The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-07-19
For the Union.
MEXICO AGAINST THE UNITED STATES

wrong, which VIII equally Illustrate the course OF con
duct which the Mexican functionares have been al
lowed to pursue towards American citizens, and tn
vexations and endorsements interposed in tn
way of obtaining redress for the most aggrayate'
injuries; while, at the same time, II will furnish tn
means Of arriving at just decision upon the issu
now made between the two governments. Mexic,
soemnly asserts that she has scrupulously adhered
to her treaty stipulatons. She asserts this, wh'
independently Of the two instruments payable by
| her under the convention Of lS43-about which Sc
much mystery seems TO exist, but for which sh,
holds the receipt of the American agent--independ
emily of this, she undoubtedly is in default in no
paying the instruments which fell due in October
January, and April last.
This is by-the-by. Our immediate object is to
exhibit one case, on which Mexico has been heard
the evidence produced, Chat evidence mainly con.
astingof the judicial proceedings her own courts,
and the decision pronounced. IL has been selected
not because the circumstances of it are marked by
any peculiar atrocty or injustice, but because the
very worthy gentleman, who was the claimant in
the case has been an object of some public atten-
ton, and prejudces may have been imbibed equally
without foundation in fact, and unjust to him. The
case thus selected, is one of the several cases in
there lies, at this moment before u.s. the statement
Of the facts, and the exhibition of the merits Of this
case, not resting upon the veracty of the party
himself, or his counsel, but embodied in the judicial
opinion of Messrs. Marcy and Breckenridge, whose
characters sufficiently authenticate and verify their
solemn judgment, delivered under all the high re-
sponsibilities of their judicial Office.
The document before us states that "the claim
ant, Dr. Baldwin, gentleman of talents, education,
and extensive connexion in the United States, being
possessed of considerable capital, went to Mexico
about the year 1924. His object in going there was
to establish himself not only as merchant but also
for the purpose of constructing extensive saw-mis,
being possessed Of skill in such machinery, which
might be greatly advantageous TO Mexico as well as
to himself. The situation chosen by him was one
of the most important in the whole extent of the
republic--the isthmus of Guascualco, south of the
port of Vera Cruz-the country bordering on the
river Guascuaco being then almost wilderness of
heavily-tmbered lands The government of Mex
leo, about the same time, had projected settlement
or colony there; and number of French families
were invited to settle in the neghborhood chosen by
DR.. Baldwin.
"Under the active enterprise and exertions of DR..
B., who had brought with him capital, workmen,
and persons skilled in machinery, the new settle
ment grew rapidly and gave birth to the village of
Minatan. Mills of great value were erected
by DR.. Baldwin, at which the mahogany and
other valuable timber of the country was sawed,
giving employment to many persons, natives and
foreigners, and bidding fair to lay the foundation of
an important branch of wealth and industry to the
nationn
CDR. Baldwin had purchased tract ofland league
square; and on this land, of which he was put in
possession by the seller heerected his mills, dwell
ing-house, and other establishments He also
made extensive preparations for clearing lands, &C.,
for establishing coffee plantation upon large
scale. He was thus in the full tide of prosperity;
and if he had been protected by the Mexican au-
thorities and government would, in few years,
have realized prDssJY. fQrtuDs The. taGtslbus
are of historical notoriety, which, it is presumed,
will not be questioned.
"But these prospects were soon overcast. The
series of expressions and prosecutions of which Dr.
B. complains, commenced soon after the arrival OF
Gaddeo Ortiz in this colony, who, under the title OF
commissioner was invested with extensive political
power"
"The first fact, in point Of time, is that sworn to
in the dispositions of S. Macord and c. Macord.
Some time in the year 1923, DR.. B. demanded Of the
commissioner Ortiz payment Of sum of money for
lumber furnished for the Of the public, in build
ing church and government-house. They state
that Ortiz took offence at this Ii is certain that the
injuries complained of by DR.. B. commenced soon
after that occurrence" 1t is then shown that GER
tain judicial proceedings purpor to be signed by an
alcalde who could neither read nor write, TO be
founded on testimony given by witnesses, who
when confronted with the accused, soemnly denied
that they had given any such evidence, or even ties
tilted ut all and that this proceeding was finally
proved to be spurious before the higher tribunals
'In the mean time, the claimant had suffered in his
person, in his purse, and in his reputation. lie
had been imprisoned nearly a year, his property
seized. and his character as a merchant impaired
his feelings as man outraged, and his numerous
friends in the United States chagrned by his name
being regularly published in the newspapers IN thu
State of Vera Cruz, the stranger John Baldwin
accused of murder, dsobedience to the authorities
of stealing timber from the public lands, of opening
private letter addressed to another person, ant
other offences! But being man of intelligence ant
energy of character with that sturdy spirit OF resist
ance to oppression which belongs 10 his coun
trymen, he followed up these different charges
through period of nine years; until ON the NOR
serious accusations he acquitted by the su
perior tribunals, while all the others vanished
in smoke" The evidence is examined in de
tail; and it is shown, that upon these fabricated
pretences, the property of DIR. b., consisting OF hi
saw logs, amounting to about $4,000, was seize'
and confiscated to the State; possession was taken
his establishment and houses, and he was thrust GU
| of his dwelling with few minutes notice. Nehhe
he nor his family were permitted to take anythin
away--not even small bundle for the use OF NJ
wife The soldiers kept possession for three or fou
months and when b. and his family came back
n ftyb hon md mil