Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1848-02-24

rope it is of ours that should be permitted fol-
low undsturbed the path which, the allotment OF
uonal fortunes we seem appointed TO tread s'ur coun-
try has long been refuge for those who desire larger
liberty than they enjoy under their rulers II
outlet for the political disaecton OF the Old Word-or
social elements which might there have become
OF agitation, but which are here silently aud tranquility
incorporated into our system, cea,ng be principles OF
disturbance rs they attain the greater freedom which
the object Of their separation from less congenIal
combinations in other quarters Of the globe Nay, more
II Is into the vast reservoir of the wilderness,
teeming with lruulness and fertility that Europe
stantly urng, under protection, her human surplus
unable To draw from her bosom the elements of
their support aud reproduction. She is literally going
along with US in our march to prosperity and power,
share with US Its trlumphs and its fruits Happily this
continent IS not Legitimate theatre for the political ar.
of the of the hemisphere
Their armies may range undisurbed by us, The
plains OF Europe, Asia, and Africa dehronng monarchs
pariiuoning Kingdoms, and subveng republics inter-
caprice may dictate. But political Justice demands
that in quarter of the globe sefgovernment, free
DOM the arts OF peace, shall be permitted TO work out
unmoested, the great purposes of human civilization.
Mr. President Trust there will be nothing m the hnal
adjustment Of our difficulties with Mexico TO impair, in
any degree, the moral of example in the past Our
heretofore has been of perpetual exerI,on
bring about an amlcabe arrangement with her, | trust
shall persevere in the of conduct, what
ever unwiagness she may exhibit to come to terms.
Entertaining the opinions which have EXPIRE sed, nat
public conduct should comport with the dignity Of the
part seem destined to perform in the great drama of
in ernaonal politics. l desire To good
sUed, aud the character have gained for moderation,
JUSTICE and scrupulousness the discharge of nation
al obligations, maintained unimpalred. In these, let
be assured, our great strength consists fot il is these
which makes US strong in the opinion OF mankind.
In what have said concerning the nrogress of peo
pie the unpopuated regions of u.s. and in
spect responsibilities a nation, trust 1 shall
have incurred no mpuiaton of Inconsistency. On the
contrary trust shall be considered consistent 10 all
have said. regard extension, as have endeavored
TO foreshadow H. TO be the inevitable result OF the
operation OF which il is not in our power TO arrest. AT
the same time hold it to be sacred duty that
II Is not encouraged promoted by improper means
While should consider IL the part of weakness shrink
from extension under the apprehension that it might
bring with the elements of dscord and disunon
political boundaries enlarged should hold be
the part Of folly and dshonor attempt accelerate it
by agencies incompatible with obligations other
nations. II is the dictate Of wisdom and of duty SUBJ
NIT ourselves to the operation of the great which
at work, and which will work spite of US,
carrying civilization and freedom the American
continent
La advocating continued occupation of the cities and
territory have acquired in Mexico until she shall
sent to reasonable terms of peace also that shall
be deemed consistent with myself. Deprecating
the greatest of calamIies especially for desire
this brought to close the earliest practicable day.
am in favor OF whatever measures likely TO
accomplish this desirable end. opposed aban-
Comment Of our position:
l. Because believe il would open a field OF domestic
dssensOn in Mexico which might be fatal her
independent slate make her take refuge in
the arms Of despotism;
I'd Because il might lead to external interference in
her affairs Of the most dangerous tendency both her and
us and
3d. Because fear that should only gain Temporal
ry suspension OF hcstes, to be renewed under great
disadvantages to u.s. and with every prospect Of longer
and more sangunary contest.
MIR. President, this last consideration which weighs
most heavily upon my mind. | hold it TO be inds-
pensabe the public welfare, under all its aspects that
should have, the termination of this contest solid
and stable peace. Unpromsing the condition Of things
seem at the present moment, my hope still is that firm
ness, tempered with prudence, will give us, a mere
outward pachcauon with secret irritation ranking with
in, bat substantial concord aud friendship which shall
leave wound unhealed. And sir, should be salts
fed with nothing short Of accommodation of dferen.
which will enable the country with confidence lay
aside its armor, and the peaceful pursuits
which, by the memorable law of condition, must
look for prosperity and safety.
My advice, them Of may presume TO ndyise,) is, TO
stand firm, holding ourselves ready at all times to make
peace and carrying into negotiations for that purpose
determination to cement future good understanding
with adversary, by adjustment of differences
! on terms Of justice, m Iteration, and magnsnimily.