Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/567

Rh aggravated by the false pretext on which they were urged, namely, that Mexico had provoked the war. It was President Polk's action in ordering troops beyond the limits of the United States and into Mexican territory that brought on the war. It was an assumption on his part of powers not vested in him by law. The war, though recognized by congress after hostilities had begun, was in fact the device of Polk and his party. He had no right to involve his country in war, and the house of representatives told him so. The four days' bombardment of Vera Cruz was no doubt effected according to the laws of war; but this does not tend to increase our respect for war laws, for it was horrible and wholly unnecessary work. Add the illegitimate barbarities committed — often with impunity — by an undisciplined, lawless rabble, such as a large portion of the United States forces was composed of — unfortunately too well authenticated, and retaliated for as they often were by the Mexicans, especially the guerrilla parties — and we have acts of atrocity, whosoever were their authors, evidencing a depravity of nature as appalling as it was disgraceful.

The United States could have secured peace by ceasing to assail the Mexicans, who were fighting only