{"newspaper_name": "American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper.", "edition": "01", "page": "p2", "byline": ""}
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INDEPENDENCE OF CALIFORNIA. Ii IL oe
fact that the people of Upper California have
declared themselves independent OF Mexico,
and have placed themselves under the protec-
ton of the United States, our government will
not be slow TO take advantage of the circum-
stance to annex that territory to the Union
and, indeed, it may have been with view to
this very event, that the President asked of
Congress an appropriation of two millions OF
dollars. The government of Mexico may have
been forewarned of this declaration of indepen-
dence, and hence have expressed willingness
to part with the territory for consideration; if
SO, the refusal by Congress to grant the sum
required, was rather mal-apropos; for it would
have terminated the war; and at the same time
have obtained an object which appears to be
desirable to the admnistration-Viz: the ac-
QUESTION of California. Should the people of
that territory have claimed our protection, as
has been stated, it would still seem TO be our
duty, before attempting its annexation to our
country, to apply to Mexico and to obtain it,
if possible, by purchase. The President has
declared that the object of the war is not con-
quest, nor do we believe that the people of the
United States desire to obtain a foot OF land
from Mexico that is not to he fairly and honor
ably paid for. 1t is evident that, without our
aid, the people of Upper California cannot
maintain their independence against Mexico
if, therefore, we obtain possession of the terri
tory without the consent of Mexico, il must be
by conquest. We hope, then, that no advan-
tage will be taken by our government of the
declaration of independence, except so far as
may be necessary to farther negotiations with
Mexico for a general settlement of all difficult
ties. Seize it we may, as we are engaged in
hostilites; and the possession of it may the
sooner lead to a termination of the war. But
on the conclusion Of peace we should either re-
lnquish or purchase the territory.


We have objections TO voting large sums OF
money TO be used at the discretion of the Pre-
sident; and yet we regret that the appropria,
ton Of two millions of dollars asked Tor by the
President, was declined; fer he certainly hat
Just cause to believe that, by the application Q
IL, ne could procure an advantageous peaoe, Y
he would not have demanded it. The objec
to be obtained was most important; and the
mode designed to be adopted to accomplish it.
was not likely to prove half as expensive as the
continuance of the war In considering the
measure, no mere opposition to the President
should have been induged, but the interests OF
the country alone should have been consulted
We do not know, that the failure the appro'
priation will produce suspension of negotia-
tions; for any stipulations which may be en-
tered into by the President in treaty OF peace
will undoubtedly be sanctioned by the Senate
as we do not suppose that he would either pro
pose or accept conditions derogatory to tht
honor and interest of the nation.