Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-10-05
Mr.. Ben and the Mc1Ican war,

As usual With Democratic speakers Of the 1sncey or
der they are trying to pervert the truth by making 1t
appear that John Bell while in the Senate voted against
furnishing the necessary supplies for carrying on the war
with Mexico, thereby attempting to deprive our gallant
soldiers Of an aid and comfort while fighting the enemy
in their own country The real facts OF the case are
s,udiously Withheld in every instance in order that Mr.
Bells conduct may appear more glazing and outrageous
Lei the facts be known and let the people judge as to
the truth Of tho charge. They as follows; bill
was introduced 10 the Senate Of the United States in
January, 1915, to raise for limited time an additional
military force, commonly known as the Ten Regiment
bill A. that time the American army numbered $4,000
soldiers and held possession Of the chief strong points
Of the country including the Capital with all their de-
feuces-while the Mexican army had been beaten and
scattered. The country was in the power OF our ar
mics which we're fully able bold il against oil eontin
Seneies They were free from danger from any quar-
ter The raising of additional force was therefore
unnecessary But Mr.. Bell then believed that the policy
Of the administration to overrun the whole of Mex
CO. and to establish there military prOtectoTate, for
the final annexa ion Of the entire country to the United
States; and that the bill was but means to eheetuate
this policy Il was against this policy that Mr.. Bell
planted himself that OCCASION aud not against neees
sary suppes That speech one Of the most power
fl that he ever delivered and overwhelmed and put to
rout the conquest and annexation forces. While be was
engaged in that mastery effort Craftsmanship the very
d,y a treaty Of peacO concluded between the two
countries which embraced substantially the recommend
alton Of Mr. Bell and the 10th Of March following the
treaty thus concluded confirmed, with slight amend
m,nts by toe Senate, receiving the Of26 Democrats
Mr. Bell himself voting fer it, This speech did more to
bring about the result and stop useless esOn Of blood
and An unnecessary expenditure of money than all the
other speeches made on the snbect Of that put to-
rgther. l. will never to reflect honor upon its
matshess author as a man and statesman.
In connection with the above TIM editor Of the Nash
vile Patriot, Of the S).h ulL, says
"ylr. Bell never denounced the Mexican war in Con-
gress lie made but one Important speech on the snb
ct and that was delivered in the Senate the very
dtv that the treaty OF peace was concuded-Feb. I'd
S4S-and opposed the unnecessary continuance OF the
war BY raising additional forces when strength
So fcien for our Justice and safety, and opposing the
epc OF the couques; and annexation OF the whole Of
Mexico which be believed then TO be on foot He voted
10 coufrm that eIty in company with John O. Calhoun
md tWepty-6ve other Democratic Senator's Will the
Nail do Itself and Mr. Bell the justice 10 publish these
hets.'
The facts on show that the soldiers in the Mexican war
hsd no truer or stauucher friend than John Bell And
hs whole course on the Mexican question aItests
alike bis wisdom bis iarseeng sagaeity and his patriot
ism. Indeed in all his votes and speeches he stood side
BY side with the best and able. in the Union, John
@. Calhoun himself included