The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-02-06
Our War with Mexico In n British Colonial
Point OF View.

from tho Bermuda Herald, Dec ~
The celebrated Albert Gallatin, who has long
since retired from active life as statesman, has
recently published his opinion of the Mexican
war, in which the United States are engaged,
and takes stronger grounds than even Mr.. Clay
He clearly proves, what no person acquainted
with national law would dispute, upon principle,
that in annexing Texas, when she was at war
with another power, his government made itself
party to that war; and that if hosilites did not
Immediately commence on the part of Mexico,
it was because of her weakness, and not because
she had not just grounds. He farther shows up
the Misrepresentation of actI, on tn part of the
President, when he stated that Texas exercised
jurisdiction over the territory lying between the
Nueces and Rio Grande which was not the
case, except in the vicinity of the former river ;
and so far from the Rio Grande being consider
ed as the western boundary of Texas, he asserts
that 1t was claimed by the United States as the
western boundary of Florida.
II is difficult to perceive what will be the eff
feet of the opinion, thus prominently put forth
at the present time; but as the wings are deci-
dedly in the ascendant in Congress, and as the
ther outlay, and to an enormous extent, more
pesceable counsels may prevail, and Santa
Annals offer may yet be accepted, to- make the
desert between the two rivers, which Is about
120 lilies, sort of neutral ground and this, as
Mr.. Gallatin observes, would be the best boun-
dary for reasons which must be evident That
of narrow river would lead to incessant alter
cations among those of different nations navi-
caused by the crossing of negroes from land
of slavery to one OF freedom, and fugltives from
Justice. These would be rendered more fire.
quent and terocious from the feelings that have
been engendered by the present war, which has
been one OF most sanguinary character, the
knife and the stiletto perhaps Staying more than
fell IN open combat. Even with such boundary
line as the desert, peace between the two coun-
tries would not DO too lasting or secure, on
whatever terms or conditions one might at pre-
sent be concluded.
From the same paper Of January7]
Onc oil the greatest mlstortunes that can 6efall
individuals, Is want OF contentment; and the
same remark will apply to communities, which
constituted tn at it can have full play; and
this is the case in the United States. After a
period OF extraordinary peace and prosperity,
during which there has been a vast introduction
OF wealth and population from Europe, and with
millions Of uncultivated and wilderness land.
which would afford comfortable asy um, not only
to their own Inhabitants, but to the superabun-
dant population OF Europe, we had them urging
an aggressive war for the requirement OF add
tonsl territory, and meddling with the affairs OF
every country, where dissatisfaction, real or
groundless, prevails.
Accordingly we observe an account IN the
New York papers, Of a meeting which has been
held In tnat city, Tor encouraging the present en-
hghtened and liberal pontlif OF Rome, in his
noble career. IL would seem that subjects OF
domestic nature have been exhausted; and that
the citizens Of the republic are willing to under
take a crusade, wherever Its institutions can be
introduced; as IT the future destiny OF the world
hung upon their shoulders, or depended upon
their efforts in the cause OF human freedom; TO
which they seem to consider the long establish
ed usages OF every other nation as opposed
Werecollect reading somewhere, that at the
time if the capture OF the President, American
frigate. by the Endy mion, Commodore Decatur
stated, that as he found the latter was the supc.
rlor sailing vessel Of the two, he contemplated
during the action, throwing his crew on board
his opponents; and in this way making his es-
cape. SO this disposition to 60 abroad IN search
of adventures, may result in the curtalment OF
their own liberty.
Probably by the time the nation has come out