Democratic banner., 1848-01-17
MIR. CALHOUN'S POSITION ON THE
MEXICAN WAR.

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We give this week the heads of Mr. Cal.
houn's speech in Congress, in defence and
support Of his resolutions upon the Mexican
War. Mr.. Calhoun has an enviable repu-
tation as a clear headed statesman, but IS
equally remarkable for the singularlty OF
his position upon many leading political
lnucsti,ns. His resolutions rave been her
aided forth, as an exponent of his position
upon the question of admitting any more
territory into the Union-as an indemnity
for the expenses of the war, and other liza
Utilities of Mexico. Scarcely had this Con-
struc.ion been given them, whenhe is seen
to arise in the Senate and declare that his
resolutions were not intended to prohibit the
admission of territory as an indemnity, but
against the subjugation, and Incorporation
of the Mexican Government into this I'm
ion. His resolutions were not opposed TO
the admission of a part of Mexico, but a.
gainst destroying her entire nationality
To adopt his views, thus far expressed,
would be to carry out the views of the adj
ministration. But. why offer resolutions TO
prohibit what has never been contemplated,
or urged from any quarter? If the nation
atty of Mexico is destroyed, it will be from
their castillian stubbornness and the force
Ct circumstances, not to be avoided by res
~olutions of this character in Congress. If
IMr. Calhoun tremblcs for the existance Of
the Mexican Government, and as its conse-
quent, the downfall of our Republic. lei
him as a philanthropist, AID lover of his
country, proclaim it in resolutions, the a.
doption of which would remedy the evil
Let him 60 the whole figure of recalling the
army, and of no indemnity at once.
His resolutions propose nothing definite
~; but in his arguments in their favor, he
urges a policy hostile to the interest Of this
country, without beneiting Mexico in the
least. To withdraw our army "to a defen-
sive line to be held" would be to acknowl,
edge the right of indemnity, but giving W
all prospect of securing it in any reasona'
BILE time, as well as losing the vantage
ground we now occupy. This policy has
been sufficiently exposed, to show its falla-
cy-and the wonder is, that it should be Sc.
riously urged from any quarter.
But Mr.. Calhoun is not contented will
urging any policy of his own, but seeks al
opportunity of making a thrust at the Ad.
ministration by eliminating the acts of the
Executive, and justifying the outrages Of
Mexico. Suppose he, or any one else, SHOULD
succeed in this effort, would it justify thi:
policy proposed, of holding a part of hel
TERRITORY? if they believe what they preach
had they not better offer resolutions ex.
pressive of that belief? for there is no jus.
tice or reason in acquitting Mexico in thi.
question of war, and holding part Of hel
territory by a line of defence.
Mr.. C~alhoun's position now, is one of in.
definite rGclAatiOn seldom equaled, anc
surpassed only by his laundering at the
consequences of his own favorite measure
ll-tuc oiiISAdtlUu Vi 4SAdS. mat Tile an
nexation of Texas is the PRIMARY cause Of
the war, is acceded by all, but the father
of that measure. He alone, amongst the
statesmen of the country, contends that the
march to the Rio Grande was the sole
cause of the war, endeavoring to throw of
the responsibility from his own shoulders.
How much more m~agnanimous would it be
for that giant Intellect to stand firm before
the consequences of a measure, that was
righteously approved and supported by the
voice of the people?
u At a meeting of the Democracy Of
St. Louis county, on Saturday the 9Th inst,
Delegates were appointed to the State and
District Conventions, and instructed to vote
as follows: In the State Convention, for
Col. M. M. Marmaduke as first choice for
Governor, and for Hon. James R. McDear-
mon as the second choice. Tn the D;str;ct