The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-05-31

take possession, and then to keep il The extent /,
Which our expenditures would go, can estimate
we nave no data on which we act The population
IS between five and six hundred thousand of which onl,
hity thousand said to be whites and mixed blood
The Indians, originally very peaceful and quiet people
unaccnstomed to arms from being frequently called into
the contest between the factions and the with Mex
leo, have become accustomed TO them and possessed Of
some military knowledge. They are represented very
acnve capable OF marching rapidly, and in the habit OF
flying to the mountains to escape from their pursuers In
that climate, among the most arid upon EARTH if these
people ny before us, how or when will this to
an END 1t may prove another Seminole affair. Who
can answer what will be the sacrifice of men and money
But an Indian war would not be the greatest danger to
which we would be exposed To attempt to take mill
asserting sovereignty and dominion over the country
that indeed be her nention-might bring us into con-
nct with her, and, II may be- with SPAIN too. They, as
well as we, impored accept the sovereignty on
condition OF defending the existing government against
the Indians Suppose they, well as we, should ac-
cept me Offer and that we should find them with an
lead to direct conflict of arms, unless one or the other
give way' Would we be prepared, in such a case to
back ou' And if not what reason have to suppose
that others will not be esoute to carry out their OBJ
lect as we are Would not a conflict be inevitable
That such would be the result is anticipated by Mr.
Sierra himself who, speaking in reference to it, says
tha tne condlon OF the country would be, that case
INFINITELY more unfortunate than it is now because in
addition to all the evils OF the present war; it would
De exposed to become the theatre of another war"
are we prepared to occupy the country by military force
as recommended by the committee at the risk of so great
hazard | am not. am in favor of peace, whenever
can De MAINTAINED consistently with the honor and the
safety OF Inc country. can such necessity in this
Case even on the supposOn stated to induce me to
incur such hazard especially at period like the present
never was the future more uncertain Events occur with
electric rapdity. No tell what may come to-
morrow; and never there time when caution was
more necessary-when there stronger nducemen to
husband our resourceso avoid quarrels and wars or
anything that involve us in difficulty in order to
stand prepared to meet emergencies they arise He
who looks abroad-he who looks at the eastern horizon
ana does not see the necessity for caution blind to the
future.
would not take military possession, even under the
contingency have stated, for another reason 1t would
be breach OF good faith Not long since, we agreed
upon the terms OF a treaty with Mexico That treaty.
before thus tme has been acted is about to be act
ed on, by the Mexican government; and until it is acted
on, we are bound in good faith TO observe it. iii is
acted on favorably, it becomes permanent obligation
w have considered Yucatan part of MeXco-as one
OF the States OF the Mexican republic 1t is compre-
hended within the line which is proposed to be drawn
State in conformity with good faith nor could we in
conformity with the arnisce for the same reason The
armsce makes some exceptions but this is one of
them.
ported by the committee to carry into effect the message
OF the President recommending that we should adopt the
measure to prevent Yucatan from becoming colony of
foreign power. now proceed TO consider the next-to
adopt measures to prevent the white population from be-
let m Or espafS he ADd herr
the same message, unite two of such different
characters-one appeal to our humanity, which
promptly and at once The oher P ec hrhes
considerations of policy, and which requires much time
and much deberation It is among the most complicated
questions presented to this body and by no means
the least important Why these different questions have
been mingled am not prepared to say The emergency
Tor the one seems to have existed long before the other
Danger to the white population has been known exist
since the middle of February but the message has only
been recently communicated to During this long in
terval II the case appealing to our humanity had been
word
efficient aid But, whatever may be the effects of the de-
lay reference to the Yucatanese they not chageabe
to u.s. Higher considerations In reference to ourselves
considerations OF Pocydemandof us deiberaton, and
that deliberations trust, will be given, despite of the
charge of unnecessary delay But pass to the ques
ton of humanity.
If this be war OF races in reality; if the white race
be not responsible for this war if they have used all
manly exerons, and exhibited due courage in repellng
the danger strong indeed would be the appeal to my
syympathles | have no aversion to any race, red or
black; but my sympathles for the white am
not so much sophisticated by misguided philosophy
false philanthropy, to lose the natural feelings which
belong to me. | 60 further. If this is a of
between races; the Indians have, without just cause,
risen and threatened the and determination of
the white race, who have acted generously towards
them as to raise them from the condition of slaves or
sers 10 that of citizens and reemen this would present
strong on the of policy for interpostion
nected with considerations belonging to progress, cvi
cation, and liberty 1t was the Spanish or white race
and in that we include the mixed races who overthrow
the Spanish power, and have throughout evinced the
greatest attachment, under all circumstances repubi
government They have all the wealth, and com
prise nearly all the intelligence of the country and
their ascendency In my opinion depends the future pro-
gess OF civilization and liberty of Yucaan. 1t is true,
they not very elevated in their sentiments, nor very
well informed political subjects but they are far bet
ter informed, and far more elevated in sentiment than
the Indian race can possibly be. Ii they maintain
themselves, there is some hope that Yucatan may go for
ward, that intelligence may increase and that at some
future day they may be prepared to take higher position
In civilization than at present. Ii the white race be
overthIown, and Indian ascendency established, there
will be directly opposite tendency to end in despoc
government, like that OF Hayti. Perhaps capable man
bly, WELL but it will undoubtedly follow the OF
Hayt The tendency of power will be downward, until
come down to the very bottom and end in savage
state.
But if there powerful considerations why should
interfere tar could with propriety for these
there very powerful why we should act
with great caution The OF Yucatan does not stand
alone All the operating there to produce the
present state OF things operating In all the portions OF
the eastern side of the Andes to Buenos Ayres, and
the western to Chill All, all in great danger of fall
ing into the condition in which Yucaan placed
The history of all has been the same. The white and
mixed races led in casting off the yoke of Spain They
every where elevated the Indian TO equality with
Gates solemn lesson They conferred upon the Indians
full political rights, subecng them at the same time
to unequal civil burdens. While they gave them thu
power OF voting-the highest political powerfully
imposed a tax upon them exclusively of a most
Gus character to throw almost the whole burden
OF supporting the government and the Church upoI
them II the order had been reversed if they had give,
them all civil rights and dealt out to them more
sparngy political rights, eevatlng the integen
and extending the basis of suffrage the intelligence