Newspapers / The North-Carolina Star (Raleigh, … / Dec. 15, 1847, edition 1 / Page 1
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.-vtSaas .,Mes ....aWy!mMMWWWf. THO 1, LB MAT, EatToa Ps -m rea tT ciasusa: rewiarct i xuii, 1 stsllictcii ilrrinicil atsoeacis Tat ass a or oca itsniil ti ioai r oca irrscTisss" THREE DOLLAR? A YEAK-i striata ro.. as. RALEIGH, IV. C , WEDNESDAY. DECEMBEll 1, 1S4T. Jw.'4f 1 " S - HI j Hi ii SS .. - il4 U 4 4 JOB ISM r 4' t I- s ia JU-ki .ill IN MESSAGE. Fellow eilixtt of the Senate and of thr houte of Rtpretentatlvtt: The Sanaa! meeting of Congress is si ways an interesting event. The Repie- senlalive of the States and of the people come fresh from their constituents to take counsel togelherfor the common good. After an existence of nenr three fourths of s cen .J(jrjt iJi free sad independent republic, the problem 'do longer remains to be solved, whether man is capable of self government: The success of our admirable system is s conclusive refutation of the theories of those in other countries who mauntain that "a favored few" tn born to rule, and that the mass of mankind must be governed by force. Subject to no arbitrary or hereditary authority, the people are the only sover e;gns recognized by our constitution. Numerous emigrants of every lineage and Sgfoafffa , gtons freedom we enjoy, ami by our nappy condition annually crowd to our shores, and transfer their hart not less than l'eir allegiance to the country whose dominion belongs alone to the people. No country has been so much favored or should acknowledge with deeper reverence the manifestations of the Divine piotection. " 'An i alf wtse Creitlbr arrecieu"" aiMrS'unrileiT' us in our infant struggle for freedom and has constantly watched over our surprising progress, until we have become one of the jr real nation of the earth. It is in a country thus favored and under a government in which the executive and legislave branches hold their authority for limited periods alike from the people and where nil are responsible to their respective constituencies, that it is again my duty to communicate with 'Congress up on the statu f the Union, and the present condition of public affairs. During the past year the most gratifying Drools are presented that our country has "been1 blessed with t ii1iprladind 'artt l Twrotrospemy;'ThWT period since the government was founded when all the industrial pursuits of our people have been more successful, or when labor in a'l branches of business has received a fairer or better reward. From our "abound ance we have been enabledto per form the pleasing duty of furnishing food for the starving millions ol less favored coun tries. In the enjoyment of the bounties of Providence at home, such as have rarely faMenjto the lot of any people it is cause of congratulation that our intercourse with all the powers of the e trlli." except Mexi co, continues to be of so amicable charac- It has ever been oufcherished policy to cultivate peace and goodwill wiih all nations; and this policy has been steadily pursued by me. No change has taken plane in our relations with Mexico since the adjournment of the Inst Congress. The wrr in which the United Stales were forced to engage with tbe' gownroeht df Mial country still contin ues. I deem it unnecessary, after the full ex pos ion of them contained in my message of the May. 1840, and in mv annnal mes sage at the commencement ot the session of Congress in December la-t to reiterate the serious causes of complaint which we had against Mexico before she commencedahos ti ities. It is sufficient on the pTessent occasion to say, that the wanton violation oi ine rights of person and property of eitizens committed by Maxico, ber repeated acts of bad faith, through a long series of years and ber disregarded of solemn treaties slip ulatingfor indemnity to our injured citizens, pot only constituted ample cause of war on our part but were of such an aggravated character as would have justified us before he whole world in resorting to this extreme lemedy. With an anxious desire to avoid a rupture between the two countries we forbore- for years to assert our clear riglite by fore aud continued to seek redress for lite wrongs we had - suffered by amicable negotiation in the hope that Mexico might yield to pacific councils snd the demands of justice. In this hope we were dissp- totnied. Our minister of peace sent to Isxieo was insultingly rejected. The Mexican government refused even to hear tne terms of adjustment which he was authorized to propose; and finally under wholly unjustifiable pretexts, involved the countries