The White Pine news. [volume] (Treasure City, Nev.) 1868-1906, 1872-12-07
Territorial Expansion.

The investigation instituted by our
Government discloses the fact that the
losses sustained by American citizens
settled along the east bank of the lower
Rio Grande, from depredations commit
ted by Mexicans from the opposite side
of the river, amounts to the sum of $780,
OO0,0 900. 1t is added that it is believed
that if the inquiry had embraced the en-
tire losses up to Ell Paso, that the whole
would have amounted to 500, DOC, 900.
These depredations committed in part by
d~isorderly bands of Mexicans, have also
been carried on and avowed by high Off
cials in the service of that Governments.
Had our so-called Sister Republic con-
Quoted itself with any reasonable degree
of order, it is doubtful whethera any party
in this Country could ever have found
occasion or apology for the war which
resulted in the acquisitions by us of Ter
ritory. Republican institutions have,
however, been discredited blythe anarchy
which seems to be the normal condition
of Mexico, and the violence which brings
not only internal commotion, but is ex-
pended upon the settlements of our peo-
pie near her borders. Beside the troubles
of the Rio Grande, inroads have been
made from Sonora into Arizona, and the
outrages of the Apache have been sup
plemented with robbery and murder by
Mexican outlaws. The hand of the Mex
lean Government has proved itself too
feeble to restrain the licentious and pre-
datory spirit of its people. The past de-
mands indemnity and the future securi-
ty. The frontier line from the mouth of
the Rio Grande to San Diego is now
more than 1900 miles. This may be re-
trenched to five or six hundred by NOV
ing down our borders to a point on the
Gulf of California, and absorbing the
Northern States into our system. 1t may
be objected that We should have much on
our hands to restrain the disposition of
the idle and turbulent population who
would come to us with the territory. A
genial climate, commodious harbors,
healthful and fruitful valleys, mines of
renowned wealth, would attract our peo-
pie SO rapidly that the comparatively
thinly settled section would be soon
transformed into "A condition. sufficiently
l,,A.@-s nth ,ar1aan dnaiatu
Order and respect for the law would take
| the place of violence and confusion, M
der the dominant power Of race, and the
world would be benefited by the change.
Either this or a continuance Of the
wrongs to our people, encouraged by the
IMMUNITY for every %offense, is the alter
native presented to the United States.
1t is not going too far to say that the his
tory of Mexico seems to discount all hope
of its success as an independent State III
the family of Nations. A prey to inter-
nal faction, it must under the memorable
laws of society become absorbed by some
of the great powers of the world. 1t is
not necessary to invoke tradition to sus-
tain the will of our people. The danger of
another European attempt at Empire
there, will not be counted or awaited as
the opportune time for Intervention. 1t
is manifest that her people are incapable
of civil order, and that our citizens and
our National interests are the subjects Of
daily injury at their hands. Safety and
security demand the only satisfaction
which is o~btainable, and that is, the do
minion oven those people, with whom We
must otherwise be in purpetual contest
OF at war.