Extent Of Territory Required From Mexico.

We have already admitted that Mr. Polk's frequent and earnest asseverations of his desire for peace were sincere, because in his mind the term ^jrace included the acquisition of all the territory he wanted. The peace he desired, was not a just, and therefore an honorable one, but a bold, rapacious spoliation. If we use strong terms, it is because they are warranted by strong facts. After we had obtained military occupation of the country on the Rio Grande and all the sea-ports on the iVtlantic and Pacific ; after the Mexican armies had been routed in three general en- gagements ; after the efforts of the Mexicans had failed to protect their capital, and General Scott was ready to enter its gates, peace was again offered Mexico. In the time, place, and terms of this offer, we can see no indication of generosity, no desire for justice, no feeling of honor. .,.• Mexico, utterly prostrated, could obviously make no successful resistance, and it was certainly within the power of the United States to take military possession not merely of the capital, but of every city and strong place in the republicSuch, however, was not the desire or the interest of tlbe Administration, or of the country. To hold the entire of Mexico by force of arms, would occasion an expenditure of treasure and an imposition of taxes which would soon hurl Mr. Polk and his partisans from office. Nor would a continuance of the war give us that quit- claim to the coveted territories which was required, REVIEW OF THE MEXICAN V'AR. 179 to enable us to convert them with facility into slaveholding States with a representation in Congress. The object of the war could be most advantageously obtained by a treaty of peace, giving us undisputed possession of New Mexico and California.^' Hence the desire for peace ; and the prostrate condition of Mexico induced the