Ebook The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo

Livermore', well-constructed as they were and widely distributed, and fortified by an examination of published documents and news papers, has grown into the narrative of Von Holst. When Congress was told that by the act of Mexico there existed a state of war, and that Santa Anna was permitted to pass into Vera Cruz, Polk and his advisers were convinced that the war would be a short one, perhaps not ninety days in length. The diary informs us that when Polk came into office he had already made up his mind to acquire California. A plan developed by which he believed the acquisition might be made by peaceful negotiation. Claims against Mexico, under discussion as far back as Jackson's time, furnished the groundwork of the plan; the joint resolution annexing Texas gave the President something to build upon. By that act the de termination of the boundaries of Texas rested with the United States. Mexico could not pay the claims in cash; the Texan boundary was unsettled. The idea of territorial indemnity was an irresistible conclusion: let her pay in land.