The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1860-01-26

II
stretching from its shores to the Pacifc-where,
to its seveh degrees of coast held in 1916, it has
added seventeen degrees in l847
But, these violent accomplishments have cost
the stonger race, blood, and treasure, and hon
or, and awakened in its own bosom the ele-
ments of terrific discord. They have outraged,
and humbled, and desolated the weaker race,
and aroused in it fierce national antipathy.
We have gained immense territory, won many
battles, made many" heroes but the Gov
eminent has on its hands domestic question
which threatens its stability, and foreign difficult
ty which seems to defy settlement. At this hour,
the capital of Mexico is doubtless resounding
with the revele of the American soldiery-its
Central Government has probably ceased to
exist-its States alone carry on governmental
functions. And now commence our most seri-
Gus difficulties. What next is to be done.
/. Make peace" Ay-if you can. Suppose
| General Scott find Central Government, and
it be willing to concede all that is demanded.
Peace is made. One-third of Mexico is left in
our possession. Our armies are withdrawn: then
begins the battle at home-the great, decisive
struggle between Slavery and Freedom. Must
we say it 2 That struggle, we fear, we are sure,
will terminate in the triumph of Slavery. The
Curse will move like pestilence over the new
territory acquired, till it overshadow the west
ern boundary Of the continent poisoning every
department. every institution of our country.
And would Mexico then be safe Look again
at the map. What natural boundary is there,
until the whole be taken? That would be the
bold aim of the Slave Power, unless, indeed,
the reaction in this country, produced by its
tyranny should become SO great as to over
throw the Union. We want to see peace upon
no such terms. The idea of being involved in
the I" deep damnation of career of conquest,
carried on at the will and for the benefit of Sla
very, is too abhorrent to be endured by any
American citizen who is not prepared to defy
the moral sentiment of the world, and war
against the throne of God.
Besides, New Mexico and chihuahua have
now and California soon will have, popula-
ton emitting them to admission into the Union.
But, independent communities of people, as
they would be, would have the right to elect,
for themselves, whether to seek admittance into
the Union, or stay out of it-whether to ac-
knowledge the Government of the United
States, or not. Such is the doctrine of the
Democratic party and of Southern statesmen,
in relation to Territories of this Union viii
they falsify them as it regards other Terrific
ries? But suppose the Territories acquired,
and organized into States of this Union, could
they not then secede? If Mr. Calhoun is right,
they could. How, then, would such peace as
is contemplated be permanent, or secure the
! objects aimed at by the war?
Suppose, however, General Scott should find
no Government to treat with a?
2. =" He must then set up provisional Gov
eminent, and treat with that" precious de-
vice of craftsmanship How would this con-
ciliate the Mexican people ? How would it
comport with the American principle of self
government, to force upon an unwilling people
Government at the point of the bayonet?
How would it suit our economical, peace-loving,
limited Government, to sustain strong stand
ing army in neighboring country, for the pur-
pose of keeping its disafected population in
subsection to the rule Of the conqueror?
The whole project is an absurdity.
3. "Call back the armies, then, and let us re-
! turn to Just where we were at the beginning of
the contest" This supposes an amount of JUS
tice and stern selfdenial, on the part of the
| American people and their Government, which
it is almost idle to talk Of and which, if pos
sessed by them, would have prevented any col
lision at all with Mexico. Is it not waste Of
time TO insist upon what we know will not be
done?
| 4. Let the Government adopt as its maxim.
No territory and it will be easy to secure
peace" Just idle as the preceding propo-
siton, and not half so sincere. We could re-
! spect man who would urge this, on the ground
of justice and magnanimous dealing-but this
is not the motive. If it be urged in sincerity,
it is done with the unworthy purpose of evadiug
the issue between Slavery and Freedom, and of
thus securing the tranquility of the country, at
the hazard of its complete overthrow by the in
sidieus influences of the former; but, in most
cases, it is insisted upon mere device for
obtaining party triumph--party managers be-
ing fully aware that it is sheer trickery. No
territory" Let any party go into a Presiden-
tial canvass with that motto ehblazoned on its
banners, and its doom will be sealed or else,
the whole history of this nation is a lie.
5. What does the Administration mediate?
A writer having said" Speak as much as you
will of the peace party in Mexico, such a party
does not exist. To have peace, the first thing
to be done is to create this party sustain it,
treat with it, put it in power, and keep an army
there, perhaps for years, to maintain peace,
and the peace party, at the head of affairs -
the Washington Union remarks:
awe are not aware of what course our Gov.
eminent may pursue in this predicament; but
we can scarcely be mistaken in supposing that
the war will be prosecuted with greater vigor. We
must subdue these guerilleros, and keep open a
free communication between the capital and the
| coast We must teach these MeXicans that we
are superior to them in energy as well as in our
military skill and military resources. We must
| impress them with deep conviction that their
true interest is peace with us-now, and in all
future time. Acting upon these high principles,
we will prosecute the war with greater means,
4 sterner WILL and with irresistible vigor. If they
are not sufficiently beaten to make them seek
for peace, we must beat them again and again
coerce them at every available point, scatter
their guerillos, occupy their towns, and levy
more contributions upon their inhabitants"
Bloodthirstiness, and extreme folly Does
the Union suppose the American People would
be willing to send out volunteers, involve them
selves in inextricable debt concentrate more
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