The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1845-12-09

frontier of Texas. Our army was order
dered to take position in the country be-
tween the Nueces and the Del Norte, and
10 repel any invasion of the Texan ter
ritory which might be attempted by the
Mexican forces, Our squadron in the
gulf was ordered 10 cooperate with the
army. But though cur army and navy
were placed in a position to defend our
own, and the rights of Texas. they we're
ordered 10 commit no act Of hostility a.
gainst Mexico, unless she declared war,
or was herself the aggressor by striking
the first blow. The result has been, that
Mexico has made no ggressive move
ment, and our military and naval COM
manders have executed 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 organ
lied government in successful operation
during that period. Her seperaie exis-
tence, as an Independent; State, had been
recognized by the United States and the
principal Powers of Europe. Treaties
of commerce and navigation had been
concluded with her by different nations,
and il had become manifest to the whole
world that any further attempt on the
part Of Mexico 10 conquer her, or overs
throw her government, would be vain
Even Mexico herself had become salts
fed Of this fact; and whilst the question
of annexation was pending before the
people of Texas, during The past sum-
mer, the government of Mexico by for
nal act, agreed to recognise The indepen-
dence Of Texas on condition that she
would not annex herself 10 any other
Power, The agreement 10 acknowledge
the independence of Texas, whether
with or without this condition., is concIu-
sive against Mexico. The independence Of
Texas is fact conceded by Mexico her.
self, and she had no right or authority TO
prescribe restrictions as 10 the form Of
government which Texas might AFTER
ward, choose 10 assume.
But though Mexico cannot complain
Of the United States on account of The
annex alton of Texas, il is TO be regretted
that serious causes OF misunderstanding
between lhe TIVE countries continue to
exist. growing out Of unredressed inju-
ries inflicted by the Mexican authorities
and people en- the persons and property
of citizens Of the United States, through
a long series of years. Mexico has ad-
mitted these injuries, but has neglected
and refused te repair them. Such was
the character of the wrongs, and such
the insults repeatedly offered 10 American
citizens and the American flag by Mexi-
co, in palpable violation ofthe laws Of ma
lions and the treaty between the two
countries of the fifth OF April, 1891, that
they have been repeatedly brought TO the
notice of Congress by my redecessors.
As early as the eiglh Of February, 1857,
The President of the United States de-
clared, in message to Congress. that
''the length OF time since some of lile in.
luries have been committed, the repeat
ed and unavailing applications for re-
dress, the wanton character of some OF
the outrages uponthe persons and prop
erty Of our citiZencs, upon the officers
and flag of The United States, independ-
ent of recent insults TO This government
and people by the late Extraordinary
Mexican minister, would justify in the
eyes of all nations immediate war" He
did not, however, recommend an imme-
diate resort TO this extreme measure,
which, he declared, "should not be used
by just and generous nations. codfding
in their strength fer injuries committed.
if Il can be honorably avoided;" out, in
spirit of forbearance, proposed that an
other demand be made on Mexico for
that redress which had been so long and
unjuslly withheld. In these views,
committees of the Two Hosse Of Con-
gress, in reports made to their respect
i've bodies, concurred. Since these pro-
ceedings more than eight years elapsed,
during which. in addition 10 the wrongs
then complained of. others Of an aggr a.
waited character have been commi,ted on
the persons and property Of our citizens.
the summer of 1888, with full authority
TO make another and final demand for
redress. The demand was made; the
Mexican government! promised TO repair
the wrongs Of wich we complained; and
after much delay, treaty of indemnity
with that view was concluded between
the Powers on the eleventh Of April,
1889, and was duly ratified by both gov
ernments. BY this treaty joint COM
mission was created TO adjudicate and
decide or the claims of American cili-
zens on the government of Mexico. The
commission was organized at Washing
ton on the twenIy-6fih day of August,
ls40. Their time was limited TO eigh.
teen months; at the expiration of which,
they had adjudicatsd and decided claims
amounting TO two millions twenty-six
thousand one hundred and thirty nine
dollars and sixty-eigh, cents in fayar oI