The war which has existed for so long a time between Mexico and Texas has since the battle of San Jacinto consisted for the most part of predatory incursions, which, while they have been attended with much of suffering to individuals and have kept the borders of the two countries in a state of constant alarm, have failed to approach to any definitive result.  Mexico has fitted out no formidable armament by land or by sea for the subjugation of Texas.  Eight years have now elapsed since Texas declared her independence of Mexico, and during that time she has been recognized as a sovereign power by several of the principal civilized states.  Mexico, nevertheless, perseveres in her plans of reconquest, and refuses to recognize her independence.  The predatory incursions to which I have alluded have been attended in one instance with the breaking up of the courts of justice, by the seizing upon the persons of the judges, jury, and officers of the court and dragging them along with unarmed, and therefore noncombatant, citizens into a cruel and oppressive bondage, thus leaving crime to go unpunished and immorality to pass unreproved.  A border warfare is evermore to be deprecated, and over such a war as has existed for so many years between these two States humanity has had great cause to lament.  Nor is such a condition of things to be deplored only because of the individual suffering attendant upon it.  The effects are far more extensive.  The Creator of the Universe has given man the earth for his resting place and its fruits for his subsistence.  Whatever, therefore, shall make the first or any part of it a scene of desolation affects injuriously his heritage and may be regarded as a general calamity.  Wars may sometimes be necessary, but all nations have a common interest in bringing them speedily to a close.  The United States have an immediate interest in seeing an end put to the state of hostilities existing between Mexico and Texas.  They are our neighbors, of the same continent, with whom we are not only desirous of cultivating the relations of amity, but of the most extended commercial intercourse, and to practice all the rites of a neighborhood hospitality.  Our own interests are involved in the matter, since, however neutral may be our course of policy, we can not hope to escape the effects of a spirit of jealousy on the part of both of the powers.  Nor can this Government be indifferent to the fact that a warfare such as is waged between those two nations is calculated to weaken both powers and finally to render them—­and especially the weaker of the two—­the subjects of interference on the part of stronger and more powerful nations, who, intent only on advancing their own peculiar views, may sooner or later attempt to bring about a compliance with terms as the condition of their interposition alike derogatory to the nation granting them and detrimental to the interests of the United States.  We could not be expected quietly to permit any such interference