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


efficient military force on The western from
tier oil Texas Our army was ordered to
take position IN the country between the
Nueces and the Del Nnre, and to repel
any invasion OF the Texan territory which
might be attempted ny the Mexican forces.
Our squadron in the Gulf was ordered TO
cooperate with the army. But though
our army and navy were placed in a posi-.
ton TO defend our own, md the rights oil
Texas. they were ordered To commit no
act of hostility against Mexico, unless she
declared war, or was her elf the aggressor
hy striking the first blow. The result has
been. that Mexico has made no aggressive
movement, and our military and naval
commanders 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 ii by her arms for more
than nine years. She has had an organiz'
ed government in successful operation du.
ring that period. Her separate existence
as an independent Suite, 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 uaiuns, and 1t had
I become manifest 10 the whole world that
any further attempt on the part OF MeXi-
co 10 conquer her, or overthrow her GO
yernment, would be vain. Even Mexico
herself had become satisfied of the fact
and whilst the question OF annexation was
{ pending befnre the people of Texas last
summer, the government Of Mexico, by a
formal act, agreed to rerognize the indie
pendence Of Texas, on con ltlon that she
would not annex herself to any other pow
er. The agreement TO acknowledge the
independence OF rexas, whulher with or
! without this condition, Is conclusive against
Mexico. The independence IF Texas is
a fact conceded by Mexico herself, aud she
had no right or authority 10 prescribe re-
srictlous as TO The form Of government
which Texas might afterwards choose to
assume.
| But though Mexico cannot complain o.
the United States on account of the an.
J nexaton of Texas, /, is to be regretted
that serious causes of misunderstanding
between the two countries continue TO ex-
, ist, growing out of unredresscd Injuriei
I inflicted by the Mexican authorizes anr
/ people on the persons and property of CT
, tlzens OF The United States, through lons
series of years. Mexico has admitted
these injuries, but his neglected and re
4 fused to repair them. Such was the cha
e racter Of the wrongs, and such the insult,
$ repeatedly offered to American citizen,
r and the American flag Ivy Mexico, in pal
/ pabe violation ut the law of nations anC
: the treaty between the two countries o
5lh April, 1881, that they have been re
peatedIy brought to the notice OF Congress
$ by my predecessors, As early as the gil
e February, 1897, the President OF the Uni
b ted States declared in his message to Con
D gress that 6" the length Of time since som,
!, OF the injuries have been committed, tht
7. repeated and unayaillng applications 10
!, redress, the wanton character OF some o
) the outrages upon the persons and proper
b y OF our citizens, upon the officers an
n flag of the United States, independent o
e recent insults TO this government aud PEG
. pie by the late extraordinary Mexican Nj
e mister, would justify in the eyes OF all ma
! tons lmmedI'te war;" tie dId not how
ever recommend an immediate resort t
ms extreme measure, which ne ueeIare
should MT % used ny Just and generou
u nations, conadlng IN ,helI strength u
= can be honoraolN avoided" ou', III spl
rt OF iorbearance' proposed that anoihe
d demand be made on Mexico Tor that re
" dress which ha1 oeen So ION ana nnlu''l
e Withheld In Ihese vews' committees
g the Two Houses OF Congress, in report
b made to Their respective hodIes, c"ncnfred
d Since these proceedings more man eIani
:, years nave elapsed during "nl'h' 10 auul
IL tn M la Md al