in war by invading tha lerritoiy of the State of Texas striking lite firstblow and shedding the blood of our eitizens on urowa sou. : Though the United States were the sg- tneveu nation. Mexico Commenced the war. and we were compelled in self de fence. . to renal the invader, and vindi cate the nation il honor and interest by pmseuti ,g it with vigor until we could ob lain a just and honorable peace On learning that hostility had been com snenei-il' by JVlexico, I promptly communi . cated that (m- accoopanied with a succinct Statement of our other causes of complaint against Mexico to Congress; and that body bvthe act of the 13th oCMav 18!8.de-lared tint "by the act of the republic of Mexico tint of ," r lists between . ih t , gov ernment sfid the Uuited jS'ates"--this set i lileclaring.tlie war to ex U by the act of the repulilie f ' Mexico, and making ff -vision for Its jkroseentiiin "to a Vpeedf ad successful tcrminat'on," tn f basse d with great unanimity , by Congress, there being but two negative votes in the Senate and but fourteen in the House of Representatives. The existence of the war having thus been declared by Congress, it became my duty under the constitution and the laws, to eonduct and prosecute it. This duty has been performed and though at every stage of its progress, I have inanifesticd a willingness to terminate it by a just peace, Mexico has refused to accede to any terms which could be accepted bv the United Slates consistent with the national honor and interest. The rapid and brilliant auccessses of our arms and the vast extent of the enemy's territory which had been overrun and con quered befote the close of the last session of Congress, were fully known to that body since that time, the war has been ptosecu- with increased energy and I am gratified to sutewith a success which commands universal admiration. History presents usftWf achieved by any nation with so short a period- Our army, regulars and vol uateers, bava covered themselves with im perishable honors- Whenever and wher? ever our forces have encountered the ene. my'tliough he was in vastly supperior num hers and often entrenched in fortified posi tion of his own selection and of great slWhghT'he''" n'ss'be'en'flefea praise cannot be bestowed upon pur officers and men reulars fc volunteeis, for their gallantry discipline indomitable courage and perseverance, all seeking the post of d snper and wing with each other in deeds f nolle daring. While every patriot's heart must exult and a jusl national pride animate every bosome in beholding the high proofs of course consummate military skill, steady discipline and humanity to the vanquished enemy exhibited by our gallant army the nation is called to mourn over the loss of many brave officers and soldiers who have fallen in defence of their country's honor & interestsi The brave-dead nret their nmetaW, ehol y fate a foreign land nobly - diseharg ing their dtty and with their country's flag waving triumphantly in the face of the foe. I tieir patriotic deeds are justly appreciated Si ill long be remembered by their grateful countrymen. I he parental care of the gov ernment they loved and sere should be extended to their surviving families. Shortly after the adjournment of the last session f Congress, the gratifying ine ligenre wis received of the signal victory of Bee na Vista and of the fall of the city of Vera Cruz ai d with it the strong cstle of San Juan de Ulloa, by Inch it wis defended. Believmr that after these and other successes so honorable to our arms an4 so die aatroos t MvkWm, the period was propitious lo afford her another opportunity if she thought prop er to erobrancejit, to enter into negotiations fur peace, a commissioner wassppointed t proceed to the hespquaners of our army with full powers to enter upon negotiations and to conclude a jut and honorable treaty of peace. He was net. directed to nrske any new overtures' nf peace' but wis the besrer of a despatch from the Secreta ry of St us r the United States to the Minister of Foreign AfUtrs of Mexico in reply to one received from the latter of the twenty second of February, 1847, in which the Mexican government was informed of his appointment, and of his presence at he headquarters of our army and mat ne wa invested with lull powers1 to Cbrvrlude a definitive treaty of peace. whenever the Mexican government miirht signify a desire to do so. While I was unwilling to subject the U. s. to another indignant refusal, I waa yet resolved that the evils of the wsr should not be protrac ted a day longer than might be rendered absolutely necessary by the Mexican