hostile in their ten- dency, to the free expression of opinion adverse to its prosecution. It is not surprisng that the authors of the Mexican war—a war so open to animadversion, and waged for purposes so sectional and odious—should wish to dis- courage all investigation into its true character ; and all efforts to thwart the accomphshment of its object. No law could silence the press, nor arrest debate in Congress, nor discussion among the people. Bat the hope seems to have been indulged, that piwlic opinion might be so di- rected, as to produce what legislation could not effect. On the popularity of the war might depend not merely its successful prosecution, and' the consequent acquisition of the coveted territories, but the predominance of the democratic party, and the continujed possession of power and emoluments by the present incumbents of office.
Hence Mr. Polk, in his first Message after the commencement of hostilities, attempted to intimidate his opponents by insinuating that they were treacherous to the cause of their country. " The war," said he, " has been repre- sented as unjust and unnecessary, and as one of aggression on our part upon a weak and injured enemy. Such erroneous views, though entertained by hut few, have been "vndely and extensively circulated, not only at home, but have been spread throughout Mexico, and the whole world. A more effectual means could not have been de- vised to encourage the enemy, and protract the war, than / to advocate and adhere to their cause,, and thus give them ' aid and comfort.'' It is a source of national pride and exultation, that the great body of the people have thrown no such obstacles in the way of the Government in prose- cuting the war successfully, but have have shown them- selves, to be eminently patriotic, and ready to vindicate their country's honor and interests at any sacrifice."
Here we have a most arrogant impeachment, by the first magistrate of the Union, of the patriotism of such of his fellow-citizens, including no small portion of the very Congress he was addressing, who in the exercise