The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-08-01
PERSECUTION OF AMERICAN CITIZENS
ALREADY COMMENCED IN MEXICO.

MAzArLAN, April 90, ls45.
On the 18th instant, considerable excitement was
caused in this place, occasioned by body of artl-
lerymen marching through the principal streets, tow
ards the custom-house. On their arrival at that
place, the officer in command received orders from
the collector of the "aduana terresre to accompany
one of the clerks Of the said Office with Sesgos and
lay forced embargo at the point of the bayonet on
the property of the only two American houses in
the place-Parrott & Co., and Mott, Talbot, &
Co.--to satisfy demand for duties caused by law
of the State of Sinoloa, 1884, which law was an
nulled In 1887 by the tariff of that year, and, from
that day up to few days previous to the date o.
this, the custom-house had never demanded from
any house such duties.
The house Of Parrot & Co., of course, was en-
bargoed on property to the amount Of S45 000
sfy the clam-only amounting to about "a, 900; after
which, the troops were marched to the house of
Messrs Mott, Talbot, & Co., with the object of
laying an embargo on their property; but Captain
Hope, of Fl. b. M. frigate Thalia, interfered, and
prevented the embargoes being laid. one of the
partners of the said firm being British subject.
Mr.. Parrot-who for many years has been our
consul at Mazatan--suffered with much patience
the lndIgnlty to his person; and, as the diplomatic
relations between the United States and Mexico are
suspended, he has no resource in seeking redress
from the Mexican government, and very properly
called in the French consul to witness the proceed
ngs--which are illegal and unjust from the COM
mcncement, as no judge, or competent authority in
the place, had passed sentence or judgment, in any
shape or form, on the proceedings. Mr. Parrot has
gone before the French consul and made out his
protest, and will submit it to his government be
settled with the other difficulties now pending with
Mexico. There at Mazatlan nearly dozen i'm
porting houses, and, notwithstanding not single
demand has been made by the collector against
them for duties; having, it appears, determined
to take his revenge out of the Americans.
Many respectable citizens seeing these scandalous
proceedings, have used their influence to conciliate
matters. 1t is proper to remark, that in the year
1884 this state passed a law imposing duty on
foreign goods imported, of one-eighth part of the
import duties, to defray the expenses of the State
This duty paid up to 1897, when the tariff of
that year took effect, and the central system of gov
eminent was established the State governments
were abolished, and the general government abolish
ed all the rights of the States to make and enforce
laws, Il appears that all the duties have long since
been paid, agreeaby to the tariff of 1897 which was
general disposition of the supreme government
APRIL 24.-The prefecto of the port has address,
ed letter TO the governor of the State, complaining
IN strong terms against the violent and unjust pro-
ceedings against the Americans, and very properly
pointed out that they were caprices Of the collector
and, from the concourse Of people who were present.
it sufficient disturb the peace of The port and
bring on the country war.
APRIL 25.-The embargo on the property of the
American consul has not been raised notwith stand
ing meeting has taken place to that effect The
consul is determined to resist the payment, and suf-
fer his property to be sold. A military force was
again demanded for laying the embargo on Mott,
Talbot, Co.'s property, but it wisely refused.
Overtures have been made to the CONSUL that if he
would address letter to the Gefe Superior de Ha-
cienda, his property would be released but he has
refused and is determined to let the matter take its
course.
Other outrages will follow.
Yours, in haste, N.Y..
Twothirds of all the claims of American citizens
laid before the board of commissioners were caused
by the arbitrary laws of the States of Mexico; and
this of the motives why the central system
of government established as the States had al
ways the general government in difficulties.