Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/566

546 will not give up the gratification of his passions, even though by so doing he may make a profit. Civilization has done away with many of the old barbarous practices, but unless supported by a truly christian spirit will not afford the adequate remedy.

The so-called improvements of warfare in the opinion of men justify the continuance of war, on the ground that the destruction of life and the infliction of suffering have been much diminished by the new devices. God save the mark! Killing men is not a trade susceptible of improvement; the experience of the Mexican war shows that neither side dispensed with the horrors of ancient practices. If the injustice of all war was never before established, it was made clear by this contest between the two republics of North America. The saddest lesson to learn by the citizens of the United States is that the war they waged against their neighbor is a signal example of the employment of might against right, or force to compel the surrender by Mexico of a portion of her territory, and therefore a blot upon their national honor. The United States had an opportunity of displaying magnanimity to a weaker neighbor, aiding her in the experiment of developing republican institutions, instead of playing the part of bully.

President Polk recklessly waged a devastating war, and yet pretended to be sighing for peace. His supporters in the press advocated the bombardment of Mexican cities, and an inhuman destruction of Mexican life. Those barbarous sentiments were