illions in twenty years. At
the rate of only twenty five per cent, it will add five millions in ten,
and more than eleven millions in twenty years. That the fertile
uncultivated land, within the limits of the States admitted, or
immediately admissible in the Union, could sustain three times that
number is indubitable. But the indomitable energy, the locomotive
propensities, and all the habits of the settlers of new countries are
such, that, not even the united efforts of both Governments can or will
prevent their occupying within twenty if not within ten years, every
district, as far as the Pacific, and whether within the limits of the
United States or of Mexico, which shall not have previously been
actually and _bona fide_ occupied and settled by others. It may be said
that this is justifiable by Natural Law; that, for the same reason,
which sets aside the right of discovery, if not followed by actual
occupation within a reasonable time, the rights of Spain and Mexico have
been forfeited by their neglect, or inability, during a period of three
hundred years, to colonize a country, which, during the whole of that
period, they held undisputed by any other foreign nation. And it may
perhaps be observed that, had the Government of the United States waited
for the operation of natural and irresistible causes, these alone would
have given them, without a war, more than they want at this moment.

However plausible all this may appear, it is nevertheless certain, that
it will be an acquisition of territory for the benefit of the people of
the United States, and in violation of solemn treaties. Not only
collisions must be avoided, and the renewal of another illicit
annexation be prevented; but the two countries must coolly consider
their relative position; and whatever portion of territory, not actually
settled by the Mexicans, and of no real utility to them, they may be
disposed to cede, must be acquired by a treaty freely assented to, and
for a reasonable compensation. But this is not the time for the
discussion of a proper final arrangement. We must wait till peace shall
have been restored, and angry feelings shall have subsided. At present
the only object is Peace, immediate peace, a just peace, and no
acquisition of territory, but that which may be absolutely necessary for
effecting the great object in view. The most simple terms, those which
will only provide for the adjustment of the Texas boundary and for the
payment of