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

without remedy, unless their rights be ems
forced by their government. Such con-
lnued and uuprovoked series OF wrongs
could never have been tolerated by the U.
States, had they been commi.led by one
of the principal nations of Europe. Mex
leo was, however, neighborlng sister
republic, which, following our example,
had achieved her independence, and FOR
whose success and prosperity all our sym
pa,hies were early enlisted. The Unlled
States were the first to recognize her IN
dependence, and to receive her into the
family OF nations, and have ever been de-
sirous of culiva,ing with her good un-
]derstanding.
We have, therefore, borne the repeated
wrongs she has committed, with great
patience, in the hope that a returning
sense Of Justice would ultimately guide
her councils, ard that we might, ii posi-
BILE, honorabIy avoid any hostile collision
with her.
Without the previous authority of Con-
gress, the Executive possessed no power
10 adopt or enforce adequate remedies fox
the in ures we had suffered, or to do
more than be prepared to repel the threat
ened aggression on the part of Mexico.
After our army and navy had remained
on the froutier and coasts of Mexico for
many weeks without any hostile move
ment on her part, though her menaces
were continued, deemed it important TO
put an end, IT possible, TO this stale OF
things. With this view, caused steps
10 be taken, in the month OF September
last, 10 ascertain distinctly, and in an au-
thentic form, what the designs Of the Mex
lean government were, whether it was
their intention 10 declare war, or invade
Texas, or whether they were disposed 10
adjust and settle, in an amicable manner,
the pending differences between the two
countries. Ga the ninth Of November an
oficial answer was received, that the Mex.
lean government consented to renew the
| diplomatic relations which had been sus.
pended in March last, and for that purpose
were willing TO accredt minister from
the United States. With sincere de-
sire to preserve peace, and restore reIa
lions OF good understanding between the
TWO republics, waived all ceremony as
10 the manner of renewing diplomatic in>
tercourse between them and, assuming
the initiative, on the tenth of November
distinguished citizen OF Louisiana was
appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Min
lister Plenipotenliary to Mexico, clothed
with full powers to adjust, and definitely
settle, all pending difficulties between The
Two countries, including those of bounda
~ between Mexico and the State OF Texas.
The minisler appointed has Sci out on
his mission, and is probably by this time
near the Mexican capital. He has been
instructed 10 bring the negotiation with
which he is charged TO conclusion at the
earliest practicable period which, it is
expected, will be in time to enable me 10
communicate the result 10 Congress dur
ing the present session. Until that re-
suit is known, forbear 10 recommend 10
Congress such ulterior measures of re.
dress for the wrongs and injuries we have
so long borne, as il would have been
proper TO make, had no such neg collation.
been Instituted.
Congress appropriated at the last SEES.
sion, the sum oflw hundred and seventy.
five thousand dollars, for the payment oI
the April AMI July installments of the
Mexican indema.ies for The year 1914:
Provided it shall be a>certained 10 the
satisfaction Of the American Government
that said instalments have been paid by
the Mexican Government 10 the agent APP
pointed by the United Safes to receive
The same, III such manner as 10 discharge
all claim on the Mexican government, and
said agent 10 be delinquent in remitting
The money 10 the United States"
The unsettled slate of our relations with
Mexico has involved this subject in much
mystery. The first Information, in an au-
lhenic form, from the agent OF the United
States, appoaled under the administration
OF my predecessor, was received at The
Stale Department on the ninth Of Novem'
Der Ias.. This is contained in a letter,
dated the seventeenth of October, address {
ed by him 10 one Of our citizens then in
Mexico, with the view of having it COM {
municateG 10 hat department. From this
it appears that the agent, on the twentieth
Of September, 1914 gave receipt TO the
treasury of Mexico for the amount OF the
April and July instalmcns of the indem- {
nifty. La the same communication, how
ever, he asserts that he had no. received
single dollar in cash but that he holds
such securities as warranted him at the {
line in giving the receipt, and entertains
no doubt but that he will eventually OBJ I
air the money. Aslhese installmenls APP
5ear never 10 have been actually paid by t
he government of Mexico 10 the agent, {
and as that government has not therefore I
been released so as 10 discharge The claim. 1
do not feel myself warranted in direct {
ng payment 10 be made to the claimants ]
,ut of the treasury, without further legis {
alton. Their case is, undoubtedly, one c
e mnch ha I'd shin. hnl il remains for [