Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1837-03-15

Before concluding their report, the committee
deem it necessary to submit few remarks up
on the conduct Of Mr.. Gorostiza, the late envoy
extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the
Mexican Republic to the United States. In re-
gard TO that fnnctionary, they concur fnllysin O.
pinon with Mr.. Forsyth that he was under the
influence Of prejudices which distorted and dis
colored every object which he saw while in. this
country. On tho 18th of October, 1886, no ter
minated his mission by demanding his passports.
And for what reason2 Because the President
refused TO recall the orders which he had issued
to the general commanding the United States
in the vicinity of Texas, directing him to pass
the frontier, should il be found necessary mea-
sure of selfdefence; but prohibiting from pursu-
ing this course unless the Indians were actually
engaged in hostilities against the United States,
or he had undoubted evidence that such hostii-
ties were intended, and were actually preparing
within tho Mexican territory.
A civil war was then raging in Texas The
Texan troops occupied positions between the
forces Of Mexico and tho warlike and restless
tribes of Indians along the frontiers of the United
States. 1t was manifest that Mexico could not
possibly restrain by force these tribes within her
limits from hostile incursions upon tho inhabit-
ants of the United States, as she had engaged to
do by the SD article of the treaty. No matter
how strong may have been her inclination, the
ability was entirely wanting. Under such cir
cumstances, what became the duty Of the Presi.
dent of tho United Statos1 If he entertained
reasonable apprchcnsions that these savagos med.
itated an attack from the Mexican territory a.
gainst tho defenceless citizens along our frontier
was he obliged to order our troops TO stand upon
the line, and wait until the Indians who know
no rule of warfare but indiscriminate carnage
and rlrvdar shouI actua1lu invade oi,r ferrito-
ry7 To state the proposition is TO answer the
question. Under such circumstances, our for
ces had q right. both by the law Of nations and
the great and universal law of selfdefence, to
take position in advance of our frontier, in the
country inhabited by these savages, for the pur-
pose of preventing and restraining their incur
sions.
The Sabine is so distant from Washington that
1t became absolutely necessary to intrust this dis
cretionary power to the commanding general. II
the President had not issued such orders in ad-
vance, all the evils might have been inflicted be-
fore the remedy could have been applied and in
that event he would have been justly responsible
for the murders and devastation which might have
been committed by the Mexican Indians on the
citizens of the United States.
When these discretionary orders were issued to
Gen. Gaines, they were Immediately communi-
Gated to Mr.. Gorostza, in the most frank and
friendly spirit. The fullest explanations of the
whole proceeding were made to him, and he was
over and over again assured that this occupation
of the Mexican Territory, should it become neces-
sary, would be of limited, temporary. and pure
" defensive character, and should continue no
longer than the danger existed; that the Fresi-
dent solemnly disclaimcd any intention of &C.
supying the territory beyond the Sabine, with the
view of taking possession of it as belonging to
the United States; and that this military move
ment should produce no effect whatever upon the
boundary question.
The committee believe that Mr.. Gorostiza
ought to have been satisfied with these explana-
tions. But they failed to procure any effect up
on his mind. Without instructions from his
government, he retired from his mission upon his
own responsibility. This was not all. Before
he left the United States he published pamphlet
containing portion of his correspondence with
our government, and with his own, from which
latter it appears that, while engaged upon the
business Of his special mission here, he was max
ing charges Of bad faith against the U. States to
the Mexican secretary of foreign relations. The
publication of such pamphlet by foreign min.
lister, in the country to which he has been accre.
dited, in no other light than as appeal to the
people against the acts of their own government
1t was gross violation of that diplomatic cour-
tesy which ought ever to be observed between in
dependent nations, and deserves the severest con.
domination. This act was still more extraordina-
~ when we consider that il almost Immediately
followed the note of Mr. Dickinson to him, of the
Goth October, 1886, assuring him that the Presi.
dent would instruct Mr.. Ellis TO make such OK.
plantations to the Mexican government, of the
conduct of that of the United States as he be.
lieved would be satisfactory.
The committee regret to learn, from the note
of Mr.. Ellis to Mr.. Forsyth ofthe 9Th December
last, that the Mexican government has publicly
approved of the conduct of its minister while IL
the United States. They trust that returning
sense of justice may induce it to reconsider thi.
determination. They are willing to believe tina
IL never could have been made had that govern
ment previously received the promised oxplana
ton Of the President, contained in the letter o
Mr.. Forsythito Mr.. Ellis, of the 10th December
1886, which unfortunately, did not reach Mexic'
until after the latter had taken his departure
This letter, with the Presidents message at tn
commencement of the present session of Con
gress, cannot fail to convince the Mexican 60
vernment, how much they have been misled b,
the representations Of their minister.
After a full consideration Of all the circum
stances, the committee recommend the adoption
Of the following resolutions.
Resolued, That the Senate concur in opinion
with the President of the United States, that an
other demand ought to be made for the redress Q
our grievances from the Mexican Government
the mode and manner of which, under the 34t
article of the treaty, SO far as it may be applicu
bic, are properly confded to his discretion. The
cannot doubt, from the justice Of our claims, tina
this demand will result in speedy redress BIT
should they be disappointed in this reasonable CT
pectatlon, state of things will then have Occur
ed, which will make it the imperative duty of Cor
grcss promptly to consider what further measure
may be required by the honour of the nation, an
the rights of our injured fellow citizens.