Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-01-20
pREsIpENT,s PRocLAMArIoN.

When our readers call to mind our sketch
of the Fillibustering expedition that invaded
Mexico, imprisoned the Governor Of one of her
provinces, tore down the Mexican flag, hoisted
their own in its stead, and formed themselves
into distinct goyernment-when they remem-
Der that we declared these people lawless buc-
cancers, they will not. be surprised to hear us
express warm approval Of the following
proclamation of the President. We do not
doubt that it viii challenge the appreciation Of
men Of all parties and shades Of opinion.
1t is manifestly due to Mexico with whom we
are at peace, that the lawless men who are en-
gagged within our own borders in fitting out hos
tile expeditions against her, shall be prevented
from carrying out their nefarious schemes Of
murder, and robbery, and conquest.
II is due to the great family Of nations-itis
due to the character of the American govern
ment that prompt and decisive measures be
taken to arrest all such expeditions.
Such proceedings are indefensible on any
principle of morals or politics. To counte-
nance and encourage them would be fatal
step towards destroying comfy and good neigh
borhood between nations stewards uprooting
all good international laws and systems. 1t
would make us great national Ishmaelite. It
would be to revive and to proclaim the rob
bers rule:
"They may take who have the power,
And they may keep who can"
The proclamation is as follows:
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
PROCLAMATION.
Whereas, information has been received by
me that an unlawful expedition has been fitted
out in the State of California with q view to
invade Mexico nation maintaining friendly
relations with the United States-and that
other expeditions are organizing within the
United States for the same unlawful purpose;
and whereas certain citizens and inhabitants of
this country, unmindful of their obligations and
duties and of the rights of friendly power,
have participated, and are about to participate,
in these enterprises, SO derogatory to our ma
tional character, and SO threatening to our
tranquility, and are thereby mourning the severe
penalties imposed by law against such Of
tenders:
Now, therefore, I, Franklin Pierce, Presi-
dent of the United States, have issued this my
proclamation, warning all persons who shall
connect themselves with any such enterprise or
expedition that the penalties Of the law de-
nounced against such criminal conduct will be
rigidly enforced; and exhort all good citizens,
as they regard our national character, as they
respect our laws or the law of nations, as they
value the blessings Of peace and the welfare Of
their country, to discountenance, and by all
lawful means prevent, such criminal enter
prises; and call upon all officers of this gov
eminent, civil and military, to use any efforts
which may be in their power to arrest for trial
and punishment every such offender.
Given under my hand and the seal Of the
United States, at Washington, this
eighteenth day of January, in the year
=. VI, of our Lord one thousand eight hum
H. 81 dred and fty-four, and the seventy
eighth of the independence of the
United States.
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
By the President:
W. l.. MARCY, Secretary Of State