Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1845-12-24


take position in the country between the
Nueces and the Del Norle, and to repe
any invasion of the Texan territory which
might be attempted by the Mexican forces.
Our squadron in the Gulf was ordered 10
cooperate with the army. But though
our army and navy we're placed in posi-
ton to defend our own, and the rights of
Texas. they were ordered to commit no
act of hostility against Mexico, unless she |
declared war. or was herself the aggressor
by striking the first blow. The result has
been, that Mexico has made no aggressive
movement, and our military and naval |
commanders have exec lted their orders
with such discretion that the peace of the
two Republics has not been disturbed.
Texas had declared her independence,
and maintained it by her arms for more
than nine years. She has had an organiz-
ed government in successful operation du-
ring that peri I'd. Her separate existence
as an independent State, had been recog-
nized by the United States and The prin-
cipal powers of Europe. Treaties of com
merce and navigation had been concluded
with her by different naIions, and II had
become manifest 10 the whole world that
any further attempt on the part Of Mexi-
co TO conquer her, or overthrow her go
vernmsnt, would be vain. Even Mexico
/ herself had become satisfied of the fact
and whilst the question of annexation was
| pending before the people of Texas last
summer, the government Of Mexico, bv
formal act, agreed to recognize the inde-
pendence of Texas, on con itlon that she
would not annex herself to any other pow
er. The agreement to acknowledge the
independence of Texas, whuther with or
without this condition, Is conclusive against
Mexico. The independence of Texas is
fact conceded BY Mexico herself, and she
had no right or authority to prescribe re-
strictinus as to the form of government
which Texas might afterwards choose to
assume.
But though Mexico cannot complain of
the United States on account of the an
nexation of Texas, i; is to he regretted
that serious causes of misunderstanding
between the two countries continue TO ex-
ist, growing out of unredressed injuries
inflicted by the Mexican authorities and
people on the persons and property of CT
J tizens of the United States, through a long
series of years. Mexico has admitted
these injuries, but hls neglected and re-
a fused to repair them. Such was the cha
e racter OF the wrongs, and such the insults
repeatedly offered 20 American citizens
r and the American flag 10y Mexiro, in pal
/ pable violation of the law of nations and
: the treaty between the two countries of
5lh April, 1881, that they have been re-
peatedIy brought to the notice OF Congress
: by my predecessors. As early as the 8th
e February, 1887, the President OF the Uni
h ted States declared in his message to Con.
n gress that " the length of time since some
t, Of the injuries have been committed, the
! repeated and unavaillng applications lor
;, redress, the wanton character oil some oil
5 the outrages upon the persons and proper.
n " OF our citizens, upon the officers and
n flag of the United States, independent 81
e recent insults to this government aud pe0-
Is pie by the late extraordinary Mexican Mi
e mister, would justify in the eyes OF all ma.
l. tons immediate war;" He did not, how
d ever, recommend an immediate resor. tc
n this extreme measure, which he declared
{ should mol be used by just and generous
Of nations, contlding in their strength if i
;. can be honorably avoided;" but, IN a spi-
rit of forhearance, proposed that another
d demand be made on Mexico for that re
,r dress which had been so long and Unjust,
e withheld. In these views, committees o
e the TWO Houses OF Congress, in report:
ii made to their respective bodies, concurred
!, Al III
y, years have elapsed, during which, in add
n ton to the wrongs then complained oil
a. others OF an aggravated character hav,
is been committed on the persons and pro
l. perry of our cllzens.
x special agent was sent TO Mexico il
Sc the summer of 1898, with full authority t
n make anoiher and final demand for re
Of dress. fhe demand was made; the Mex
ne lean gov eminent promised to repair In
x wrongs of which we complained; and a
ne ter much DELAY, IA treaty Of indemnity wit
that view Was conclnded between the tw
9 powers on the 18th Of April, 1889, an
Il was duly railfed b. both governments
Ell By this treaty joint commissions was ere
ng aled to adiudicate aud decide on The claim
N Of American citizens on the gosernmeT
er OF Mexico. The commission was organ
ng IL at Washington On the 18th day ,
On August, 1910. Their lime was limited
o. eighteen months; at The expiration ,
Fl which, they had afljullcated and decide
Isl claims amouniing TO $2,600.l3 6S ecu
he in favor Of scitizcns Of the Uniled Sial.
H. against the Mexican government, leavin
he a large amount of claims undeeided. {
xn The latter. the American commissions
I'd had dacldod In e. vnr of nill. citizens claim