Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1845-12-20

ritory 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 we're pla-
ced in position TO defend our own and
the rights of Texas, they were ordered 10
commit no act of hostility against Mexico,
unless she declared war, or was herself the
aggressor by striking the first blow. The
result has been that Mexico has made no
aggressive movement, and our military and
naval commanders have executed their or
ders with such discretion, that the peace
of the two republics have not been distur-
bed.
But though Mexico cannot complain Of
the United States on account Of annexation
of Texas, it is to be regretted that serious
causes of misunderstanding between the
two countries continue to exist, growing
out of unredressed injuries inflicted by the
Mexican authorities and people on the per-
sons and property Of citizens of the U. s.
through long series of years. Mexico has
admitted these injuries, but has neglected
and refused to repair them. Such was
the character of the wrongs, and such the
insults repeatedly offered to the American
citizen and the American Flag by Mexico,
in palpable violation of the laws of nations
and the treaty between the two countries
of the 5th of April, 1881, that they have
been repeatedly brought to the notice of
Congress by my predecessors. As early
as the eighth Of February. 1887, the Pres
ident Of the United States declared. in
message to Congress, that "the length Of
time since some of the injuries have been
committed, the repeated and unavailing ap-
plications for redress, the wanton character
Of some Of the outrages upon the persons
and property of our citizens, upon the Off
GERS and flag Of the United States, indie
pendent of recent insults TO this govern.
ment and people by the late Extraordinary
Mexican Minister. would justify in the eyes
of all nations immediate war;" He did
not, however, recommend an immediate re-
sort TO this extreme measure, which, he de-
clared, "should not be used by just and
generous nations, confiding in their strength
for injuries committed if il can be honor.
ably avoided" but, in spirit Of forbear-
ance, proposed that another demand be
made on Mexico for that redress which
had been SO long and unjuslly withheld.
In these views, committees of the two
houses of Congress, in reports made to
their respective bodies, concurred. Since
these proceedings more than eight years
have elapsed, during which, in addition TO
the wrongs then complained of, others, of
an aggravated character, have been com.
mitted on the persons and property Of our
citizens. A special agent was sent to
Mexico in the summer of 1928, with full
authority to make another and final de-
mand for redress. The demand was made
,In
pair the wrongs of which we complained
and, after much delay, treaty of indem-
nifty with that view was concluded between
the two powers, on the 18th of April,
1899, and was duly ratified by both gov
ernments. By this treaty joint commits
sion was created, to adjudicale and decide
on the claims of American citizens on the
government of Mexico. The commission
was organized at Washington, on the 25th
day of August, 1910. Their time was linn
tied TO eighteen months, at the expiration
of which, they had adjudicated and deci-
ded claims amounting 10 two millions.
twenty.six thousand, one hundred and
thirty nine dollars, and sixty.eight cents,
in favor of the citizens of the United
State against the Mexican government.
leaving large amount of claims undeci.
ded.
OF the latter, the American commits
sioners had decided in favor of our citi-
zens, claims amounting to nine hundred
and twenty.eight thousand six hundred
and twenty seven dollars and lightweight
cents, which were left Enacted on by the
umpire authorized by the treaty. Still
further claims amounting TO between three
and four millions of dollars, were submit.
ted 10 the board too late TO be considered
and were left undsposed Of The sum of
twenty-five millions, twenty-six thousand
one hundred and thirty nine dollars and
sixty-eighi cents, decided by the board
was liquidated and ascertained debt due
by Mexico to the claimants, and there was
no justfable reason for delaying its pay.
ment according 10 the terms of the treaty
1t was not, however, paid. Mexico applied
for further indulgence; and, in that spirit
of lberaity and forbearance which has
ever marked the policy of the United States
towards that re public, the request was
granted and, on the 3Oth Of January,
ls43, a new treaty was concluded. BY
this treaty il was provided, that the inter.
est due on the awards in favor Of claim.
ants under the convention Of the eleventh
of April, 1889, should be paid on the 3Olt
of April, ls43; and that the principal o.
, the said awards, and the interest arising
thereon, shall be paid in five years, in equa
instalmen,s every three months; the sale
term of FIVE years 10 commence on the 30it