ended to assert that the terms heretofore proposed by either
party are at this time proper. And I apprehend that the different views
of the subject entertained by those who sincerely desire a speedy and
just peace, may create some difficulty. There are some important
considerations which may become the subject of subsequent arrangements.
For the present, nothing more is strictly required than to adopt the
principle of _status ante bellum_, or, in other words, to evacuate the
Mexican territory, and to provide for the payment of the indemnities due
to our citizens. The scruples of those who object to any cession
whatever of territory, except on terms unacceptable to the Southern
States, might be removed by a provision, that would only pledge a
territory sufficient for the purpose, and leave it in the possession of
the United States until the indemnities had been fully paid.

Was I to listen exclusively to my own feelings and opinions, I would
say, that, if the propositions which I have attempted to establish are
correct; if I am not mistaken in my sincere conviction, that the war was
unprovoked by the Mexicans, and has been one of iniquitous aggression on
our part; it necessarily follows that, according to the dictates of
justice, the United States are bound to indemnify them, for having
invaded their territory, bombarded their towns, and inflicted all the
miseries of war on a people, who were fighting in defence of their own
homes. If all this be true, the United States would give but an
inadequate compensation for the injuries they have inflicted, by
assuming the payment of the indemnities justly due to their own
citizens.

Even if a fair purchase of territory should be convenient to both
parties, it would be far preferable to postpone it for the present,
among other reasons, in order that it should not have the appearance of
being imposed on Mexico. There are also some important considerations,
to which it may not be improper to call at this time the public
attention.

Our population may at this time be assumed, as amounting to twenty
millions. Although the ratio of natural increase has already been
lessened, from thirty three to about thirty per cent in ten years, the
deficiency has been, and will probably continue, for a while, to be
compensated by the prodigious increase of immigration from foreign
countries. An increase of thirty per cent, would add to our population
six millions, within ten, and near fourteen m