nations is nothing else than the conformity to the sublime
precepts of the Gospel morality, precepts equally applicable to the
relations between man and man, and to the intercourse between nation and
nation. "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." "Love your enemies."
"As you would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."
The sanctity of these commands is acknowledged, without a single
exception, by every denomination of Christians, or of men professing to
be such. The sceptical philosopher admits and admires the precept. To
this holy rule we should inflexibly adhere when dictating the terms of
peace. The United States, though they have the power, have no right to
impose terms inconsistent with justice. It would be a shameful
dereliction of principle, on the part of those who were averse to the
annexation of Texas, to countenance any attempt to claim an acquisition
of territory, or other advantage, on account of the success of our
arms.

But in judging the acts of our Government, it must be admitted that
statesmen think a conformity to these usages which constitute the law of
nations, not as it should be, but as it is practically, sufficient to
justify their conduct. And by that inferior standard, those acts and our
duties in relation to Mexico will be tested.

II.--INDEMNITIES TO CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES.

The United States had, and continue to have, an indubitable right to
demand a full indemnity, for any wrongs inflicted on our citizens by the
Government of Mexico, in violation of treaties or of the acknowledged
law of nations. The negotiations for satisfying those just demands, had
been interrupted by the annexation of Texas. When an attempt was
subsequently made to renew them, it was therefore just and proper, that
both subjects should be discussed at the same time: and it is now
absolutely necessary, that those just claims should be fully provided
for, in any treaty of peace that may be concluded, and that the payment
should be secured against any possible contingency. I take it for
granted that no claims have been, or shall be sustained by our
Government, but such as are founded on treaties or the acknowledged law
of nations.

Whenever a nation becomes involved in war, the manifestoes, and every
other public act issued for the purpose of justifying its conduct,
always embrace every ground of complaint which can possibly be alleged.
But admitting, that the refusal to satisfy th