Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1848-01-06
TEE ruExICAM WAR

IN CIueI tiidt Jul lcddSiS iisdf W lull} az
prlsed Of the different resolutions before Con
gress, in relation to the Mexican War. we
publish the annexed. In the House, on Tues
day, the resolutions offered by Mr.. Richard
son, an Administration member, being under
consideration, Mr. Stephens Of Georgia, sent
up to the Clerks table proposition which he
said he intended to offer as an amendment in
case the previous question was not sustained.
II was read as follows:
Whereas, il is no less desirable that the in
terest and honor Of our country should be cor
daily sustained and defended so long as the
present war with Mexico continues 10 exist
than that the conflict should be unnecessarily
prolonged. but should be terminated as soon
as an honorable peace can be obtained: and
whereas II IS believed that diversity of opin-
ion prevails TO considerable extent as TO the
ultimate aims and objects for which the wai
should be prosecuted and il being proper that
this matter should be settled by The clear ex-
preston OF the legislative will, solemnly pro.
claimed to the world:
BE II therefore resotced bq the Senate ana
House Of Representatives Of the United States Ia
Congress assembled, That the present war with
Mexico should not be waged or prosecuted
with view TO conquest" either BY the sub
ljugaUon or ACKNOWLEDGMENT of that Republic
BE IL further res0lrcd by The authority dfore.
said That II is the desire Of the United States
that hostilities should be terminated upon
terms honorable TO both parties, embracing a
mutual settlement of the questions growing
out OF the "proper and rightful" boundary oil
Texas, and full recognition and proper pro-
vision on her part 10 be made for all the just
claims OF our citizens against that country
the whole TO be adjusted by negotiation, TO be
instituted and effected according to the consti-
tutional form of each Government respective
ly.
Mr.. BORIS rose and said he had substitute
for the resolutions ofthe gentleman from Hi
nos, which he should propose when in order,
and he now asked that 10 be read.
The proposition of MIR. Bots was rel as
follows:
l. ReSolUed, That among the highest duties
that can devolve upon tie Representatives Of
the People, is the preservation Of the national
integrity a strict observance of the limitations
OF the constitution, and firm resistance to
Executive encroachment
2. ReSolred, That any war which has for
It's object the acquisition of territory by con
quest, brings into question the national char
acter, is in violation of the constitution of the
United States, in conflict with the genius and
spirit oil our Institutions, and dangerous 10 the
perpetuity ofthe Union.
3. Resolred, That the war in which we are
now engaged was not brought on by the act
of Mexico.
4. Resolced, 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 command of General Taylor,
INTO territory then IN possession of the Mexi-
can Republic.
5. Resolced, That we have no right to claim
indemnify for the expense Of war brought
on by the ill-advised and unprovoked act Of
our own public functionaries.
g. ReSotued, That the honor of this nation
does not consist 10 enactinG territory from
Mexico, 20 which we have no claim, and
yielding 10 Great Britain territory the title to
which was asserted to be .'clear and unques
tionabe !" and that TO eyade the strong and
pursue the weak does not present the honor,
or greatness of our people in their true hight.
z. Resotped, That TO exact indemnify from
Mexico would deyolve upon us the necessity
OF making similar demand in all futue wars.
which would involve us in interminable con
hict or OF suFrendering principle now insis-
ted on as indispensable to the preservation of
our national honor.
8. Resolred, That no new territory can be
annexed to the United States by virtue of the
war without involving the agitation Of domes-
TIC difficulties, begettlng sectional animosities
and weakening the ties that connect US tooeth.
err
Q. Resolred, That if the conquest OF terrific
ny be not the object of the war, we can per
ceive no good reason for continuing our troops
in the heart OF the enemy's country, by which
their lives are unnecessarily exposed and our
resources uselessly expended
10. Resolced, That a conquerinc nation
has nothing 10 apprehend from an exhibition
OF magnimity and generosity 10 defeated foe
and that victorious army may retire from the
pursuit of carnage and slaughter without in
curing the lmputatlon Of retreating from the
scattered and discontinued forces OF The enc
my.
IL. Resolred, That if the most efficient il
not only means of restoring a speedy and hon
oroble peace would be, under proper preiimi-
mary arrangements, TO withdraw our troops
already covered with glory and Surfeited with
success, TO the true and legitimate boundary
of Texas at the time Of its annexation to the
United States
II. ResOired, That our institutions, founded
on the rights of man, repudiate the doctrine
that Knight makes right" as the freebooter's
plea and the pirates law; and so long as we
olier any asylum 10 the oppressed and recog-
nize "lie, liberty, and the pursuit of happi-
ness" among the inalenabe rights of man
we cannot insist upon the dismemberment Of
an empire as the price Of peace.
Is. Resoired, That if, upon the restoration
OF peace, the necessities of our commerce shall
require haybor in any part of the Mexican
territory IN California, we are able, and should
be willing TO pay therefor, as would become a
great and an honest people.
ID. Resoired, That fiji shall be determined
by the People, through their Representatives
that this war shall be further prosecuted IN
Mexico, it then becomes the duty OF all parties
TO protect our national flag and brave army by
furnishing all needful supplies of men and
money TO carry it on with vigor and effect.
In addition 20 these, others have been offer
ed by Mr.. Il. w. Thompson Of Indlna, MIR.
Toombs and Mr.. Vandyke, but we cannot