It was obvious, from what had passed, that the Mexican administration, although pacific in its feelings, was not strong in the confidence of the pubhc, and it was naturally inferred, that it would not have the power, even should it have the disposition, to conclude a treaty for the dismemberment of the Republic by the cession of Cahfornia. Hence the determination of Mr. Polk to secure by the sword what he now saw could not likely be acquired by the pen. This determination was moreover strengthened by the following information communicated in the same letter from Mr. Slidell. " The country^ torn by conflicting fac- tions, is in a state of perfect anarchy, its finances in a condition utterly desperate. I do not see where means can possibly be -found to cany on the government. The annual expense of the army alone exceeds twenty-one millions of dollars, while the net revenue is not more than l^n or twelve. While there is a prospect of -war with the United States, no capitalist will loan money, at any rate, however onerous. Every branch of the revenue is already pledged in advance. The troops must be paid, or they will revolt." Of course from such a government, it would be easy to wrest California, and as much more as we might w^ant.
Mr. Shdell, having, as we have seen, refused to permit the Mexican Cabinet to postpone their decision respecting his reception, till the meeting of Congress in January, that decision was communicated, to him on the 20th December. He w^ould be received as a Commissioner to treat of the questions relating to Texas ; but until that question was arranged, he could not be received as Minis- ter plenipotentiary.
Mr. Slidell was of course very insulting in his reply. " The annals of no cimlized nation present, in so short a time, so many ivanton attacTcs upon the rights of person and property as have been endured by the citizens of the United States from the Mexican authorities.''^ It is to be appre- hended that this gentleman is either very imperfectly ac- quainted with the annals of civilized nations, or very unscru- pulous in drawing inferences from them. In the excitement of the moment, and for the sole