Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-01-12
PEACE WITH MEXICO.
BY ALERT GALLATIN.
(Concluded.)
NI-RECAPTTULATION

Nl-RECAPTIULATIO
/ IL is an indsputable fact that the annexation of
Texas, then at war with Mexico, was lantamount
to declaration OF war, and that the comparative
weakness of Mexico alone prevented its Govern
ment from considering it as such.
/ Under these circumstances, it was evidently the
duty OF the United States to use every means to
soothe and conciliate the Mexicans, and to wait
with patience for an unconditional recognition of
the independence of Texas, till the feelings excited
by our aggression had subsidized
1t has been shown that after Mexico had resorte1
as substitute for war, TO the hasmless susnensi,
OF the ordinary diplomatic intercourse, the attempt
to make 1t retract that measure before any neyotia
lions Tor the restoration of harmony between The
two countries should be entered into was neither
countenanced by the acknowledged law of nations,
nor necessary for any useful purpose nor consistent
with proper and just sense of the relative posi-
lion IN which the aggressive measures of the Uni
ted STATES had placed the two countries But that
the refusal OF Mexico 10 submit to that additional
contunely should have been considered Us an insult
TO the United States betrays the pride OF power IA
ther than Just sense of what is due TO the true
dignity and honor of this nation.
Ii has been demonstrated that the Repubc of
texas had nota shadow Of RIGHT to the territory
adjacent TO the left bank of the lower portion of the
hlo Norte; that, though she claimed, she never
had actually exercised jurisdiction over any portion
Of it; that the Mexicans were the sole Inhabitants
ana IN actual possession of that district that there
lore It's forcble occupation by the army of the Uni
ted states was, according 10 the acknowledged law
OF nations, as well in fact an act of open HOSTILE
ty and war; that the resistance of the Mexcans to
that INVASION was legitimate; and that therefore the
war was unprovoked by them and commenced Inv
the United States
lfany doubt should remain of the correctness of
these statements, let them be tested by the divine
and undenlabe preccp,, ''Do unto others as Won
would be done bv''
Fiat this moment France was to contract n treaty
OF defensive and offensive alliance with Mexico. a
treaty taking effect Immediately, and pending the
war between the United States and Mexico. and
binding herself to defend it with all her forces a.
galnst any and every other Power, would not the
United States at once consider such treaty as n
declaration OF war against thcml
III, In lieu OF declaring war against Great Britain
IN the year 1912, the United States had only sus
pended the ordinary diplomatic relations between
lhe two countries, and Great Britain had declared
mat she would not enter into any negotiation for
the settlement of all the subjects of difference be-
tween the two countries, unless the United States
should as preliminary condition restore those re-
latons, would not this have been considered as a
most inSOlent demand, and to which the II Stotes
never would submit?
lf the United States were, and had been for more
,hana century, IN possession Off tract of country
ed only by the occasional forays of an enemy. would
they not consider the forcibe military invasion and
occupation OF such district by third Power as o.
pen and unprovoked war commenced AGAINST them Q
And could their resistance to the invasion render
them liable to the mputatiun Of having themselves
commenced the war
Yet it would seem as fthc splendid and almost
romantic successes OF the American arms had for
while, made the people of the United States deaf
TO any other consideration than an enthusiastic and
exclusive love OF glory; it, forgetting the oririn
oil The war and with an entire disregard for the die
tates OF justice, they thought that those successes
gave the nation right to dismember Mexico and to
appropriate 10 themselves that which did not belono
, 10 them.
But do not despair, for have faith in cur in
sti'utions and the people; and will now ask them
whether this was their mission; and whether they
were placed by Providence on this continent for the
purpose of culvating false glory and of sinking 10
the level OF those vulgar conquerors who have at all
! times desoated the earth
VII-THE MISSION OF THE u. STATES
! The people ofthe United States have been placed
/ by Providence in position never before enuyef
by any other nation. They are possessed of a mos
extensive territory, with very fertile soil, vari
ety OF climates and productions, and capacity O
sustaining population greater, in proportion TO it
extent than any other territory Of the same size OF
the face of the globe.
by concouTse of various circumstances. the,
found themselves, at the epoch of their indepen
dencc, in the full enjoyment of religious civil, an
political liberty, entirely free from any herediiar
monopoly OF wealth or power. The people at larG
were In full and quiet possession of all those natu
raj rights Tor which the people Of other counire
nave Tor long time contendcd, and still do cor
tend They were, and you still are, the suprem
Sovere'gns, acknowledged as such by all. For tn
proper exercise OF those uncontrolled powers an
privileges you are responsible to postery, to tt
world at large, and TO the Almighty Being who Ina
poured on you such unparalleled blessings
$ Your mission is to improve the state ofthe worlc
TO be the ''Alodel Republic - to show that men Al
i capable oil governing themselves and that this sir,
, pie and natural form of government is that a |.
which confers most happiness on ali is producv
OF the greatest development of the intellectual f
cutles-above ALL that which is attended with II
highest standard of private and political virtue an
morality.
!, Your iorelatheFs, the founders Of the Republic
lm6ued with deep feeling OF their rights and DIT
Ties, dld not devlate from those principles. II
souhd sense the wisdom, the prObity, the respe
> for public faith, with which the internal concern
of the nation were managed, made our institution
an object of general admiration. Here, for the fir
. time, was the experiment attempted wifhany pro
Pect OF success, and on large scale Of a Re1reso
tative Democratic Republic If it failed. The Ia
hope of the friends Of mankind was lost or indie
; ntely postponed ; and the eyes of the world we
e turned towards you. Whenever real or pretend
r apprehensions of the imminent danger of trusti
the people at large with power were expressed, {
answer ever was, 'Look at Amcricar'
In their external relations the United States.
;, fore this unfortunate war, had. whilst sustaini
their just rights, ever acted liz strict conform
8 with the dictates of Justice, and displayed the
" most moderation. They never had voluntarily
: jurcd any other nation. Every acquisition OF ,