The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1837-12-23

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ment of claims upon Peru, has been unfa-
vorably effected by the war between that
power and Chill, and the Argentine repub-
lie; and the same event is also likely to
produce delays in the settlement of our de-
mands on those powers.
The aggravating circumstances connect
ed with our claims upon Mexico, and va
rety of events touching the honor and in
tegrity of our government, led my prede-
cessor TO make, at the second session of
the last congress, special recommends
ton of the course to be pursued to obtain
a speedy and final satisfaction of the iniu-
ries complained of by this government,
and by our citizens. He recommended
final demand Of redress, with a contingent
authority to the executive to make repri-
sails, if that demand should be made in vain.
From the proceedings of Congress on
that recommendation, it appeared that the
opinion of both branches of the legislature
coincided with that Of the executive, that
any mode of redress known to the law of
nations might justiiably be used. 1t was
obvious too, that congress believed with
the President, that another demand should
be made, in order TO give undeniable and
satisfactory proof of our desire to avoid ex-
tremities with neighboring power; but
that there was an indisposition to vest a
discretionary authority in the Executive to
take redress, should it unfortunately be Ell
ther denied or unreasonably delayed by
the Mexican Government. So soon as the
necessary documents were prepared, after
entering upon the duties ofmy office, a spe-
l.,
a final demand of redress; with the docu-
ments required by the provisions of our
treaty. The demand was made on the
goth of July last. The reply which beals
date the 29th of the same month, contains
assurances Of desire, on the part of that
Government, to give a prompt and eXplic-
it answer respecting each Of the complaints,
but that the examination of them would ne
cessarily be deliberate, that in this eXami-
nation, it would be guided by the princi-
pies of public law and the obligation Of
treaties;@ that nothing should be left undone
that might lead to the most speedy and
equitable adjustment of our demands; and
that its determination, in respect to each
case, should be communicated through the
Mexican Minister here.
Since that time, an Envoy EXtraordina-
ry and Minister Plenip potentary has been ac-
credited to this Government by that Of the
Mexican Republic. He brought with him
assurances of sincere desire that the
pending differences between the two gov
ernments should be terminated in manner
satisfactory to both. He was received with
reciprocal assurances; and a hope was en-
| tertained that his mission would lead to a
speedy, satisfactory, and final adjustment
of all existing subjects of complaint. A
sincere believerin the wisdom of the paci-
fc policy by which the United States have
always been governed in their intercourse
with foreign nations, it was my particular
desire, from the proximity of the Mexican
Republic, and well known occurrences on
our frontier, TO be instrumental in obyiating
all existing difficulties with that Govern
ment, and in restoring to the intercourse be-
tween the two republics, that liberal and
friendly character by which they should al
ways be distinguished. Iregret, therefore,
the more deeply to have found in the recent
communications of that Government so lit
tie reason to hope that any future efforts OF
mine for the accomplishment OF those de-
sirable objects would be successful.
Although the large number, and many
ofthem aggravated cases ofpersonal wrongs,
have been now for years before the MeXi-
can Government, and some Of the causes Of
national complaint, and those OF the most
offensive character, admitted of immediate,
simple, and satisfactory replies, it is only
within few days past that any specific
communication in answer to our last de-
mand, made five months ago, has been re-
ceived from the Mexican Minister. By the
report of the Secretary of State, herewith
presented, and the accompanying documents
it will be seen thatfor not one of our pub
lie complaints has satisfaction been giver
or offered; that but one of the cases of per
r sonal wrong has been lavorably considered
and that but four cases of both descriptions
out of all those formally presented, anC
f earnestly pressed, have as yet ben decided
upon by the Mexican Government,
: perceiving in what manner any
l. the powers given to the Executive alone
could be farther usefully employed Ii
c bringing this unfortunate controversy to
T satisfactory termination, the subject was b.
I my predecessor referred to Congress, as on
r calling for its interposition. In accordance
with the clearly understood wishes OF tn