gov ernmeut. Care was taken to give no instruction to the commissioner which could in any way int rfere with our militarj, oper lions or relax our energies in the prosecu lion of the war. He possessed no tuthori ty in any manner to control these operations He was authorized to exhibit his Ir.stroc- in to the General in esmmand of the army, and in the evrnt of a treaty being concluded and ratified on the part of Mexico, he was directed to give him no tice of that fact. On the happening of such contingency and on receiving notice thereof, the Gsnersf in command was in stracled by the Secretary of War to sus pend lurthrr active military operations unil further orders. These instructions weregtten wiih a view to intermit hostili ties, until the tresty thus, ratified by Mx co could be transmitted to Washington, and recrived the action of the government of the United State. .- The com mittion was also diiected on reaching the army to deliver lo the Uene rl in command the despatch , which he bars from the Secretay of State lo the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, and on receiving it the .General ws instructed y the Secre'ary of War to cause St , to be transmited to the commander of Mexi c n forces, wi h a request that it might be communicated to his government. The commissioner did not reseh the Headquarter of the srmy until after an other brilliant victory had crowned ur srms t Cer Uordo. k,.. Tm. The despatch which ha bore from the Serretary of War l the General ia com mand of ihe army Was received , by ihal Mttieer then at Jalspa on Ihe seventh , day of May, 1847, together with' the despatch from the Secretary of State to the Minis- f 1? ; . r a . icr ui i-urcign Anairs ui Mexico, navmg been transmitted to him Irom Vera Crez. The commissioner arrived atjlhe headquar ters ol the army a Itw days alferwarda. His'presenee with the army and his iliplo matin character were made known to the Mexican government from Puebla on the twelfth of June 1847 by the transmission of the despatch from the Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Alex ico. Many weeks elapsed after its receipt, and no overture were msde nor was any desire expressed by the Mexican govern ment to enter into negotiations Tor peace. Our army pursued its march upon the capital ami as i approached it was met by formidable resistance. Our forces first encountered the enemy and achieved ftig nal victories in the severely contested battles of Confreres and Chorubusce, It u' Mt nrKt'.ri .r'M.j. Viii .k' f salted in decisive victories.and the capital uf the enemy was within our,. power. Juai the Mexican government msnifested any Jisposition to enter info negotiations for peace and even then as events hsve proved there is too much reason to believe they w . ,n(i . wv. h.u were insincere and mat in agreeing to go ihraugL.lheIm of -neBution, the object was to gain time to strengthen tbe defences of lhir cspisl, snd to prepsre for ff'esh resistance. The General in commsftd of the army deemed it expedient to suspend hostilities temporarily, entering into an armistice with a view to iheopening of negotiations. Commissioners were appointed on the part ot Mexico tn meet the commissioner on the part of the United State,. Tbe re suit of the conferences wliich took place between these funcionsrirs of the two governments was a failure to conclude a treay of peace. The commissioner of the United Slates lok. wubJiim Abe preparedly the terms i of jvhi nity reqtiiredby the Uin'lrd Sfstes was a cession of territory. It is w II known that the only indrmni ty which it is in the power of Mexico to make in satisfaction of the jest and long deferred claims ofVur citizens against her, and the only mean by which she can reimburse the United States fur t.he expences of the war is a cession to Ihe United States of a portion of her territory. Mexico has no money to pay and no other means of making the required indemnity. If we refuse this, we rsn obtain nothing else. To reject indemnity by refusing to accept a ceation of territory .would be to abandon all our just demands and i ne war, bearing: all i's expenses without a purpose or definite object. A state of war abrogates f renties previ ously existing between the belligerents, and a treaty of peace puts an end to sll claims forMndemnity for tortious acts committed, under the authority of one gove nment against the citizens or subjects of another, unless they are provided for, in its. stipula tion. A treaty of peace which would ter minate the existing war, without provid ing for indemnity, would enable Mexico the acknowledged debtor, and herself the