The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-05-20
COMMUNE ATIONS.
For the Union.
MEXICO 10.

For the Union
MExICO.-No. 10.
In the preceding numbers, we have presented the
history and character Of the relations which have
subsisted between the United States and Mexico,
from the time the latter nation asserted her inde-
pendence Of Spain. Selecting, as our limited space
required, only few among the most prominent cir
cumstances which indicated the disposition Of the
Mexican authorities the character of their people,
and the tendency of their Institutions, sufficient evil
dence has been adduced to demonstrate that at least
so far as respects the United States, their conduct
has been marked by cruelty, faithIcssness, and an
utter disregard to all tho obligations which the laws
of truth and honor impose. The most friendly adj
vances have been returned by bitter resentmentsi
the solicitations Of kindness repealed with insult and
outrage; fair dealing and adherence to truth have
been equally lost sight Of in their diplomatic cor
rcspondence; while respect has been paid to the
restraints which humanity or justice imposes upon
the actions of men and communities In one of the
most recent official documents emanating from the
government of the United States upon the subject
of these relations, the language of Mr. Webster will
be found to corroborate the views taken by other
distinguished fanctionaries Of this nation. In his
despatch to Mr.. Thompson Of the 9Th July, 1912,
in commenting on communication from Mr.. de
Bocanegra Secretary Of State and Foreign Relations
Of the government Of Mexico, equally unprecedent-
ed and extraordinary in its contents and character
as in the mode of its transmission, MIR. Webster
takes occasion 10 repcl groundess accusations
preferred by the Mexican Secretary The United
States he says, sis wholly ignorant of any sacrifices
made by Mexico, in order to preserve peace or of
any occasion calling on its government to manifest
uncommon forbearance. On the contrary, the gov
eminent of the United States cannot but be of
opinion that, if the history of the occurrences be-
tween the two governments, the state Of things at
this moment existing between them, be regarded,
both the and the other will demonstrate that il
is the conduct of the government of the United
manner by moderation and forbearance In
jurics and wrongs have been sustained by
citizens Of the United States, not inflicted by in
dvidual Moxicans, but by the authorities of
the government for which injuries and wrongs, nu-
mcrous as they are, and outrageous as the char
acter of some of them, and acknowledged as they
by Mexico herself, redress has been sought on
ly by mild and peaceablc means, and no indemnity
asked but such as the strctest justice imperatively
demanded. A desire not to disturb the peace and
harmony of the two countries has led the govern
ment of the United States to be content with the
lowest measure of remuneration. Mexico herself
admit that in all these transactions, the conduct
of the United States towards her has been signal
lied not by the infection of injuries, bur by the
manifestation of friendly feeling and conciatory
spirit" In an address from Mr.. Thompson to the
diplomatic corps in Mexico, under date of June 6,
1912, he says: ''Not only have we never done an
act of an unfriendly character towards Mexico but
confidently assert that, from the very moment Of
the existence Of the republic, we have allowed to
pass unimproved no opportunity Of doing Mexico
an act Of kindness. will not now cnumerate the |
acts of that character, both to the government of
Mexico and its citizens, public and private If this
government choose to forget them, win not recall |
them. Whilst such has been our course to Mex |
ico, it 10 with pain am forced to say that the open
violations Of the rights of American citizens by the
authorities of Mexico have been greater for the last
fifteen years, than those of all the governments of
Christendom united; and yet we have left the re-
dress of all these multiplied and accumulated wrongs
to friendly negotiation, without having ntma-
ted disposition to resort to force"
If the representations which we have furnished of |
the conduct of Mexico, expressed and reiterated for
long series Of years by functionares Of the Amer
lean government, without distinction of party, be
not grossly exaggerated and overcharged, upon
what possible ground can the allegations rest which
have frequently been made within the last few
months, that our sister republic is unoffending
neighbor, scrupulousy faithful in the maintenance
Of her faith and in the performance of her obliga-
tons, cautiously avoiding furnishing us with any
cause of offence, and anxious to cultivate with us
the most friendly relations by the manifestation, on
every occasion, of the kndest dispositions towards
us. If, on the other hand, these representations
do not overstep the bounds of truth, the in |
quiry naturally suggests itself, has Mexico, in |
her intercourse with other nations, exhibited the |
same characteristics, have they received differ
en treatment at her handsi II the citizens and gov.
eminent of the United States are the only parties
who complain Of the conduct Of Mexico-if in her
department to the subjects of other nations, she |
gives no cause of offence suspicious may arise that
either our complaints are unfounded or exaggerated,
or that some causes must exist for this asperity of
feeling and violence Of conduct towards u.s.
Alusion was made in previous number to the
department Of Mexico towards other nations; and il
may perhaps throw new and distinct light upon
the character Of that government, if devote some
little time authentic statement Of the nature
and character of her difficulties with France Wei
have before US an exposition of those difficulties in
official shape. The document to which we refer
is the ultimatum fthe Baron Defandis, minister
plenpotentary of France, addressed to the Mexi-
can government, and dated on board the frigate
L'Hermione, March 81, 1888. The copy which
we have of this paper is Spanish translation,
Published by the Mexican authorities in sup
plement to the "Al Diario del Sobiano de Meicor
Of the 3lst March, 1888. From this document we