Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1845-12-04


his mission and shortly afterwards iefi the coun-
try. Our Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plen-
ipoentiary to Mexico refused all official inter-
course with that government and, after remaining
several months, by the permission Of his own gov
ernment he returned to the United States. Thus,
by the acts of Mexico, all diplomatic intercourse
between the two countries suspended.
Since that time Mexico has until recently, oc-
cuped an attitude of hostility towards the United
Slates-has been marshalling aud organizing ar
mics, issuing procamatons, and Howing the in
tentlon to make war on the United States, either
by open declaration, or by invading Texas. Both
the Congress and Convention Of the people Of1ex-
as invited this government TO send army into
that territory, to protect and defend them against
the menaced attack. The moment the terms Of
annexation, offered by the United States, were
cepted by Texas, the latter became so far part Of
our own territory, to make it duty TO afford
such protection and defence. | therefore deemed
| It proper, as precautionary measure, TO order
strong squadron to the coasts OF Mexico, and 10
concentrate an efficient military force on the wes-
tern frontiers Of Texas. Our army was ordered to
take position in the country between the Nueces
and the Del Norte, aud to repeI any invasion Of
the Texian territory which might be attempted by
the Mexican forces. Our squadron in the gulf was
ordered to cooperate with the army But though
our army and navy were placed in position 10 de-
iend our own, and the rights Of Texas. they were
ordered TO commit no act OF hostility against Mex
leo, unless she declared war, or was herself the
gressor by striking the first blow The result has
been, that Mexico has made no aggressive move
meni, and our military and naval commanders have
executed their orders with such discretion, that
the peace of the two republics has not been disturb
ed.
Texas had declared her independence and main
tanned ii by her arms for more than nine years
She has had an organized government in success
iu operation during that period Her separate ex-
stence, as an Independent; State, had been recog-
nized by the United States and the principal Pow
ers Of Europe. Treaties of commerce and nayiga-
ton had been concluded with her by different ma
tons, and it had become manifest to the whole
world that any farther attempt on the part Of Mex
leo to conquer her or overthrow her government,
would be vain Even Mexico herself had become
satisfied Of this fact and whilst the question Of an-
nexaton was pending before people of Texas, du-
ring the past summer, the government Of Mexico
by formal act, agreed to recognize the ndepen-
dence Of Texas on condition that would not
annex herself to any other power. The agreement
10 acknowledge the independence of Texas, wheth.
or with without this condition, is conclusive
against Mexico. The independence of Texas is
fact conceded by Mexico herself, and she had no
right or authority TO prescribe restrictions 10 the
form OF government which Texas might afterwards
choose to assume.
But though Mexico cannot complain of the Uni
ted States on account of the annexation of Texas il
is to be regretted that serious Of misunder-
standing between the two countries continue TO OK.
lst, growing out of unredressed injuries inflicted
by the Mexican authorities and people on the per.
sons and property Of citizens of the United States
through long series Of years. Mexico has admit.
ted these injuries, but has neglected and refused TO
repair them. Such the character of these
wrongs and the insults repeatedly offered to Amer
lcan citizens and the American flag by Mexico in
palpable 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
TO the notice of Congress by my predecessors As
early as the eighth of February 1897, the Pres-
dent of the United States declared, in message to
Congress- that "the length of time since some Of the
ucter or some orIhe odIFages upon the persons and
property OF our citizens, upon the officers and fac
oil the United States, independent of recent insults
TO tins government and people by the late Ex-
traordlnary Mexican minister, would Justify in the
eyes OF all nations immediate war" lie did moi
however, recommend an immediate resort TO this
measure, which, he declared "shoud not be used
by Just and generous nations, conhding to their
strength for injuries committed il it can be honor
ably avoided :" but in n spirit of forbearance pro
posed that another demand be made on Mexico for
that redress which had been so long and uniuslly
withheld. In these views committees of the two
Houses oil Congress, in reports made to their re-
spectre bodies, concurred. Since the PROCEEDINGS
more than eight years have elapsed, during which.
IN addition TO the wrongs then complained OF. 9th.
ers OF an aggravated character have been committed
OH the persons and property of our citizens 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 promised to repair the wrongs
oil which we complained /; and after much DELAY a
treaty oil indemnity with that view was concluded
between the two Powers on the eleventh of April.
1889, and was duly ratified by both governments.
BY this treaty joint commission was created TO
adludIcate and decide on the claims of American
citizens on the government of Mexico The com
mission was organized at Washington on the twen-
ty-hith day OF August, 1910. Their time was lin
tied to eighteen months at the expiration of which
they had adJudlcated aud decided claims amount
ing to two millions twenty-six thousand one hum
dred and thirty nine dollars and sixy-eip cents in
avor OF the citizens of the United States against
Inc Mexican government, leaving large amount
"lia'or OF our citizens, claims amounting to nine
hundred and twenty-eight thousand six hundred
ana twenty-seyen dollars and Lightweight cents
which we're len Enacted by the empire authoriz.
ed by the treaty. Still further claims, amounting
TO between three and four millions of dollars were
submitted to the board too late to be considered
ard we're left undsposed Of The sum OF two mil.
lions twenty six thousand one hundred and thirty.
nine dollars and sxty-eight cents, decided by the
BOARD, was liquldated and ascertained debt due
oy Mexico to the claimants, and there was no lust
liable reason for delaying its payment according
10 The terms OF the treaty. 1t was not, however
paid Mexico applied for further indulgence and.
N that spirit of liberalily and forbearance which |
has ever marked the policy of the United States |
owards that republic, the request was granted and
IN the Both of ian. lS43, a new treaty was conclu.