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

Untfed states ana MeTtc0-Mr. Buchanan,
from the committee on Foreign Relations, pro-
sentcd the following report
The committee on Foreign Relations to whom
was referred the message of the Presiden. Of the
United States of the 9th instant, with the ac-
companying documents, on thst subject of
our relations with Mexico, report.
That they have given TO this subject that seri.
Gus and deliberate consideration which its in-
portance demands, and which any circumstances
calculated to interrupt our friendly relations
with Mexican Republic would necessarily m
sure.--From the document submitted to the com.
mittee it appears that, ever since tho Revolution
of 1922, which separated Mexico from Sp in, a I'd
even for some years before, tie United States
have had repeated causes of Just complaint IL
gainst the Mexican authorities From time to
time, as these insults and injuries have occurred
demands for redress have been made by our sue.
cessve public ministers at the city of Mexico bu.
almost all these demands have hitherto proved
unavailing.
1t might have been expected that, AFTER tho
date of the treaty of amity, commerce and navi-
cation concluded between the two Republics on
the 9Th day of April, one thousand eight hundred
and thirty -one, these causes of complaint would
have ceased to exist. That treaty SO clearly do
fines the rights and the duties of the respective
parties, that it seems almost impossible to mis-
understand or to mistake them. The COM
mittee, notwithstanding, regret TO be com pei
led to state that all the causes of complaint
against Mexico, which have been specially no.
ticed in the correspondence referred to them,
have occurred since the conclusion of the
treaty.
We forbear from entering into any minute de-
tail of our grievances. The enumeration of each
individual case, with its attendant circumstances
even if the committee were in possession Of sufi.
Gent materials to make such compilation, is
rendered unnecessary from the view which they
have taken of the subject. These cases are all
referred to in the document No. 81, entitled
"Claims on Mexico" in the letter of instructions
from Mr.. Forsyth to Mr.. Ellis, of the Goth of Ju-
ly, 1896, and in the subsequent correspondence
between Mr.. Ellis, and Mr.. Monasterio, tho
acting Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs.
If the government of the United States werc
disposed to exact strict and prompt redress from
Mexico, your committee might, with Justice re.
commend an immediate resort to war or rcpri.
sails. On this subject, however, they give their
hearty assent to the following sentiments con.
tanned in the message of the President. He saws
"the length of time since the injuries have been
committed, the repeated and unavailing applica.
tons for redress, the wanton character of some
Of the outrages upon the property and person Of
our citizens, and upon the officers and flag of tho
United States, Independent of the recent insults
to this government and people by the late extraoY
binary Mexican Minister, would Justify in tho
eyes of all nations, immediate war. That remedy
however, should not be used by Just and generous
nations, confdng in their strength, for injuries
committed II they can be honorably avoided and
1t has occurred TO me sthat, considering the pres.
ent embarrassed condition of that country. we
should act with both wisdom and moderation, by
giving to Mexico one more opportunity to atone
for the past, before we take redress into our own
hands"
In affording this opportunity to the Mexican
government, the committee would suppcst the
proPriety. of pursuing the form required by the
34th article OF the treaty with Mexico, in all ca.
SEES 10 winch 1t may be applicable. This article
PROVIDES that "if (what cannot be cxpeotedD any
OF the articles contained in the present treaty
shall be violated or infracted in any manner what
ever, 1t is stipulated that neither of the contrac
ting parties will order or authorize any acts of
reprisal, nor declare against the other on COM
plant of Injuries, or damages, until the said par.
ty considering itself offended shall have first pre.
sentcd to the other statement of such injuries or
damages, verified BY competent proofs and demand.
ed justice and satisfaction, and the Same shall
have been either refused, or unrcasonsbly dc,
layed."
After such demand, should prompt Justice bs
refused by the Mexican government, we NAV an.
peal 70 all nations, not only for the equity and
noderation with which we shall have acted TO-
ward sister republick, but for the necessity
vaich will then compel US to seek redress for our
wrongs, eithor by actual war or by reprisals.
he subject will then DO presented before Congress
t the commencement Of tho next session, ia
'lear and distinct form, and tho committee cannot
Ioubt that such meqsures will be immediate.
adopted as may be necessary to vindicate
no honor Of tho country, and insure ample
operation 10 our injured f6ow-citizens. They
oave tho modo and manner OF making
his demand 70 the President Of tho United
Itafaa.