Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-04-06

There il is. That's all North Mexico and
New Mexico is not the better part of it.
Sir, there is 4 recent traveller, not unfriendly
to the United States, if we may Judge from MS
work, for he commends us everywhere,-l thlnK
an Englishman, named Ruxton. He gives an
account Of the morals and the manners OF the
population of New Mexico And, Mr. PRESIDENT
and Senators, I shall take leave to introduce
you to these soon to be your respected feHoV GU
liens of New Mexico:--
at is remarkable thar, although existing rom
tho earliest times of the colonization oil Ne"
Mexico. period of two centuries, in stale OF
continual hostility with the numerous savage
tribes of Indians who surround their territory,
and in constant insecurity OF lite and properly |
from their attacks being also far removed from
the eneryatinc influences of large cities, and, in
their isolated situation entirely dependent upon
their own resources, we might naturally have
expected to distinguish them, and are as def
cient in energy Of character and physical cour-
age, as they are in all the moral and intellectual
qualities. In their social state but one degree
removed from the veriest savages, they might
take a lesson even from these in morality and
the conventional decencies OF life. Imposing no
restraint on their passions, shameless and uni
versal concubinage exists, and total disregard
of morals to which it would be impossible to find
parallel in any country calling itself civilized
A want Of honorable principle, and consummate
duplcity and treachery, characterize all their
dealings. Liars by nature, they are treacherous
and faithess to their friends, cowardy and crlng-
ing to their enemies cruel, as all towards are,
they unite savage fcrocty with their want OF
animal courage as an example OF which, their
recent massacre Of Gov. Bent and other Amer.
cans may be gven-one of hundred instan-
ces."
These, Sir, are soon to be our beloved coun-
trymen
Mr.. President--for a good many years, have
struggled in opposition TO everything which,
thought tended to strengthen the arm Of Execu-
tive power. | think it is growing more and more
formidable every day. And | think that by
yielding TO 1t in this, as in other instances, we
give it a strength which it will be difficult here
after to resist. | think that it is nothing less
than the fear of Executive power, whichinduces
us to acqniesce in the acquisition of territory
fear. fear, and nothing olse.
| In the little part which have acted in public
life, it has been my purpose TO preserve the Peo
pie of the United States, what the Constitution
designed to make theIn,-one people, --one in in
terest one in character, and one IN political
feeling. We depart from that tive break it all
up. What sympathy can there be between the
people of Mexico and California and the inhob
itants of the Valley of the Mississippi and The
Eastern States, in the choice OF a President? Do
they know the same man? Do they concur in
any general constitutional principles? Not at
all.
| Arbitrary governments may have territories
and distant possessions, because arbitrary gov
ernments may rule them by different laws and
different systems. Russia may rule the Ukraine
and the provinces of the Caucasus and Kam-
schatka, by different codes, ordinances, or uka-
ses.
We can do no such thing They must be of
us-pGH of us, or else strangers.
| lhiLk see that in progress, which will dis
| figure and doform the Constitution. While these
territories remain territories, they will be trou
BILE and an annoyance. They will draw after
them vast expenses. They will probably require
as many troops as we have maintained during
the last twenty years, 10 defend them against the
Indian tribes. We must maintain an army al
that immense distance. When they shall become
States, they will be still more likely to give us
trouble.
| Think see a course adopted which is likely
to turn the Constitution Of the land into q de-
formed monster into curse, rather than bles
sing tin fact q frame Of an unequal govern.
ment,-not founded on popular representation
not founded on equaty,-but on the grossest
inequality. And think 1t will go on, that
there is danger that it will go or, until the I'm
ion sinai! fall 10 piecest
know, Sir, that all the portents are discour-
aging. Would 10 God could auspicate good
Influences. Would TO God that those who think
with me, and myself, could hope for stronger
support. Would we could staud where we
desire to stand. | see the signs are sinister
But with few, or alone-my position is fixed! If
there were time | would gladly awaken the
country. believe the country might be ava.
kened but it may be too late. But supported
or unsupported, by the blessing of God, shall
do my duiV. | see well eDouuh MI the adverse
indications. But am sustained by deep and
a conscientious sense of duty. And while sup
ported by that feeling, and while such great in
teresls are at stake, | defy auguries, and ask no
othen but my country's cause!