The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-07-01
Expected Collision In New Mexieo-The
Territorial Question.

The most ominous and important movemen,
shat has taken place in this country, since the be-
ginning Of the Mexican war; if not since the or
gssizauon OF our government, is the ordering of
troops Of 'ne Un..eu states, 10y the President TO
New Mexico, to repel any armed attempts that
may be made by Texas to take possession of the
territory which that State claims in New Mexico.
We shudder when We reflect upon what may pos
sibly, or probably, be the results Of this new and
extraordinary movement, growing GU, of the terri
torisl question: and the failure Of all attempts at
settlement or compromise oft in Congress. There
n every danger TO appIehend collision between
the troops Of the United States and those of Texas
and if such should take place, no one can predict
what the consequence may be. not only to the
peace and harmony Of this republic, but to its very
vitality and existence. IL Will not bs confined Ia
New Mexico, or TO Texas, for we firmly believe
that if Texas and the United States troops come
IN conflict upon any matter directly or indirectly
growing OF the present agitation Of the slavery
question all OF the Southern States will take sides
with Texas, give her all the aid in their power,
aud help her TO resist the general government
Let the blow be struck, and in ali probability all
lhe legislatures Of the Southern States would be
called tog,ther-ihe whole Southern section OF
the republic would be in arms, and would assist
Texas; the Northern States would take part with
New Nexico-end God alone Knows what the end
would be.
II such a lsmentabie state Of things as that TO
which We refer should unfortunately take place
in this republic, history informs Us what the re-
suits would be. In the early career Of Greece Wa
have all example Of what a united confederacy OF
republics was capable Of achieving in those days,
a. well ~ the consequences which followed from
qusrIels and conflicts amoBg themselves. The
victories obtained over Darius and Aerxes estab-
llshed the Independence Of those States, and gave
to each State Of the confederacy a seParats and
independent existence The fear Of invasion from
the Persians kept them united without any other
conn, elton than a mere social one, until two Of the
principal Of those republics, Sparta and Athens,
became, from the ambition Of their political lead
sr. rivals TO each other. From slight, AL AZ h5-i
insigDitc ,nt causes, such a. the dispute between
New Mexico and Texas IN rtfsIc;ce to theis
boundaries at the present time, arose iae Pelopo-
pesisn wars. and to them may be attributed the
complete downfall Of the Grecian Conlrderaey,
their conquest by Philip Of Maeedon, and their
final absorption in the Roman Empire. IL would
be well for the people Of the United States to re-
feet upon the history Of Greece-io compare the
Gr,cisn Confederacy in the zenith Of It's glory,
with the United States al the present time the
rivalry between Spart. and Athens, with New
Mexico and Texas. as well as the probability there
eKets Of the Sosthern States taking side with
Teas in case OF collision, aud the Northern
siding with New Mexico. Our feelings will not
allow ~ to follow up the parallel any further.
The errors and mistakes which led TO this de-
adorable and unfortunate state Of things, were
committed. in the fist place, by the administration
of Mr. Polk, but without the superstition OF inten
tiou that they would lead to any difficulties In con-
uection with the slavery question The acquisi
non Of new territory growing out Of the wal with
Mexico. rendered it incumbent on Mr. Polk, IN the
absence of legislation, to take some steps towards
pro,idinR some kind Of government for the country
,hrs transferred to the United States. Mr.. Marcy.
then Secretary Of War, issued orders to the mill
tary commanders in that region, which might be
construed ~ conferring civil power and civil au-
thori,y on .ffice.s Of the army-a very ques-
tonable, II not an unconstitutional mode Of action.
That was the origin Of the presen, difficulties, and
The was the condition Of matters when the present
administration came into power. That policy de-
rcepded as an heirloom to General Taylor, who,
perhspe. saw nothing unusual or strange In 1t.
even II he observed or tosk any note Of at all.
In fact he was not at all likely to notice It, for he
Is a mere military man, utterly ignorant OF political
or civil affairs, or Of the tendencies Of political &C
ZION o. any kind, although no one will dispute his
patriotism or good common sense He would, we
are sure, be the last man in the Unicn to do asy
act, or to authorize any action which tended even
in the eighties, degree to endspger the PerPe'u'y
Of tbis mis- h,y republic. With the best intentions
IN the world, howeve' he u the worst informed
man as to the political history Of the country theI
ever occupied the White llouse. His ignorance OF
ME political duties, srsee from his having .Pen'
Ais previous life On the frontiers, away from
eivijzstop, az well as hon the means oi
Attenuation. We do net imputS this to him
a. q crime; il is his .sfOrtune. We have
sAs .ss~tseuon, however, ef knowing and be-