The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-08-15
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
From the Petersburg (Va.) Intelligence,

From the Petersburg (Va.) Intelligeneer.
This important document, as far have been
able to judge from the papers, has generally been
favorably received by the press. 1t was most
critical duty which the President had to perform,
and he has discharged it to the satisfaction of all
but those who will stand in the same relation to his
administration they did to that of Gen. Taylor,
to wit: Composition to the bitter END While
never could have advocated the policy of terrific
rial government established in New Mexico by or
der Of the President of the United States, and the
consequent occupation by force of territory claimed
by State of this Union, we could never think of
permitting that State to be the sole Judge in her
case, and to take forcible possession ofthc
ritory in dispute. Mr. FILLMORE cannot make him.
self the judge in the case, nor would Texas agree
that he should be- All that he can do is to discharge
his duty the Chief Executive officer of the Gov
ernment, and maintain things they until
mode may be found of adjusting the boundary be-
tween Texas and New Mexico, either by buying
up the claim OF the former or by other means. In
the mean time, Texas can lose nothing Of whatever
just claim she may have There will be no forciblc
occupation against her, for the President expressly
says: "No government can be established for New
Mexico, either State territorial, until it shall
be first ascertained What New Mexico is, and what
her limits and boundaries. These cannot be
fixed or known till the line of division between her
and Texas shall be ascertained and established;
and numerous and weighty reasons conspre, in
my Judgment to show that this divisional line
should be established by Congress, with the assent
of the government of Texas" Now, how the
friends of Texas can ask in reason more than this
VIC cannot conceive. To ask more would, in
judgment, be require the Executive of the United
States to admit the right of any State to enforce her
claim upon any territory within the bounds of the
United States at the point of the bayonet. This
certainly must be the doctrine Of those who find
fault with the position taken by President FILL
MORE; and if not, should like for them to point
out what course in their opinion the President
should have pursued. We can conceive of but two
courses which the President could pursue in rea-
ton to this matter first, to do precisely what he
has done, or, secondly, to tell Texas to go ahead
with her armed forces and fix the boundaries of
New Mexico TO suit herself. II there is any one
who thinks the latter would have been the proper
course, we should like to hear the reasons in sup
port Of so extraordinary opinion.
From the augusta Ga.) Chronicle and Sentinel.
This important document, Ia telegraphic notice
Of which published yesterday,) on the subject
of the difficulties growing out of the boundary
question of New Mexico and Texas, will be found
among the proceedings of Congress reported in
this paper. II is plain, statesmanike document,
Astounding in sound, practical views of the duties
of the Executive in such emergency that an
ticipated, and breathes throughout earnest de-
votion to the preservation of harmony and the
Union. While we admire its mild and conciliatory
tone, we cannot withhold our appreciation of it's
manliness and frmness; and with all our devotion
to State rights, prepared to defend its posi-
tons.
We have regarded the position of Texas, how
ever Just her claim, unwise and ill-advised-
wanting in good faith to the Union, and prodSc-
tive of evil consequences if perscvercd in. IL is to
be hoped, however, that the present position Of af
fairs will impress upon Congress the urgent ncces-
sity of prompt action, and amicable, fair, and
liberal adjustment of the question, to the end that
collision may be avoided, and harmony restored
TO the country.
The message is accompanied by the letter Of
Governor Bell. which called it forth, and n very
able reply from the Secretary Of State, which lie
marked by all the power and ability which charac-
terize the State papers Of Mr.. Webster. These
will be given to- morrow.