The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-03-18
Correspondence of the Caledo-
MAN.

nldIls
DosToN, March II, lS4S.
Well, the game has ended, the wings arc
beaten, Slavery and uvuricc have triumphed
and our Nation stands before the world, t
proud hypocrtc,- the lie, black as midnight
stamped upon her noble forehead, All that
Slavery and the Democrats could dare to hope
for, or even wish, has been accomplished most
trumphnntly. In 1915, Texas was shrowdly
struggled in. And now six hundred and fifty
thousand square miles are TO be added, as a
choice field to practice and strengthen the
system of oppression, Ifthe simple question
of acquisition were presented to the people, no
doubt it would be rejected with general indig-
nation. But now it comes in such form that
it is eagerly asked for, crcn by achigs.
That the plan was conceived in secret, with
far.sghted cunning, that it has been watched
over and brought forward so adroitly that ev-
en- its object, the eery curse is thought to be Ga
consummation devouty to be wished" be-
speaks no mean diplomacy, Yet,lct it be well
memhcred who is the Prince of such arts, g.
let the glory all Oft be given to those to whom
it belongs. Let true men wash their hands in
innocence, having no part in the war, or in
such a Peace.
Has there not been over-hasty expression by
the Northern Wing papersi Have they weigh
ed well the question of territory, especially
stare territory, as this must and will be? Are
we to receive into the holy bonds of fell
lowship 65s, 900 miles of land blighted by
this foul curse? Besides, what shadow of
right have we TO single foot ofMeXican soil;
Shall we demand it because it is in our power;
Having heated the iron, and enjoyed the cX-
quisite pleasure of seeing her writhe under the
agony ofits application 10 her vitals, shall we
now wiring from her the cost of heating'-I
Then, truly does it accH become us to boast
of this iamd offrecdom, religion and good goc-
ernment. Then, if our arrogance keeps pace
with our growth in inquity, VIC may next
claim to extend the privileges of sour peculiar
Institutions over the continent Perhaps, in
our impious pride, we may plan to establish
the Anglo American superiority in a future
world.
/ cannot but think that every principle of
wisdom, honor and humanity will sustain those
Of the 10 who voted to reject the treaty, from
as earnestly as any, but they had other princi-
pies to maintain, and which would not bear a
compromise. The plan was, in their view,
pregnant with mischief aside from its inius- |
tce and informally. We had no more need
of the territory than the prodigal of his portion
of the goods we had no more right TO it than
the robber TO the purse ofhs murdered victim.
We could have had peace on wiser terms
At least, after some delay and change of pow
err, we could have nobly given back TO Mexico
all we have taken, which is beyond dispute her
own; we could have extended the right hand
of fellowship, helping her to enjoy the bless
ings of republican freedom, and securing III"
M ltual benefits Of commercial intercoufsc.--
By such course, such glorious and UMPIRE
ccdented example we might we'll nigh have .
ciiaccd the foul blot of past injustice
But now the whole scheme, in all IFS folly !
and iniQuity,its origin, progress and end must
he unallerably recorded on the page Of histo-
ry 1t will show picture so dark and revolt !
ing that humanity will blush and hang it's head,
Well will il be if the future has not to paint its !
cjcctS in stW deeper colors. Thankful may |
We be if the spirit ofoppression and conquest
is now satioted, and if we may escape just
rctribution for the past. But there is too much
reason to fear we have yet TO learn that ''mon-
cy, miles millions do not make nation great"
G.