Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1848-03-16

-~-+@~-~N
New York; for the Sentinel, by friend, to whom
we tender our thanks. We consider it one fihe best
articles of the day; and that it will have influence for
good, none who reflect can fail to see, unless patriot
ism has fled them forever.
From the SehHsPOst, German PaPer published al York.
The Mexican War.
1t is strange that in country, thoroughly practi-
cal in its tendencies like North America, contro-
versy arise in regard to the justice injustice of
the war with Mexico. Did one not know that JUS
tce, conscientiousy advocated has but TOO often
to serve pretext for personal or party purposes
one might be tempted to class these practical Amer-
cans with the biologists. Far be it from us to de-
clare the cause of war TO be matter altogether
immateral; but we think ii absurd to commence a
war; and them in the midst of the victorious career
TO indulge in penitent reflections on its righteousness
The fact is, you must either not at all, or,
having commenced, finish vigorously. The course of
the advocates of justice and peace, had they thought
of being consistent. ought to have been, TO insist on
the immediate withdrawal Of the troops under Scott
and Taylor from Mexico, to hang up the conquered
trophies in the temple of justice at Washington or
wherever it may be erected, and to I'll the measure of
leaves other alternative You must either act like
man. suffer yourself to be stigmatzed as a fool.
Every nation has its mission growing out of its
atons. Generally speaking the object of this mission
is the diffusion Of civilization. The for its ac-
complishment vary according to surrounding circum-
stances but the chief has always been force.
Force is many-sided instrument; it serves the evil
we'll the good it barbarism well civili-
zation The decision respects its value depends
tirely upon the object be attained upon the
sequences arising from its application. is however,
just as indispensable as it is many-sded and if on
the one hand it is made of weapon of barbar-
ity and unreasonabeness, it the other hand forms
the complement Of and civilization Had rea-
son repudated it, because it also the
able history would yet stand at the point where
it stood thousands of years ago, waiting perhaps to
be set in motion by lawful and peaceful means. Rea
son appeals to reason by humane means opposed to
the unreasonable Its necessary reservation Is the
sword History has taught this lesson for ages, and
the teaching Of history deserves some attention 1t
sches at the same time, that barbarism opposed
to civilization, is always unlawful that its defeat is
a blessing and its overthrow a necessity. Who
ever conquers a rude, uncultvated nation with
view of ensaving them, removes state Of barbar
ism in order to suppant il by another; he who con-
quers to berate accomplishes task imposed by his
tory. He accomplishes it more thoroughly if with
his humane intentions he unites humane means, leav
ing to Cortez Pzarro the glory to waste energies,
not called for, on doubtful or base purposes.
Applying these general remarks to Mexico, no one
can entertain doubt, that that country, as opposed
to the union represents barbarsm, and that the gov
eminent of the union does not carry on war of con-
quest. 1t is priori impossible anomaly for
government like that of the United States to under
take war Of conquest in the strict sense of the
word. Its conquest must of necessity become to
be a propaganda, which finally will result into
blessings to the conquered. Mexico, by ner own
efforts. could never have arrived at civilization.
As hotbed of Spanish ignorance, vice and poverty
she would have remained the she was under the
rule of Madrid well under her own republican
institutions the victim of ambitious, designing
priests and of lawless perfdous chefains To raise
her from this condition the first step has now been
taken, and it will depend solely upon the amalga-
mating skill of the leaders and statesmen, to Ame
carize her in a comparatively short period She will
perceive the advantages of union, and this per-
ception will induce her to conclude treaty of peace.
Besides, had the present Mexican not afforded
an opportunity to the United States to accomplish
portion of their historical mission, with Mexico
could not have been avoided at later and perhaps at
a period not so favorable; it would have been una
vodabe if for no other than that the govern
ments of Europe would not have been behind hand in
applying the monarchcal lever with which to upset
the North American system of policy. The rising
stream of American civilization would not have tole-
rated the barrier of the Mexican frontier it, in
time, will not tolerate that of Great Britain and Rus
sia In America political growth is geographic
cay fixed than in any other country. view of the
future and Of the map does not enable to discover
any other possibility, than than one day the whole
northern continent down to Panama will form one sim
gle union of States having their political centre at
Washington, and the politicians of the present time
ought to esteem themselves fortunate to have it in
their power lay the foundation for the grand super
structure which will be erected at future period II
evinces great degree Of political mindedness
coupled with unworthy sentiments, to labor, without
urgent reasons, in retarding the accomplishment Of
events, that glorious they unavoidable.
1t is difficult TO surmse TO what extent and to what
period the United States in politico-economical
point of view will derive benefit from Mexico That
depends upon the condition of things in that country
: and in the adjacent States. Perhaps the breaking
ble and the acquisition of the neighborng territories
might prove to be the most eectual measure to sur.
round Mexico with North American civilization. and