Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1848-03-01


Rancial expedientS by which governments
have obtained money upon the national
credit. for the prosecution of wars. are Of
modern origin. In the earlier periods of
history. the governments OF Europe raised
the means from wear to wear for the pay
ment of the expenses ofthe wars in which
they engaged. The generation which
prosecuted a war deirayed lis eNpenses.-
1t was not left as burden 10 clog the ener-
gies and Cypress the industry OF subse-
quen; generation.
The first loan obtained upon the credit
of the government of Great Britain was
in 1859. under the reign Of Charles IL
Since then il has been accommodating with
every new war in wit;ch the ambition or
the cupdi.v of the government involved
the country. until it has reached its pres
ent enormous amount Great Britain has
extended her conquests into every quarter
OF the olobe. Province after province has
been '.;,nnexed' to her dominons, until
her flag is seen in every cline. The
sp,cndor and power of her government
has been increased. but it has been
at the expense of the happiness of her
people. Strike out Of existence her ma
tlonal debt. and her subjects would be re-
lleved of half their burdens. We should
beware lest. while we initiate her example
in extending our conquests. and annexing
additional territory. we may be bringing
upon ourselves and our children the evils
under which she is now suffering.
The easy payment of the national debt
! after the late war. has induced the belief
with some that no danger is tn be apprehen-
dcd from that source; and that no matter
how great public debt we may create.
we can easily discharge ii. Gentlemen
who entertain this opinion should look at
the fact that our Government was then
cheaply and economically administered.
Its entire annual expenditures were only
Twelve or thirteen millions of dollars. while
now they are between thirty and forty mill
lions. aside from the war expenses. The
interest upon the debt VIC are creating
must swell them even beyond this. Our
expenses increase in more rapid ratio
than our resources. fear. sir. that we
are rapidly approxmatng the period when
direct taxation viii be found indispensa-
bic.
The friends Of the Administration tell
us that the MEXICAN war is popular, and
tina, the people desire its prosecution II
they believe this. why do they not deal
fairly and candidly with the people! Why
do they not tell them. if the war is to be
continued. the people must pay at least g
portion of lis expenses! Why do the,
not appeal TO them to contribute portion
of their means to sustain the credit Of the
Government, and enable ii TO obtain tho
means necessary for the vigorous prose
cution of the wary Sir. they know vel
that the boastcd popularity of this wa,
would not survive the frs, visit of the ia,
collector. ] know, sir. that the patriotism
of the people is sullisicnt to induce them
to submit TO any sacrifice necessary tC
sustain the honor Of the country. Let bu
a foreign foe be found upon our soil. and
any amount of taxation would be cheer.
fully paid which would be necessary to re
pei him. Bi- =! do not believe that the
American people desire to contribute thei
means. or sacrifice the fair fame of the
country. for the prosecution Of an aggres
sive war. in n foreign land. with the objec
of cOnquest-to acquire territory TO which
we have no right, which we do not need
: and which could be Of no possible benefi
) to us if we should obtain it, If the course
| have indicated shall not be pursued.
) fear we shall soon see the credit of tn,
: Government seriously impaired, and de
ficiency Of means to carry on its ordinar,
operations. But | will say no more OF
this subject There are other matters t.
which | wish to direct my attention in wha
remains Of my time.
, 1t would afford me very great pleasur,
to hear some friend Of the Administration
, some advocate Of the war-defin,
: clearly and precisely for what obicc: it i
to be further prosecuted. ! should be glat
: if the President, or any Of his friends
would point out clearly the line Of opera
tons it is intended to pursue. We hav.
: heard a great deal said about the neces
sity of prosecuting the war vigorously, to
obtain an ''honorable peace" All Ger
tainly desire an honorable peace; bu
when gentlemen urge the prosecution 0
: the war tor that object. why do they no
inform us wha; they mean by an '.honor
: able peace!" Do they consider no peac,
honorable" but one which will destroy
j, the nationality Of Mexico1 Must a peac,
to be ''honorabie'' in their estimation, re
quire the surrender by Mexico Of half he
territory!
There is another phrase very frequent,
; used as indicative of the designs OF thu
Administration. II is indemnify for tn,
past. and security for the FUTURE and il
about as unmeaning and unsatisfactory t.
explain the object of the war. as the '.hon
orable peace" SO frequently referred to
, 1t was first used in the Presidents message
and has since become the common watch
word ofhis friends. Ask them what is tn.
object of the war, and they are ever read,
, with the reply. :.indennity for the past
and security for the future" Perhaps w
ie,v H.. \
nifty for the past" But what is meant b,
/ this cabalastic phrase, security for tn,
future1" Is security for the future to b.
i. found in the possession Of all Mexico
/ Are We to provide against breach of tn
peace by the annexation Of the Who'll
: country! Are we to keep the coun.r,
: quiet by the continued presence Of a lare
r military force. Or are we TO adont III,