The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-09-09
CLAIMS UPON MEXICO.

We have been favored with copy Of the report
adopted few days since, by the Mexican claimants
convened in this city. We lay it before our readers,
with the earnest hope that the publication which
they propose to make may be effected, and cop
les circulated throughout the length and breadth of
our land. (The first of the three series of numbers
appeared last year in the "Richmond Enquirer" and
the two last in the Union. y The ourages which they
expose in the conduct OF Mexico towards the citizens
of the United States cry aloud for justice. 1t is our
firm impression, that in any settlement which may
be ultimately effected with Mexico, these claims will
not be overlooked, and that our government will
insist upon justice to the compliments.
REPORT OF THE CONVENTION.
The committee appointed at meeting of citizens
OF the United States, claimants upon Mexico, beg
leave, in the discharge of the duties assigned TO
them, respectfully to solicit the attention of the Ex-
ecuhve to the interests which they represent. We
enclose, for the consideration Of the President, an
extract from the minutes Of the proceedings of the
meeting. We avail ourselves Of this occasion to
apprize the President that the individuals who APP
peared at it, either personally or by agents, hold
claims to an amount exceeding five millions Of dol
lars, part of which have assumed the form of abso-
lutte and definite awards under the convention Of
1889, and much the larger portion of the residue
have undergone the examination ofthe board of com
mlssloners and received the sanction ofthe American
members Of that board. This interest, therefore,
from lis large amount, and still more, perhaps, from
the character Of the outrages in which these claims
mad their origin, possesses every title to the grave
consideration of the Executive.
Wehavel long seen with solictude and sorrow, that,
owing to various causes the true nature and charac
Ter OF the claims upon Mexico, as well of the gen.
erai relations between the two nations, have been
l,'tie known, and very imperfectly understood by
the people of the United States. This cannot be
attributed to the paucity of materials upon which
correct Judgment might have been formed. On the
nn'rary, the great mass of information which exists
,nequu'hg corresponding amount of labor and in
ausry TO explore and digest it, has, Of itself, in
urposed a serious obstacle in the way of one de-
s sous OF arriving at correct results this subject
Wha'eVer cause may be assigned for il, it is
Inuch 10 be deplored that this imperfect knowl-
w. w. mas afforded the opportunity which has not
Deeh neglected. most grossly to calumniate our ma
uop ana me government, well as those who in
sokeu the pledged faith of both to obtain for them
ePaIaton for the injuries they had sustained at the
hands Of Mexico
These calumnies can only be satisfactorily ex-
posed and refued by brief but faithful and COM
prenensive examination of the whole subject of con-
uoyersy A desire to vndicate the character of the
ha'ion, ana OF the individuals whose interest and
reputation were equally assailed by these misrepre-
oeh'aions, induced the gentleman whose name Is
mentioned IN the accompanying proceedings, to
prepare and communicate to the public three series
81 articles, IN which our relations with Mexico, and
lne conduct and department Of both nations, have
III the opinion Of those for whom we act these
papers OF Mr. Coke are equally important to the
character OF the government, they are to the in
.eress Of the claimants. We sincerely believe that
w, ,he information which they embody, the arguments
ney present, and the views they suggest, are emf
nenly deserving Of the consideration of the govern.
i men and people Of this country. They exhibit
ialy and faithfully the true history and character of
me intercourse which has subsisted between the
Two nations; they riumphanuy indicate the United
States from the unfounded aspersons cast upon
Them, and furnish the means by which every pa
lroe citizen may be enabled to pass his sober udg-
ment upon the subject.
We cannot express too strongly our belief, that
the wide and general distribution of these essays
will tend effectively to correct the numerous and
grave misapprehensions which have been so sue
cessfully circulated that they will furnish ample in
formation to enghten the public mind, and to Civ,
acorrect tone to public sentiment. We would mos
cheerfully incur the expense which must attend
such distribution; but our pecuniary resources
have been exhausted by the spoliations Of which w