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


provoked series of wrongs could never have been
tolerated by the United States, had they been CON-
initted BY one of the principal nations Of Europe
Mexico was however, a neighboring sister republic
which, following our example, had achieved her
Independence, and for whose success and prosperity
all our sympathies we're early enlisted. The Uni
ted States were the first to recognise her ndepend-
ence, and TO receive her into the family Of nations
and have ever been DESTROYS Of cutivaling with her
a good understanding We have, therefore, borne
the repeated wrongs she has committed with great
patience, in the hope that returning sense Of JUS
tice would ultimately guide her councils, and that
we might, if possible honorably avoid any hostile
collision with her.
Without the previous authority Of Congress, the
Executive possessed no power to adopt or enforce
adequate remedies for the injuries have suffered,
to do than be prepared to repel the threat.
ened aggression on the part Of Mexico. After our
army and navy had remained on the frontier aud
coasts Of Mexico for many weeks. without any hos
tile movement on her part though her menaces were
continued, deemed il important to put an end II
possible, to this state Of things. With this view,
caused steps to be TAKEN in the month Of September
last, to ascertain distinctly, and in an authentic
form, what the designs Of the Mexican government
we're; whether il was their intention TO declare
war, or invade Texas, whether they were dispos'
ed to adjust and settle, in amcabe manner the pen
ding differences between the two countries. On the
ninth of November, an official answer was received,
that the Mexican government consented TO renew
the diplomatic relations which had been suspended
in March last and for that purpose were willing TO
accredit minister from the u, States. With SIN
desire TO preserve peace, and restore relations
Of good understanding between the two republics, |
waived all ceremony as to the manner of renewing
diplomatic intercourse between Them, and assum-
ing the initiative, on the tenth of November dis
tiHguished citizen Of Louisiana was appointed En-
voy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to
Mexico clothed will full powers TO adjust, and def
nitely settle, all pending differences between the
two countries, including those Of boundary between
Mexico and the State Of Texas. The minister APP
pointed has set out his mission, and is probably
by this time the Mexican capital. He has been
instructed TO bring the negotiations with which he
is charged, to conclusion at the earliest practical
period which it is expected will be in time to ena-
bic me to communicate the result to Congress dur
ing the present session Until that result is known,
forbear to recommend to Congress such Interior
measures Of redress for the wrongs and injuries we
have so long borne, it would have been proper to
make, had no such negotiation been instituted.
Congress appropriated, at the last session, the
sum Of two hundred and seyenty-6ye thousand dol
lars for the payment Of the April and July install.
ments Of the Mexican indeinnities for the year
lS4i provided it shall be ascertained TO the sat
isfaction the American government that said in
stalmens have been paid blythe Mexican government
to the agent appointed by the United States to re-
ceiye the same, in such manner as discharge all
claims on the Mexican Government, aud SAID agent
10 be delinquent in renting the money 10 the
United States
The unsettled state OF our relations with Mexico
has involved this subject in much mystery. The
first information, in authentic form, from the
agent of the United States, appointed under the adj
minstration of my predecessor, was received at
the State Department on the ninth Of November
last. This is contained in a letter dated the sew
enteenth OF October addressed by him TO one OF our
citizens then in Mexico, with the view of having il
communicated to that department. From this ii
appears that the agent the twentieth Of Septem-
ber ls44, gave a receipt to the treasury of Mexico
for the amount Of the April and July instaments of
dollar in cash but that lie took such securitie, as
warranted hlm at the time in giving the receipt
and entertans doubt but that he will eventually
obtain the money. As these instalments appear
never to have been actually paid by the government
Of Mexico 10 the agent. and as that government has
not therefore been released SO as 10 discharge the
claim, do not feel myself warranted in directing
payment TO be made TO the claimants out of the
treasury, without further legislation. Their case
is, undoubtedly, one Of much hardship and il re-
mains for Congress to decide whether any, and
what, relief ought 10 be granted TO them. Our
Minister to Mexico has been instructed 10 ascertain
the facts OF the case from the Mexican government.
IN an authentic and official FORM and report the re-
suit with as little delay as possible
My attention was early directed TO the negotia.
lion, which, on the 4th of March last, found pend
ing at Washington between the U. States and G.
Britain, on the subject Of the Oregon territory
Three several attempts have been previously made
10 settle the questions in dispute between the Two
countries, by negotiation, upon the principle Of
but each has proved unsuccessful.
These negotiations took place in London, in the
years 1918, 1924, and 1896 the two first under
he administration of Mr. Monroe and the last I'M
Ter that OF Mr. Adams. The negotiation Of 1918
having failed TO accomplish its object resulted in
he Convention of the Goth Of October of that year
By the third article Of that Convention, il was
agreed that any country that may be claimed by
,ither party on the northwest coast of America.
westward of the Stony Mountains, shall, together
with its harbors, bays, and creeks and the nayea.
ion OF all rivers within the same be free and open
or the term oil 10 years from the date of the sigma
ure OF the present Convention to the vessels citi-
lens and subjects of the two Powers it being well
understood that this agreement is not to be con-
trued TO the prejudice Of any claim which either
# the two high contracting parties may have to
NY PaH VI He sa'u country, nor shall II be taken
o affect the claims of any other Power or State TO
my part OF the said country the only object of the
Ugh contracting parties in that respect being, to
revent disputes and differences among themselves"
The negotiation of 1924 was productive of no
esult, and the Convention of 1918 was left I'M
hanged.
The negotiation of 1876 having also failed to ef.
ect an adjustment by compromise, resulted in the
Convention Of August the 9th, 1927, by which il
'as agreed to continue in force, for an indefinite
eriod, the provisions of the third article of the
onyention Of the 10Th October, 1875 and ii was
Irther provided, that sit shall be competent, how