The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-05-21
MEXICAN OUTRAGE.

ton to those who believe that the President
has plunged US into our present war unnecessarily
and unusthaby to see at least ,Onx particular items
of the great sam total of injury which we have for
some twenty years endured at the hands of the
Mexican government.
In view Of this detail, however, let it always be
borne in mind that the immediate occasion Of the
war is the attack which Mexico has made upon our
army in pursuance Of her claim to the soil Of Tex
as. The country already knows full well, that we
sought by all possible means opportunity TO settle
this difficulty by negotiation, and that our offers Of
negotiation were Perhdiousy rePused. II is also
well known in general way that Mexico has dur
ing the last fifteen years slain, and imprisoned, and
otherwise msltreated our citizens, and that she has
in various ways robbed them to the amount Of
about ~, 100000 1t is also understood that these
wrongs have been done in violation Of express trea-
ty stipulation, and that reParation for them has
been systematically and effectually withheld.
| brief reference, however, to the special provis-
ions Of the treaties which Mexico has thus violated,
and to the modes Of outrage which she has resorted
to, will set the in a clearer light. On the 5th OF
April, 1881 treaty Of amity and commerce was
ratified between the United States and Mexico. The
third article OF this treaty provided "hst the citi
zens Of the two countries respectively shall have
liberty freely and securely to come with their yes
sells and cargoes TO all such places ports and rivers
Of the United States OF America and Of the United
Mexican States, to which other foreigners are per.
mitted to come and to remain and reside in any part OF
the said territories respectively and generally the
/ MAJ and ~ II.
most complete protection and security for their
commerce" BY the fifteenth article of the Same
treaty it is agreed "that the citizens of the United
States of America, residing in the United Mexican
States, shall enjoy in their houses, persons, and
property, the protection Of the government with the
most perfect security and liberty of conscience"
| The apologists Of Mexico will doubtless be glad
to be informed how well these Mexican promises
have been kept. On the 7th July, 1885, seven years
and two months after the ratification of this treaty
the Committee Of Foreign Relations of the House
Of Representatives, reported, on the authority
Of the then American Secretary Of State, a list
of JUiyApen distinct cases of Mexican out
rage upon American citizens, in violation Of the
treaty Of 1891. We will give a few specimens
to illustrate the nature of these outrages
One claim presented, is "for the brig Cos
sack, seized on the western coast Of Mex
ico;" another is "for the brig Splendid seized and
| employed by the Mexican government;r another
is 'for the seizure of the ship Louisa and CARGO
another is for the seizure of the schooner Brazo-
MIA to be employed in the Mexican services" an
other "for the seizure Of the schooner Fair Amer
ican;" the claim Of John Baldwin is "for persona.
injuries, loss of property, imprisonment" &C. that
Of Aaron Leggett is "for seizure of steamboat and
other outrages." Seizure of vessels seizure Of mer
chandse forced loans, and personal outragcs of va
rious descriptions make up the whole catalogue
But merely general statements of such things as
these do not present to the mind full view Of their
inquity. To this end we will take single case
that of Baldwin, ascertained by conclusive Judi
dcial investigation and substantially admitted by
Mexico. 1t will be borne in mind, that during
the struggle Of Mexico with Spain, and Immediately
Afterwards, the Mexican government, looking abroad
for aid, for population and for increased resources
invited and encouraged immigration The Mexican
policy in this respect, though purely selfish, was
from the circumstances of her then condition,
eminently liberal. A Mexican law, passed in 1899,
provided "that all foreigners who come to establish
themselves within the empire shall be considered az
naturazed, should they exercise any useful pro-
fession or industry" &c. BY another law coloniss
are allowed to introduce machinery instruments of
husbandry, and other utensils; and merchandise
may be imported by each family free of duty to the
extent of two thousand dollars"
Under such fair promises, Texas was colon
lied from the north. The country well knows
how these promises, made to the Texans,
were kept. But that is not now the ques-
ton. We speak Of the American citizen, John |
Baldwin, selecting his case as an instance of
the justice and mercy of Mexico towards those
American citizens whom she had thus invited and
thus solemnly promised to protect. And let us re-
peat that state the facts of his case as ascertaned
upon judicial investigation. In view of the law
which we have quoted, DR.. Baldwin, man of abil-
ity and education, possessed of considerable capi-
tai, and of highly respectable character, went
to Mexico. He fixed his residence on the Ishmus
of Guascuaao, south Of the port of Vera Cruz. The
country around him then almost a wilderness
of timber land. He purchased league square,
erected mills Of great value made extensive prepare
tons for clearing the lands and for forming coffee
plantation on large scale. His industry and enter
prise were fast gaining due reward 1.-THE Mexican
government had not shown itself obc a prodigy o.
cruelty and fasehood he would soon have acquired
a noble fortune. But not long after Baldwin's ar
rival, came Mexican governor to execute thel
laws of Mexico in that region. II appears in ev-
idence, that Baldwin furnished some lumber for
public uses, and made a demand upon the governor
for payment. At this, the governor took offence
Baldwin was arrested and imprisoned His prop
erty was seized. He was condemned to be placed
in the public stocks--a punishment intended for the
basest criminals He attempted to escape from this
disgrace, and was ordered to be shot. He escaped
however, with his life and was hurried to loath-
'ome prison, and there confined for eghty-our days
L isesablished upon unquesonabe Judicial testimo-
ny, that the only attempt at justification Of these
'utrages " TO be found in a record of GER a