The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1848-01-06
RESOLUTIONS BY MR.. DICKINSON OF THE
SENATE.
DECEMBER -.


DECEMBER -.
Rr.olrcd, That true policy requires the Govern
mcnt of the United States 10 strengthen its political
and commercial relations upon this continent by the
annexation of such contiguous territory as may con-
duce to that end, and can be justly obtained; and
that neither in such acquisition nor in the territorial
organization thereof can any conditions be cohStu-
tionMv imposed or institutions he provided for or
established inconsistent with the right of the people
thereof to form free sovereign State with the pow
crs and privileges of the original members OF the
CUntcdcracy.
r, solred, That in organizing Territorial Govern
mant for territory belonging to the United States,
the principles OF self government upon which our
federativc system rests will be best promoted the
true spirit and meaning Of the Constitution be OBJ
served and the Confederacy strengthened, by leav-
ing ali questions concerning the domestic policy
therein to the Legislatures chosen by the people
thereof.
In the House Of Representatives, Tuesday, Dec
Dist, Mr. Boris presented the following resolutions
The proposition of Mr.. Boris was read, as fol
lows;
l. Resolred, That among the highest duties that
can dcvolve upon the Representatives OF the People
is the preservation Of the national integrity, strict
observance of the Limitations of the Constitution
and firm resistance to Executive encroachmcnt'
=. LfSOtttG, IlUl any VIII WHICH Has IO l9
the ACQUISITION of territory by conquest, brings int
question the national character is in violation of the
Constitution of the United States, in conflict witt
the genius and spirit of our institutions and danger
Gus to the perpctuity of the Union,
3. RcsoIred That the war in which We are no"
engaged was not brought on by the oct of Mexico.
d. Rssolred, That the war with Mexico was brought
on BY the unauthorized act of the President Of the
United States, in ordering the army under the com
mand of General Taylor into territory then IN pos
session of the Mcxican Republic.
S. Rcsolred, That we have no right to claim in
demuity for the expenses Of q war brought on by
the il-advlscd and unprovoked act of our own pub
lie functtonaries.
6. Resolred, That the honor Of this nation does
not consist in exactng territory from Mexico, tC
which we have no claim, and yielding to Great Brit
ain territory the title to which was asserted to be
" clear and unreasonable; and that to evade tht
strong and pursue the weak docs not present the
honor courage, OF greatness OF our people in thc
true light.
! 7. Resolt'ed, That to exact indemnity from Mexico
would dcVolve upon us the necessity Of making
similar demand in all future wars, which would in
vove us in ntermilabe conflict or Of surrenderinl
principle now insisted on as Indispensable to thu
preservation of our national honor.
| S. Resolved, Ihatno new territory can he annexed
| to the United States by virtue Of the war, withou
| involving the agitation Of domestic difficulties, be
getting sectional anmositics, and weakening the tie
| that connect us together.
8. ReSoLred, That if the conquest of territory b.
not the object Of the war, can perceive no goo,
reason for continuing troops i'll the heart OF tn
cnemy's country, by which their lives are unneces
sarily exposed, and our resources uscessly expcn
dcd.
10. ReSolre2, That conquering nation has moth
ing to apprehend from an exhibition of magnarimi
ty to defeated foe; and that victorious army ma,
retire from the pursuit of carnage and saughtc
without mourning the imputaton OF rereating iron
the scattered and discounted forces Of the enemy.
! II. ReSolUed, That the most efficient, if not tn
only means of restoring speedy and honorabl
peace would be, uRdeT proper preliminary arrange
menS, to Withdraw our troops, already covered wit
glory and surteitCd with success to the true and lie
climate boundaryof Texas at the time of its annex
alton to the United States.
II ResoIred That our institutions, founded on tn
rights of man, repudiate the doctrine that "migl
makes right" as the feebooters plea and the pirate
law; and, 50 long as we offer an asylum to the OF
pressed, and recognize life liberty, and the pursu
of happiness" among the inalienable rights of MAJ
we cannot insist upon the dismembennent Of an EN-
pire as the price Of peace.
IL. Resolred, That if, upon the restoration Of peace
the necessities of our commerce shall require Il hal
Dor in any part of the Mexican territory in Califo
MIA we arc able and should be willing to pay there
for rs would become great and an honest people
If. Resolved That if it shall be determined by tt
people, through their Representatives, that this W;
shall be further prosecuted in Mexico it then b.
comes the duty Of all parties to protect our nations
flag ana brave army by furnishing all needful SUI
plies Of men and money to carry it on with Wig
and effect.