aggressor in the warto relieve her self from her just liabilities. Dy such a treatv, our citizens, who hold just demands against her, would have no remedy cither against Mexico or ineir own government. Our duty to these citizens must forever nrevent such a space, and no treaty which does'not provide ample means of discharg ing these demands can receive my sane lion. A treaty of peace should settle all ex isting differences between the two countries. If an adequate cessien of territory should he made by such a treaty, the United States should relesse Mexico from all her liabilities, and assume their payment to our own citizens. If, instead of this, the Uui ted States were to consent to a treaty by which Mexico should again engage to pay tbe heavy amount of indebtedness which a jut indemnity lo our government and our citizens would impose on her, it s notorious that she does not possess the means to meet such an undertaking. From such a treaty no result could be anticipated, but the same irritating disappointments which have heretofore attended the viola tions of similar treaty stipulations on the part of Mexico. Such a treaty wonld be hnta temporary cessation of hostilities, without the restoration of the friendship and mod understanding which should char acterize the future intercourse between the two countries. . That Congress eontempwled the acqui sition of territorial indemnity when that body made provision for the prosecution of the wsr, is obvious. Congress eould not bsve meant when, in May 1S40. tbey an prnpristed ten millions of dollars, and authorized the President to employ the militia and naval and military forces of the United Slates, and to accept the services nf fifty thoussnd volunteers, to enable him lo oiosecute the won and wben. at their last session, and after eitr army had inva ded Mexico, they msde additional appro priations snd authorized the rsising of ad ditional troops for the same , purpose that noindenoity was to be obtained from Mssieo at tbe conclusion of t!ie wsrs and yet it was certain ihal. if no Mexican terri tory was acquired, no indemnity could be obtained. : J tr-..-. i '; r.-,r It is further manifest that ' Congress contemplated tcuitorial 'indemnity, from act WsS passed, upon ihe Executive recommen dalion, appropriating three millions of dollars with that express object ' This ap propristion was made "to enable the Pres. ident to conclude a treatv of peace, limits. and boundaries with the republic of Mexi eo, to ne ueu by nim in the event that said trenty. when signed by the authorized agents ot the two government, and duly raimeu oy iviextco, snail call lor the ex penditure of the same, or any part thereof." . n i si i i . Die object of asking Una appropnuion was distinctly stated in the several messages on the subject which 1 eommnntcated to Congress. Similar, appropriation made in 1803 and 1808, which were referred to were intended to be applied in part con sideration for the cession of Louisiana and the Floridaa. In like manner it was an ticipated that, in settling the terms of a treatv of "limits and boundaries" with to be of greater value tlun the amount of our demtnua against her might be obtain ed; and that the prompt payment of this sumin part consideration fen the territo ry ceded on the conclusion of a treaty, and its ratification on her part, might be an inducement with her lo make such a ces- LsiotV fif territory as wou'A be satisfaqtory to tne unueu otaies. Ana aitnougn tne failure to conclude such treaty lias rn dered it unnecessary to use any part ol three millions of dollars appropriated t-y that act, and the entire sum remains in the treasury, it is still applicable to that object should the comi"gency occur making such I application proper, 1 he doctrine ol no territory ia the doc trine of no indemnity i and, if sanctioned, would be a public acknowledgment thai our country was wrong, and that the war declared by Congress with extraordinary uhanimiiy, was unjust, and should be aban doned; an admission unfounded in fact, and The terms of the treaty proposed bv the United Stmel Wcr1b6r" hly-j Mexico, but considering the character and amount of our claims, the unjustifiable and unprovoked commencement of hostilities by ber, ihe expenses of the war to which we hsve been subjected, and the success wliich had attended our srms, were deemed to be of a most liberal character. The commissioner or the Ueited Stales was authorized to agree to the estnhlish ment of the Uio Grande as Ihe boundary, from it rnttance into the Gulf to its inter section with the southern boundary of New Mexico, in north latitude