The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-09-28
THE UNION.

.on is, that the President would pressed forth with
the ration OF the ten regiments plated be
raised by the BILL without any regard the result of
pending negotiations As matter OF course have
knowledge OF what the President would do-whether
he would await the action of Mexico upon the treaty or
lately raise the regiments. But sir, this bill does
not become law until It shall pass the other branch OF
Congress This should relieve the mind of every gentle
man of any apprehension that the Executive will antci-
pate the action upon the treaty. and hastily organize the
regiments before that acton shall be ascerained He
do II he disposed In all probability this
bill will undergo proraced discussion in the representa-
tive branch and will not receive their decision until the
of Mexico relation to the treaty shall be known
In view OF this presumption II important thai the SEN
pass this bill without delay that it may be carried
to the other House time for II TO deliberate fully
while the negotiations are IN progress II peace should
be concluded, the legislation Will do harm but If It
should not then this bill ought to be passed by the time
that fact shall be known, that may be delayed
But if the treaty should be ratified, and this bill
should be passed. the honorable senator from South Ca
rona still contends that must incur this useless
pendilue OF three millions of dollars and the evils of
Executive patronage For. he says, "there will be no
difficulty in getting officers and men; they will have
appehensions OF going to Mexico or lighting future bat
ties the enlistment will turn out TO be money specula-
ton" ain really at loss to know how the honorable
senator arrives these conclusions If the officers and
men be raised why will they not go to Mexco' Why
will they fight battles' Will the be at end,
in the face of the fact of recent rejection OF treaty of
peace And if il be not at end, and the regiments
should be organized who has the right to assert that he
enlistment will turn out TO be money speculation"
only understand these assertions OF the honorable
by reference another portion of his remarks. He
the sentiment of the whole country is changed in
reference the war; since he made his speech IN favor OF
defensive line That, opened their eyes to the
consequences and they drew back put their seal OF
disapprobaton upon " and that II would, therefore, be
idle dream suppose that in the event OF the failure OF
the treaty. this would ever be renewed 10 be carried on
vigorously 1t must be to this, then. that the honorable
alludes when lie says 'the enlistment Will turn
out TO be money speculation" But where Is the evil
dence OF this great change of public sentiment, Where
TO be found the indications OF hls strong disapro
b,tiA an than IN -
the country favor oil peaceanxous Tor the conclu
sion of the treaty by The two governments But this by
no means proves the war TO have become unpopular or
that the regiments proposed 10 be raised by this bill will
not be vigorously employed IN the prosecution OF the
1t is still their countrys war; and much as they
desire its honorable termination, II is reflection upon
their patriotism TO suppose that the people prefer It's
abandonment before the great object Tor which 1t has
been waged shall have been accomplished
The having thus become unpopular in the est
nation OF the honorable senator, ne says ony one
thing can be done:" Take the defensive line-.all
back and take the line of the eay-"tell the Mexican
people that intend TO hold itihat we are satisfied, II
they are" Not being military man, it would be rather
presumptuous in to attempt 10 argue this policy II is
military question, and can be properly decided only by
men skilled in the science OF war But l will
venture the opinion, that the adoption OF this policy
will neither hasten peace, nor in the end, prove
less expensive Of lite and treasure, than vigorous
prosecution of the war, recommended by the Ex-
ecutive. The Mexicans obstinate people. This
the character which history awards TO them and they
fully exemphed it in their contest with Texas This is
known better than to the honorable senator In
deed, another occasion, he dwelt upon with empha-
sis. This not only proves to my mind the Importance OF
concentrating upon them overwhelming force, IN Or
der nce them of the necessity OF yielding to
sonabe terms OF peace, but that the adoption OF deen-
sive line pos,pones peace indefinitely They are now
dsorganized and dismayed; but, withdraw army to
defensive ne and you allow them the opportunity to raj
ly and unite, and choose their time and place of
attack. have no doubt that capable OF defend
ing such a line and repulsing them every assault,
though far from believing the force suggested by the
honorable gentleman would be sufficient for that purpose
But having repulsed them, what shall have gained
Nothing but respite, until the enemy should think proper
to make another and another attack. Thus we should
go from year to year-perhaps for twenty yearsen-
gagged in the small business of epeng petty assaults OF
the Mexicans-bound by policy which excludes the
pursuit OF them into their country, for the purpose
of chastisement When would this bring peace Where
would be the nducement for Mexico to enter into
treaty!
Another strong objection this policy presents itself
to my mind 1t is the difficulty of furnishing supplies to
the military stations posted along this defensive line 1t
be remembered that the line proposed thus TO be
cupied is perhaps fifteen hundred miles in lengthhat
il stretches through an uncuvaed wilderness, with the
Mexicans on side, and less hostile tribes of In
dams the other that the supplies OF all kinds must
from the States. The expense, hazard, and delay,
be apparent TO all upon the least reflection. In view of
these considerations, who predict the loss of life and
treasure which must ultimately accrue and who can tell
when it will terminate by treaty OF peace
Another weighty objection with nae Is, that we acquire
no title TO The territory thus defended such expense
Territory thus held is held only by conquest and the
writers on international law say that conquest gives
only nchoate title which is not perfected, except by
treaty of peace Impressed with these views cannot
approve the policy advocated by the honorable senator
IRON South Carolina Ii will neither hasten peace nor,
in the end prove less expensive; and after lapse OF
years, might find it absolutely necessary TO begin
what the President advises vigorous prose-
cution OF the war; But while do not agree with the
senator that the annexation Of all Mexico would prove
fatal to Institutions yet II were convinced that that
the only alternative, Gf his policy rejeced would
go with him in the support of defensive line. Under
all the circumstances, believe vigorous prosecution vi
the war, the of the failure of the treaty, is the
method OF bringing it TO speedy and satisfactory
termination. That TO be the course most strongly
indicated by all The lights to be gathered from the exist
ing state of things.
The honorable senator is further opposed to this bill
because passage will be pledge to the President Tor
vigorous prosecution of the war Sir, wish much to
give such pledge to the President wish mOre-to
give such pledge 10 the country; and most OF all,
wish TO give such pledge 10 Mexico. This consldera
ton operates powerfully with favor OF the passage
of the measure under consideration.
The honorable senator "deests above all things,
system OF menace or bravado in the management of our
Negotiations. This sentiment doubtless springs from
lofty vitue, which all must admire But this system has
always existed, and will exist until men shall beat their
swords into pruning hooks, and learn more.
think, however, the senator mistaken In saying cit
the march OF the army under General Taylor TO the Rio
Grande was but intended 10 sustain IT," Ii must be fresh
the recollection OF every senator that the suggestion
of Mexico, squadron, which lay Oft Vera Cruz,
Withdrawn in advance of Mr.. Slides presenting his
denliais as our envoy negotiate The terms of settle
Rio Grande until the negotiation had failed How then,
could he have been ordered there sustain the OF
menace which the senator much detcslsi
beg leave to notice other remark of the honorable