The North-Carolina standard., 1848-02-16
HON. JEFFERSON DAVIS.

We told the North American, few days ago, that
the distinguished Senator from Mississippi, Hon. JEFF
ferson Davis, would embrace early occasion to
define his position in regard to the and the OPP
position to the war. We find ample confirmation
of the proceedings, in debate in the Senate few
days ago, and beg to extract the following for the
edifcatlon OF our ant-war cotemporary In reply to
Mr.. Butler, of South Carolina, Col Davis said:
Mr.. Davis, of Mississippi. 1t the senator will
permit me, would suggest that General Taylor, in
marching to the Rio Grande, met the Mexican army
about half way-on the banks of the Little Colorado
and was informed by the commander of the Mexican
forces, that if he crossed that stream, it would be
held an act of war.
Mr.. Butler. understand all that.
Mr.. Davis. The Mexican army moved first.
Mr.. Butler. l do not recollect dates; but under
stand the order to General Taylor was issued before
the Mexican army advanced.
Mr.. Davis. / do not know at what time the Mex
ican army proceeded to this point, but do know
that General Taylor found them in positions and they
must therefore have moved first. That is fair In
ference
Mr.. Sewer. The order was given to General Tay
lor in January in.February it received by him,
and in March he in motion.
At late stage of the debate, the gallant Davis said
Mr.. Davis, of Mississippi. My position was, that
holding the interior of Mexico woald conduce to
peace; that when deprived of all hope of further
sstance, which could result only from the presence
of powerful and well-organized army, she must
then give indications of disposition to treat, strong
than she has heretofore given. They have hereto
fore-and say it without unkindness to any one
continually looked to divisions at home as likely to
produce recall of the army and they be cured of
that heresy only by the presence of army sufficiently
powerful to show the concentrated will of this nation
That was the policy which recommended. Further
than that believe that it would be proper to take
line along the mountain ridge, which could be easi
ly held and that if our Jurisdiction were extended
it, the country behind that line would immdiate
ly become quet-not line territorial in its nature
beyond which could not conduct operations,
but from which could ehectually make sorties; :;
and not restricting at all from holding other posts
in the interior of Mexico will say in this
ion that my remarks the other day in relation to the
dangers which might threaten the army, were not
made in reference to General Scott's column, which
is believe, %, 900 strong, and more, though it
is constantly represented otherwise 1t is not that
column which is placed in danger. 1t is the column
of General Wool, numbering 5000 men, and holding
series of posts with long line of communication;
and threatened as have been recently informed, with
army of 900, and the militia numbering, has
been stated, $4,000, and having Immediately in its
flank . valley which could turn out 10000 men.
That little army, thought, was in danger, and l
think it may yet be in danger Then, again, there is
smaller force in New Mexico and still smaller
one in California. These the positions which
wished renforce and hence the necessity of adding
new regiments, instead of strengthening old ones
of sending General Scott, but of strength
ening other columns, well as to hold new posts,
and to relieve garrisons But will not longer
pass on the time of the SENATOR and beg his pardon
for this interruption. Phil PennsylraniGn.