The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1845-12-11

ernmcnt of Mexico by formal act, agreed
10 recognize the independence of Texas on
condition that she would not annex her
self to any other power. The agreement
10 acknowledge the independence Of Tex~
as, whether with or without this condition,
is exclusive against Mexico. The inde-
pendence of Texas is fact conceded by
Mexico herself, aud she had no right or
authority to prescribe restrictions as 10 the
form of government which Texas NIGH
| afterwards choose 10 assume.
But though Mexico cannot complain o.
the United S ates on account of the annex.
alton of Texas, it is to be regretted that
serious causes of misunderstanding be.
tween the two countries continues 10 eX-
list, growing out of unredressed injuries
inflicted by the Mexican authorities and
people on the persons and properly Of cit
lzens of the United States, through long
series Of years. Mexico has admitted
those injuries, but has neglected and res
fused TO repair them. Such was the char
acter.of the wrongs, and such The insults
repeatedly offered TO American citizens
and the American flag by Mexico, in pal,
pabIe violation OF the laws OF nations and
the treaty between the two countries Of the
fifth of April, 1881, that they have been
repeatedly brought 10 the notice of Com
gress by my predecessors. AS early as
he eighth Of February, 1887, the Presi.
dent of the United States declared, in a
message TO Congress. that the length of
time since some of the inj uries have been
committed, the repeated and unavaiing
applications for redress, the "anton char
acter Of some of the outrages upon the
persons and property of our citizens, upon
The officers and fig of the United States,
independent Of recent insults to this gov,
ernment and people by the late Extraor>
binary Mexican Minister. would justify in
the eyes of all nations immediate war"
He did not, however, recommend an i'm
mediate resort 10 this extreme measure,
which he declared, "should not be used
by Just and generous nations, confding in
their strength for injuries committed, if it
can be honorably avoided )" but, in a
spirit Of forbearance, roposed that another
demand be made on Mexico for that re-
dress which has been SO long and unjustiy
withheld. la these views, committees of
the two Houses Of Congress, in reports
made 10 their respective bodies, concur
red. Since these proceedings more than
eight yesrs have elapsed, during which,
in addition TO the wrongs complained Of
others of an aggravated character have
been committed on the persons and prop
erty OF our cllz ms. A special agent was
sent TO Mexico in the summer of 1888,
with full authority to make another and
final demand for redress. The demand
was made the Mexican government pro-
missed to repair the wrongs of which we
and after much delay, d
treaty oil indemnify with that view was
concluded between the two powers on the
| llh of April, 1882, and was duly rai>
fled by both governments. BY this trea>
~ a oint commission was created to adju,
dictate aud decide on The claims of Ameri-
can citizens on the government OF Mexico.
The commission was organized at Wash
lngion on the 25.h OF August, l640.-
Their time was limited TO eighteen months,
at The expiration of which, they had adju
lica,ed and decided claims amounting to
wo millions twenty-six thousand one hun.
ired and thirty-nne dollars and sixty
eight cents, 10 favor Of citizens of the
United States against the Mexican Gov
srnment. leaving urge amount of claims
OF the latter, the American
had decided in favor of our
:!|lzens claims amounting to nine hundred
md twenty-eight thousand six hundred
md twenty-seven dollars, and eighty
light cents, which were left Enacted on by |
he umpire authorized by the treaty.
Sill further claims, amounting to between
hree and four millions OF dollars, were
admitted 10 the board TOO late 10 be con.
idered and were left undisposed Of
The sum of two millions twenty.Six
thousand one hundred and lhlrty.nine dol
ars and sixty-eighl cents, decided by the
GARD, was liquldated and ascerlained
ebt due by Mexico to the claimants, and
here was no justiiabe reason for delay
ng its payment according to the terms of
be treaty. 1t was not, however, paid.
Iexico applied for further indulgence
nd, in that spirit OF Iiberalily and for
earance which has ever marked the poll
Y of the United States towards that re-
ublic, the request was granted; and, on
he thirlieth of January, l843, new lrea.
Y was concluded. By this treaty it was
rovided, that the interest due on the
wards in favor of claimants under the
invention OF the eleventh of April, 1899,
hould be paid on the thirlieth of April,
S43; and that "the principal of the said
wards, and the nteres; arising thereon,
hall be paid in five years, in equal in
ailments every three months; the said
arm Of five years to commence on the
llr!ieth day of April, l843, as aforesaid"
'he interest Que on the thirtieth day of
Ipril, l843, and the first three of the tWen>
D install ments have hpen maid Seven ,