Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1848-02-03
The Mexican War,

Jay UT TWO previous 10 Inc wing Oate convention,
at which he appointed of the whig electors
for President and Vice President, came up their
second reading. to-wit:
A Joint Resolution relative TO the Merican War.
Whereas, an aggressive and unconstitutional war
exists between this country and Mexico. by
sumption OF arbitrary power by the president of the
United States, and the abuse of his admins
ration of sound moral and political principles, pac-
ing the country in dangerous crisis, which is well
calculated to excite the fears of every patriot for the
permanency of our National Union, and the perpetui-
ly of our Republican institutions, and
Whereas, we regard the true policy of this nation
to be peace with all the world-that in itself is
great calamity to be avoided if possible; and above
all war of aggression upon other nations only
lead to results destructive Of public virtue, and the
pest interests Of the republic, and
Whereas, we regard the existing war with Mexico
as unnecessary, and uncaed for by the true interests
u honor of the country-commenced by the President
Of the UnitediStates by On invasion of the territory
Of Mexico in violation of the constitution, and by
shedding Mexican blood upon Mexican soil and fur
eher, regard the invasion made in pursuance of
he President, dated the 18th January 1885, in it.
self all act of war, and in the language of Senator
Benton, ''as unjust war"-"a war unconstitution-
ally made'-and
Whereas, Notwithstanding the repeated declara-
tons of the Executive of the United States, that
quest was not the object i'll commencing or prosecuting
the war, vet in his late message he declares ''that we
should and render available the conquests
have already made"-'that we should hold and Occu-
Ply by naval and military forces, all the forts.
towns, cities and provinces now in our possession
which may hereafter fall in our posseSslon"-"that
We should press forward military operations, I'M
til Mexico will consent the ACKNOWLEDGMENT of her
empire, or the surrender of her whole country and
1 Government 10 the United States; therefore
~ L. L. e L.
Of Indiana, That it is the deliberate conviction Of
immediate representatives of the people in this State.
that the annexation of additional territory of
Mexico to this Union only be productive of the
most mschlevous consequences, seriously threatening
its perpetuty, and that we are firmly and unalteraby
opposed to any such annexation the fruit result
of the Mexican war, either directly by conquest,
indirectly payment of indemnities, or the ex-
penses Of the war; but if additional territory be
forced upon US, if it shall be acquired by the Gov
eminent in any form, under any pretext whatever
"there should neither be slavery nor involuntary
servitude therein, otherwise than the punishment
of crimes"
RESOLVED, That inasmuch as the war with Mexico
was commenced by an invasion of the territory OF
that republic, without any adequate cause has been
conducted at vast expense, and an immense sacri
fee of lite, and its continued prosecution add
thing to the interest, the honor true glory of the
country; Senators in Congress instructed and
our representatives requested to vote against grant
ing supplies, in either men money for the prosecu-
ton of the war but to loithdrdlc the American army
from Mexican to American soil, and tender TO the
= Mexican Government peace honorable alike to both
nations-a peace in the spirit Of that nuble magma
nimity and high resolve which christian and free
people can only dictate.
ReSOiUed, That the Governor of this State be re-
ques,ed to forward copy of these resolutions to each
Of our Senators and Representatives in Congress.
Mr. Berry, of Monroe, moved to amend by strk-
ing from the first resolving clause, and insert at
follows:
Tbat it is the solemn and deliberate conviction of
this General Assembly, that the existing war with
Mexico is both Just and honorable on the part of the
United States that it rightfully and constiu-
onaly commenced, and that it ought to be prosecu-
ted with vigor until We obtain an honorable peace,
and ample indemnity for the past and security for the
future.
Resolved, That we feel it duty to repel q
SANDER TO the officers and soldiers composing gal
liant army In Mexico, the most of whom have volun-
teered for the service, any mputation that they
engaged In an unjust and unconstitutional war, and
that we look upon such Imputation only attempt
to cover over IN shame and obloquy the memory of
the brave who have fallen upon the fields of Mex
leo.
ReSOtred, That, when country is engaged in q
real and bloody conflict with another nation, should
deprecae tie of the great parties of the Uni
ted States arrayDg themselves in opposition their
country cause: and that public men, and tnat por-
tion Ut the public press denouncng the present war
in unmeasured notwithstanding to withhold sup
plies of and money for its vigorous prosecution
representing TO our enemies In open manner that
our public servants, although elected by the free and
unbought suffrages of the people, weak and i'm
beetle; that our national treasury is not only empty,
but resources exhausted, aud that volun.
teers be had for the service do their country great
injustice by not only disbonoring its character, but
by prolonging the war in giving encouragement to
enemies, and causing blood to be shed than
would otherwise become necessary.
Resslred, That we view the present as the war of
all parties, having been recognized by all parties in
the commencement, and fought by all parties, and that
the prompt in which the late Congress- in the
first instance, by almost unanimous vote. appro-
priated ten millions of money, and authorized fifty
thousand volunteers for Its prosecution, deserves
highest applause, and gave evidence that the nations
honor was safe in their hands. and that they wisely
aud properly intended that should, has been
done, vigorously carry our conquests even into the
heartof our enemies country, until they willing
to conclude an honorable peace.
RESOLVED, That Mexico has provoked the present
war with the United States by plundering and muir
dering her ctzens-despoi ng her commerce for a
series of years-by an insulting rejection Of her d.
plomatc agents, and all overures for the nmicable
adjustment of the difficulties between the two Gov.
ernrnents, and finally by audacious invasion of bel
territory, and the shedding of American blood on
American soil ; and that the people of Indiana, az
heretofore will be found zealously supporting the
Government of their country and raying around the
national flag, ready to yindlcae the honor and rights
Of the United States.
RESOLVED, That the Governor Of this State be re-
quested to transmit copy of these resolutions to eacl
| OfOur Senators and Representatives i'm Congress-"