The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1877-12-29
THE MEXICAN BORDER TROUBLES.

Political schemers, ambitious dema-
gogues and the constituencies iackals
who follow for the purposes of plumber
in the rear of an army may profit by
war with Mexico, but the true interests
of the United States can be subserved
in no such way All her interests Law
in the direction OF peace. Until Il really
sufficient cause for War is given, one
that cannot be ignored, the peculiar cir
cumstances of the case and the rela-
tons between the two countries imper-
atively dictate governmental policy of
forbcarance on our part. No doubt, of
course, could exist as to the issue of a
conflict. Mexico, torn by internal dis
sensions, divided into half dozen hos
tile factions, and at her best but poorly
supplied with the munitions of war,
would fall an easy prey to the soldierv
of the United States. Her territory
would be quickly overrun and her CAPT
tai hear the tread of the countrymeu Of
Zachary Taylor The war closed, and
unable to meet the demands that would
surely be made upon her treasury, an
nexation of Mexican territory would be
the certain portion of the United States.
Just this, in our opinion, is what our
government must guard against. 1t
is a question Of the highest Importance.
1t is topic traught with the gravest
political consequences Outside of any
considerations Of justice to weaker
foe, this single probable outcome is
weighty enough to make us hesitate
and draw back On it, we believe.
would depend to some extent the au-
tonomy of the Union. Our country
already is large enough. Vast tracts
OF land are yet undeve!oped and are
waiting for the hand of the husband
man. We are just beginning to recu-
perate from the effects of devastating
civil war, and the nation is in no posi-
ton to increase again the burden. In
dustrles of every character are more or
less Frustrated, and the fictitious pros
perlty that war might produce would
assuredly be followed by correspond.
ing or perhaps, aggravated depression.
A war with Mexico would. therefore, be
worse than blunder 1t would be a
crime
But viewed from another standpoint
war, followed as it surely would be
by annexation Of Mexican territory. is
inImical to American interests. South
ern ideas and theories of government,
it must be said, however desirable "coD-
citation may De, are not as friendly to
popular government as we might wish.
Annexation of Mexican territory would
increase Southern territory. As a con-
sequence, Southern ideas would have
larger place in the councils of the ma
ton, and the added power would initiate
Southern arrogance until it's dOmiueer-
ing and grasping tendencies would seek,
with better prospects Of success than
they now have, to control all the func.
tons Of government. The ante-bellum
experience of the country ought to tell
it what that control would mean. 1t is
more than foolish to mince words about
this matter. The truth is as apparent
as though it were written upon the sky
And those who have at heart the best
interests of the nation, who are autag-
onistir to any course that may endanger
the perpetuity Of free government must
read and understand, however much
the knowledge may seem to iniure
Southern feeling. The "solid South y
is large enough and strong enough
already, and war that would increase
its size and strength must be avoided.
No mere -pretsnse should be permitted
for moment to have any weight, and
no offense be accepted as sufficient
cause for war unless it amounts to a
serious infringement on our national
rights, The political bummers and the
schemers of the South who would mag
nifty the FL Paso riots into an interna-
tional grievance must be sent to the
rear