Martinsburg Gazette

The War.—We cannot find room to pursue farther the poor excuses with which the President palliates the war of his own making; nor can it be necessary. There is very little of it with which the public is not already familiar. That Mexico had wronged our citizens and been tardy in making reparation, is most true: true also that we had grievously wronged her, by fitting out military expeditions in open day in our South Western cities to foment rebellion in her provinces and rob her of her territory. Our very Army was moved into Texas in 1836, notoriously to awe her troops and encourage her adversaries.—She has her tale of grievances, at least as real and as formidable as ours. Have we not shed blood enough? How many more women and children must we rend and mangle before the fell spirit of Carnage can be satiated?—Why does not Mr. Polk state plainly on what terms he is ready to make Peace? Why does he not offer to arbitrate, to accept impartial Mediation? Why does he talk of compelling Mexico to pay the enormous expenses of his War when he knows she cannot do it, except by tearing reluctant Departments from her sides, and making herself a second Poland? Why, O why is he Polk and not a man?—Years of National misery and probable bankruptcy, a People debauched by slaughter and demoniac “glory,” a Republic corrupt by conquest and gold won by the red hand, shall sadly answer these questions!