New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-12-08


Mr.. Crittenden does not state the case
fairly The apprehensions of Spain and
the defensive precautions Of France and
England, are not wholly founded on the
two exhibitions of Lopez; they have an
older date and a broader basis. Twice
while Florida was Spanish colony, was
its territory invaded and its chief town cap
tured by regular United States force CON-
handed by Gen. Jackson-not without pre-
texts CT course, but on pretexts which
would not serve us against France or Great
Britain. Next Texas became the object
of rapacious longing on the part Of our PsO-
pie (who, it must be borne in mind, are in eff
feet the Government and that province was
first slavered and then swallowed as snake
would annex frog. The battle of San
Jacinto was won by men of whom two
thirds were fresh from our sell recruits for
Houston & Co. were openly drummed up
in the streets of New-Orleans and Cincin-
natl. United States officers cheering on
the work and taking money by hundreds of
thousands out of the Treasury to arm and
feed the Texan forces As if this were not
barefaced enough, a part OF our army was
marched boldly into Texas, taking up an
advantageous position for encouraging the
insurgents, covering their flight in case OF
defeat, and one whence deserters could find
their way with little difficulty to the Texan
camp. Thus was San Jacinto fought and
Texas won. Who imagines that the civil
Ized world did not see through it :
Next followed that outrageous claim that
Texas extended to the Rio Grande, result
inc in the Mexican War and further acqui-
sitions of territory This was no new game.
When Gen. Gaines marched his army into
Texas to cover and support Houston's
movements, the Mexican Minister remOn-
strated against the aggression and demand
cd the withdrawal of the troops. Our State
Department very coolly informed him that
the position taken by Gen. Gaines at Ma
cogdochesl was considerably this side.of the
line claimed by the L. States as the true
boundary between Louisiana and Texas -
But nobody ever heard of that clam after
il had thus served its purpose. And every
geographer IN America knew perfectly well
at the time that Nacogdoches was no more
in Louisiana than in Newt Jersey.
But we may have grown less covetous
and more respectful. of others rights SINCE
1896. Perhaps so: but does the recent
shameful raid on Matamoros look like it
Nobody can well be ignorant that the eff
cient force of Caravajal was mainly COM
posed of Texan Adventures and deserters
from the L. S. Army and that its ultimate
object was the wrestling of all this side of
the Sierra Madre from Mexico and its re-
annexation to this country. And now we
hear of an expedition started from San
Francisco to take possession of the Sand
witch Islands with similar intent. And all
this time oar Government is meek as Moses
and would mt have anything that did mt be-
long to it for the world. 1t waits till
its disclaimed or unaeknowedged adj
venturers have seized and masticated
the prize, when, to ward oil an
archy and other perils, i. reluctantly con-
sents to swallow it, And this day, as we
presume few wide awake people can doubt,
|
there are in our South Western cities Sc
cret organizations, with passwords, oaths
of unlimited obedience and ample funds at
command which embrace many thousands
| Of able and fearless men, who are embodied
for Military and aggressive purpose -
whether Cuba, Hayti or Mexico be its OBJ
ject, We do not say; but the Spaniards may
90 well to keep their eyes open. And yet
our Government bristles up at the informa-
ton that France and England mean if neces
sary to help Spain keep Cuba, and ex-
claims, you might as well insinuate that
we are not quiet, inoffensive, peaceful
'Ieighbors :" Why, Jonathan, you may be
the most lamb-like, uncoyetous fellow in
the world, but appearances are rather against
you just now. 1t does look as though you
were one Of those highly respectable per-
sons whose honesty is rather improved by
careful watching. You may be saint, bat
your neighbors miss sheep, and are begin
ming to suspect that you keep, or at least
harbor, vicious dogs. So look out
We cannot close this too long article
without thanking NJ. de Sartiges for the
genuine diplomatic JUNCTION and unsurpassed
French politeness wherewith, in his letter
IN Mr. Crittepden of Dot 9th he do