about tliii . tf two degrees, snd to obtain a cession to the United States of Ihe provinces nf New piexictt miu tii- saituinma, aim 4ie priv ilege nf the light ofwav across the , isth- jnus of Tehuantppee. The boundory of ih Itio Grande, and the cession to the United States ofNew Mexico and Upper California, constituted an ultimatum which our commissioner wss, under no circumstance, to yield. That it might be manifest not only to Mexico; but to1 allirthernations, -that ihe United Stales were not disposed to lake advantage nf a feeble power, by insisting upon wresting from her all the other prov inces, including many of her principal towns and cities, which we had conquered and held inotirmilitary occupation, but were willing to conclude a treaty in a spirit of liberality, our commissioner was sothorixed to stipu late for the restoration to Mexico of all our other conquests. As the territory to be acquired by the boundary proposed might be estimated to be of greater value tbew fmir ooiMvalnl lor our just demands, oureommissionerwae authorized lo stipulate for the payment of such additional pecuniary consideration as was deemed reasonable. The terms nf a treaty proposed by the Mexican commissioners were wholly inad missible. They negocisted as- if Mexico were the victorious, and not the vanquished psrty. They must have known that their ultimatum could never be accepted. It re quired the United State to dismember rexsa, by surrendering lo Mexico that part of the territory of that Slate lying between the ISueces and the iiio brande, included thin her limits by her laws when she was an independent republic, and. when, she was annexed to tne (jutted plates and, ad mitted by Congress as one of the Slates of onr Union. . It contained no provison for the payment by Mexico, of the. just claims of our citizens. . It required indemnity lo Mexican .citizens for injuries . they may have sustained by our troops in the prose cu ti.m of the war., It demanded the rtghlj for Maxico to levy and collect ihe Mexican tarriffof duties on goods (imported into her ports while in our military occupation do ring the war, and the owners of which bad paid to officers nf tbe United -Stales ihe military contributions which had been levied upon them; and if offered to cede to the United Stales, for a pecuniar) con sideratinn, that psrt of Upper California Iving iiOrth of latitude thirty seven degrees. Such were the unreasonable terms propos ed by the Mexican commissioners. t The cession to ' lbs United Stales by Mexico, of the provinces of New, Mexico and the Californias, as proposed bv the commissioner of the United States, Jt , was believed, would be mote in accordance With the convenience and , interest of both ,n tions, than any other cession of territory which It was probable Mexico could be induced to make f!:' It is manifest to all who have . observed the actual condition of the Mexican Gov the fad that, at their last session, sn Z Thln ps should ne retained mat ii these nrovmcr bv her. .h- :..m ... ho.d and eovVn ihem. McT i " feehl. . nw- ..... i ----- - i I) ing as they do at a tlistance of mote than - "umu uiiici irom ner capital, ana. il attempted to be retained by her, they would constitute but for a short time, even nominally, a part of her dominion. ihie would be especially the case with Upper California. The sagacity ofpow rnui r.uropcan nations has long since directed their attention to ihe commercial importance of that province, and there can be little doubt that the moment the United States shall relinquish their present occu pation of it, and their claim to it as indem nity, an effort would be made by some foreign Power tn posses if, eithei by eon- quest ar by purchase. If no foreign government should seen u ire it in eitherpT government would probably be established by the inhabitants, and such foreigner ' as may remain in or remove to the country. a soon as it shall he known that the Uni ted States have abandoned it- Such a gov ernment would be too feeble' long- to maintain ita separate independent existence nd.jr"Al a dependent colony of, some more powerful St a te. -. i-:s...smJm,ixJi,i : iu : ' Should any foreign government attempt to possess itaa a colony," or otherwise to incorporate it with itself, tbe principle avowed hv President Monroe In 1824;, and reaffirmed in ' my first annual message that no foreign Power shall, with our con sent.be permitted to plant or establish any new colony or dominion on any part of the North American continent, innst be main tained. In maintaining this principle, and in resisting its invasion by any foreign Power, we might