President Polk has delivered himself of a message as long
as a cable, though not so substantial. It'comprises four chief points of interest. One is an immense apology for the Mexican war,—which 'Mr. Polk, with modest assurance, imputes entirely to Mexican ill treatment of American citizens : this part of the message is at once a history (true or false) of Mexico since its independence and a brief of counsel for the prosecution." Some case is made out for reprisals ; but no more. The next point is a vast argument to prove that Texas-bad-the power to be annexed to the United 'States, and that therefore Mexico had no right to resist the an- nexation ; also, an historical essay, remarkable for special-plead- ing, diffuseness, and staleness. Thirdly, the President wants more money-23,000,000 dollars—to carry on the war ; " prodigious bold request!" The fourth subject more nearly concerns us. Mr. Polk finds that the tariff arranged on the standard of revenue- -66es works well ; a tangible proof is the immense deportation of cereals and other produce ; and he looks forward to a con- tinuance and extension of reciprocal trade with Great Britain. The Free-trade example of England is doing its duty.
Previous page
