favorable consideration. | shall endeavor to
show, before SIT down. that the policy referred to is
exposed to all these dangers and evils.
do not propose to enter into examination of the
origin Ut the war. From the moment the collision
took place between forces and those of Mexico
the Rio Grande, considered all hope of an accom-
modatlOn, without full trial of strength in the field to
be out of the question believed the peculiar char
acter Of the Mexicans would render any such hope H.
lnsve. Whether that collision was produced in any
degree by our own mistakes, whether the it.
self was brought about by the manner in which Tex
was annexed TO the Union. are questions do not
propose to discuss and If 1t not too late,
would submit whether the discussion could serve any
other purpose than to exhibit divided councils to our
adversary, and to inspire him with the hope of OBJ
tanning more favorable terms of peace by proractng
his resistance No can be less disposed than my
self abrdge in any degree the legitimate bounda-
Tes OF discussion. But am not disposed to enter
into such investigation now. The urgent concern
Is 10 know, not how the originated, not who is
responsible for IT, but in what manner II can be
brought TO speedy and honorable termination whe-
ther, as some suppose, ought to retire from the
field, or whether, appears 10 the only hope of
an accommodation lies in firm and determined main
tenance of our position.
The probable consequences Of an abandonment of
the advantages we have gained may be better UNDER
stood by seeing what those advantages are. speak
in military point of view. While addressing the
Senate in February last on army bill then under
consideration, lad occasion to state that the whole
OF northern Mexico as far south the mouth of the