be Involved in other wars more . expensive snd more difficult TWpro v inces n? Ne w Mexico and the Californias are contiguous to the territories ot the Uniied Slates, snd if brought under the government of Our taws, their resources minetal, agricultural manuueturing,' and cotnmetcial would soon be developed, ' Upper California is bounded on the north by our Oregon possessions; and if held ; by, (he United Stales, would soon be settled by a hardy, enfei prising, and Intelligent portion of our population. " The "bay of San Francisco, and other lurbors along the Cslifornian coast, would afford ehrtiet for our navy, for our numerous whale ships, ' snd pther merchant vessels em ploved in the Paciflie ocean and in . rhr."' iw w. r n'enei ve and profitable commerce with China, and other coonlriea of the East, These advantages, in which the whole commercial world would participate, would at once be secured to the United States by the cession of this" territory! while It Is certain that as long a it remains s part of thfr - dominions," they-enrr- be -enjoyed nehherby Mexico herself not by any other nation. New Mexico is a frontier province, and has never been of any eonsidersble value lo Mexico From its locality, it is nntu rally connected with our western settle' ment. The territorial limits nf lhe State of Texas, loo, as defined bv her laws, be fore her admission into onr Union, embrace 1 that portion of New Mexico lying east of the Rio Grande, while Mexico ' still claims to hold this territory as a part of her dominions. The adjustment of this r . . , question 01 noununry important. I here is anmnr consKiaraiiim. wnici ndticed the belief ihutthe Mexlnsn guvern- ment might even desire to place 'his prov vince under the protection nr the govern- mnt of the United States Numerous hands of fierce and warlike savages wander over It Jnii ha hnrders.' Mexico hnsbeenrand milBl cniiimuo lit wi m" v ig.ii.iii I ihem from committing depredations, rob beiies and murder, not only ' upon the in habitants nfNew Mexico itself, btif npon those of Ihe other northern Stairs of Mexi co. It would be a blessing 10 an these northern Stales lo have their e tizent pro. tected against them by the powei of the United Stales. At this moment, many Mexicans, principally females and ' chil drn, are in captivity among them.'' If New Mexico were held and governed by the United Ststes, we could effectually prevent' these tribes from committing such outrages,' and ; compel them to "release these captives, and restore them to their . a , .. .... families snd friends. , , , Id proposiug H scngire New Mexico and the Californias, ! was known that but an inconsiderable portion ot the Mexican people would be transferred with them, the country embraced Within these pro. vinces being chiefly an ' uninhabited re gion. r:rr' ;"r These were am leaning consuiersuons hich induced me lo authorize the term of peace: which', were proposed to Mexico. They were rejected; and negotiations being at an end,' hostilities were renewed." An assault was made by our gallant army upon the strongly-fortified places near the ga'ea of the Tity ol Mexico, and npon ine rity lUelf, and after several days of severe conflict, the Mexican forces vastly superior in number to our own, were' driven irom ihe citvt and it was .occcupled by. our trooni. "v?-. 4;ffi f'-iii ' !- A - Immediately alter information was re ceived of the onfsvonhls result of the negotiations, believing that his continued 'ernment, for some years pssf, a r"Mcnre wi,k ,rm could be productive e i j.-. I . . gooo, . ue ermined io rr eaii our 'coir. I tehV W Jh I " " on tne stxtn ot uctober last. i ne tn,,irmei of his , Mexican government will 'bo recall; and thai, in the exis ting state of things I shall cot tleotrf it proper tn make any fnrther overtures of pesce. but shall be at all' limes ready 'to receive and consider snv proposals 'which may be ' made by Mexico. ';'f " ' Since ihe liberal proposition1 of the f JJ. niled Ststes was suthorized to be mada'jn Apiil last, large expenditures' '' have been incurred, and the precious blood of manv Of our patViotic fellow citizens has ben shed in the prosecution of the war. ' ' U consideration, and the obstin.te persever ance of Mexico in Droiractinff the war.. must influence the terms of peace i which it may be deemed proper hereafter to ac- Oursrmi having been evefv where vieia. nous, having' subjected to ' ou r miliury occupation a large portion of the enemy's country including hia capital, and nego tiations ior peace having rallied, the , inj. portant qnesiions arise, " In what' man ner the war ought to be prosecuted? attJ what should be onr future policy? I cannot ' doubt - thrt wehotiftJieciinr"'Bnd "Irchdelf '"" available the conauests which we have slrewdrTnadet utitf ihiirIthlhmrwiu?o- hould hold and occupv.' bv our naval and military forces, all the ports, towns, cities. and provinces now in our occupation, or which may hereafter fait I ato onr ' posses sion; that we should press forwardnour mil itary op. rl:ons, arid levy such militarv con. tributions on the enemy as" mar. as far - as practicable, de'ray Ihe future' expenses f thewa., ''-' ..v. " Hnil ltl Mutiinmi C 1 . 