Hillsdale Whig Standard

State of the Country—Peace Or War,

From the Buffalo Com. Advertiser,

Under this head the Democratic Review of the present month devotes its leading article to the presentation, to its readers, of some novel language to come from an administration print. In a note to the article, the Editor says that the information contained in the article in relation to the intentions of the administration towards Mexico, is derived from a correct source, and was "received at the last moment." Reciting the conquests of our forces, the article goes on to say:

"We are already in possession of nearly every Mexican Seaport on the Atlantic, and command the great arteries of her commerce. Her principal means of raising revenues are in our hands, and we may, if we insist on it, make ourselves paid for every dollar of the costs of the war. But is it wise or generous for us to do so? Shall the whole Mexican people suffer for the delusion of their leaders? We believe that this is not the intention of the administration, and that the latter, in view of the necessity of living hereafter in peace and amity with our sister republics, and for the purpose of setting the world an example of republican moderation, is now willing to conclude a peace with Mexico on the same terms as those proposed after the battle of Monterey. We have reason to believe that this moderation on the part of the administration is principally owing to the mild and statesmanlike counsel of Mr. Buchanan, who has succeeded in making his views prevail in the Cabinet of the President.

That there is a party, and a strong and growing one, which is for retaining the whole of the conquered territory, and that if the war continues, a party may spring up in favor of subjugating the whole of Mexico, can hardly be called in question. But the administration is straining every nerve to oppose it; and it will doubtless succeed in its efforts if success attend its present offers of peace. There is, nevertheless, danger in delay. A moving party in a republic is always a growing one, and is sure to acquire, in the end, a momentum sufficient to overcome the inertia of government. The administration seems to feel this, and hence its anxiety to stem the torrent, and to make peace on the most moderate terms."

We wonder where the men of this fancied party can be found in any other place than the editorial chair of some ultra administration print. If this article really is what it purports to be—the official bulletin of the Government—we shall soon see even these, who have upheld the practicability of entire conquest, meekly succumbing to the dictates of wiser policies; or giving one more exemplification of their perfect obedience to their superiors in place.

Indeed the whole article would indicate that the administration—aware that its recent ambition for extensive acquisition in the south western quarter, is backed by no party at all—is at least constrained to adopt the language of far more modest pretension.

Or, is this but the preluding aria to that bathetic descent from former large pretension, to that which we shall realize when Mr. Trist has effected the object of his mission? The article says he is clothed with large powers. The pretension that the administration is "straining a nerve" to oppose a large and growing party, as it is above pretended to do, is simply ludicrous. Did the party, of which Mr. Polk's administration is the last Dead Sea fruit, ever oppose a large and growing party? The administration has probably been, all along, at play at its newly invented game—casting forth propositions to be carried forward if popular, to be withdrawn if met with disapproval. Ritchie's head has probably grown dizzy in the many turns he has been obliged to take, and now another dervise spins round before the powers that be.

The article goes on to say:

"As to the cession of territory demanded of the Mexicans, the administration will not claim it as forfeit, but offer to pay for it, so to acquire it by purchase. We want a clear title to it, and the administration considers a purchase the very best of all titles. The expense of the war we will not claim from the Mexicans: and the indemnity which she owes our citizens will be assumed by the government of the United States. We shall then claim no money of Mexico in any shape, and are willing to accept the land in payment of our just demands.

As to the territory to be ceded or sold to us by Mexico, we are of opinion that it will not comprise more than Upper California and New Mexico, and that our government will not insist, as a condition of peace, on the right of way across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec; but rather make this a subject for subsequent friendly negotiations between the two sister republics.

The carrying out of these measures may require a new United States loan, but with the certainty of peace, the improved credit of all the States, (Pennsylvania taking the lead,) the eradication of the absurd and wicked doctrine of repudiation, and the agricultural, manufacturing and commercial condition of the country being fully equal to the most sanguine expectations of the friends and supporters of the present low tariff of duties, one or two hundred millions of dollars may easily be borrowed without rendering the government dependent on either domestic or foreign capitalists."

What then has become of the project to make Mexico pay the expense of the war? To what limbo has Vice President Dallas's Tehuantepec vision been condemned? And how magnificent is the project of two or three hundred million loans, compared with the fears of Mr. Secretary Walker, when he anticipated much difficulty in effecting the loan of ten millions! The administration is.

—"in blood
Stepped in so far, that should it wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o'er."