1!- to tlie equitsble and literal ' terms pro posed, that mode of adjustment ' wouh) have been' nrefered.' " Melertf:liBSii.; -declined lo drt , this. and faiW-to '-lafrasV- t .1 . w . 1 . . - . . ef ny me unuea staies, tne national : honor, no less than the public Interests,' reauirca thnt the war should be prosecuted wiilj increased energy and power until a jus and satisfnetory peace can be obtained. in the meantime, as Mexico refuses all ndemnity, we should adopt 'measures to indemnify ourselves'ly appropriating permanently portion of her territory. Rarly after the commencerhi nt of lha war, New Mexfco and "the Ciiliforn'l is were taken bossessior) of by bur forced? Our miiitnry ami naval commanders were or dered io conquer and " hold them aubject to be disposed or by atreaty of peace. . . pnud ocenpation, and s Imve been so (nr many months'; alt resistance hn the part of snnins; an resistance on the par i having ceased within their tin tisfi-d that they should 'never ta.atl' tA: tl..!iiA:;',i;' ' J .Mexico naving ceaseu within their limits. I am satisfied that they should 'never 'be surrendered to Mexico. ''' ShoiildQCpn gross concur with ma in this opinion, and ihst tney shod id ne retained by the United States' as inJemnity,' 1 can perceive" no' good reason while the Civil jurisdiction snd'liWioTtltrOT at once be extended over them,'To watt for a treaty of peace.' such as we are wit ling to make, by which - our ' relations to wards (hem would hot be Clmnijeil.carinot be good pollicyi .wiiilst'otir own Interest.' and that of the people inhabiting them re-' rrtjuiro tint s stanie, responstitet anu iieo government under ' our authority should as soon as possible," be vestabli.hed over them. Shou d Congress, therefore,, de. lermine to hold these ' provinces 'permit.1 nentryV and'thal they shall hrresfter be con sidered' ss contituent' pans of otir country. the eariy establishment of territorial irov esnments over them will be imporlanl for ine more pericct protection or persons snd properly; and I recommend thai such , ier-' mortal governments be established., ' If K'ill nrmniilA nfira nrl trfinnniliiart tii, T,.Ti',Mr,.i. n ii--"A'TrL-v-t TtihabirantsVby BlfangnllT apnrehen. n that iheV'mliy still eiilertaiit or' beimr1 Slflfl again subjected to the jurisdiction of Mex4 ico, " I invitr the early snd favorable consideration of Congress to this Import.' ant suhiect. " - . V ' Besides New Mexico and the California. there are other Mexican province which. have been ' reduced fo our possession by conquest. These other Mexican provinces' are now governed bf bur military and" nq val eommatiders, fiinder the 'general authority which Ii conferred upon a con qucror by tlie law of var. ;THey shoul continue to be held ita a means of coercing Mexico to arcede to just terms o peace.. Civil as well ad military officeis are requir ed l condact guch a gvcrn.enf. " VAd:, qnatl? compensation to be drawn from Con." tributions levied on the enemy should be fixed by law for1 such' officers as may be thus employe'J'. "What further provision may become necessary, and what' final disposition".! may be proper f to make of' them,' must depend oti the fufurs progress, of Ihe war, and the course wliich Mexico' may think proper hereafter 16 ptirstie. " ' With lhe',views I entertain. ,1 cannot' fa. vor the policy which has been suggested, either t withdraw otir'army a'ltogetlier.'or to'' retire to a designated line, and simple a l .... .... noiu anu ucienq it. to withdraw our army1 sltoeeiher, frcrri the conqest they hava made byf deeds "Of unpsralelied , brave- ry.'end at the expense of so much blood' and treasure, in a just'wsr on our part, audi on which, by the act of the enemy I wa' could" 'not honorably bttve avoled, would be to degrade llio nation in its own estima-' lion and in that ot the world. ' ;.'. To retire to a line, and simply hold and
The North-Carolina Star (Raleigh, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Dec. 15, 1847, edition 1
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