Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1846-12-16

missioned. These instructions he executed bv
his note on the first of March, 1876, addressed
to the Merican Minister of Foreign Affairs ut
his request was insultingly refused by that Min
lister in his answer of the 9th of the same month
No alternative remained to our minister but to
demand his passports, and return to the United
States.
Thus was the extraordinary spectacle pre-
sented to the civilized world, OF government in
violationo fits own express agreement having
twice rejected minister of peace invested with
ullpowers to adjust all the existing differences
between the two countries in manner lust and
honorable to both. ] am not aware that modern
history presents parallel case, in which, in
time OF peace, one nation has refused even to
hear propositions from another for terminating
existing difficulties between them.
Scarcely hope of adjusting our difficulties,
even at remote day. or of preserving peace
with Mexico, could be endulged while Paroles
remained at the head of the government. He
had acquired the supreme power by a military
revolution, and upon the most solemn pledges
to wage war against the U. s. and to reconquer
Texas, which he claimed as revolted province
of Mexico. He had denounced as guilty of
treason all those Mexicans who consideredTex-
as as no longer constituting a part of the ter
cause of peace. The duration of the war which
he waged against the U. s. was indefinite, be-
cause the end which he proposed of the re-
conquest of Texas was hopeless. Besides there
was good reason to believe, from all his conduct
that il was his intention to convert the repub-
lie of Mexico into monarchy, and to call afor-
eign European prince to the throne. Prepare
tory to this end, he had, during his short rule,
destroyed the liberty of the press, tolerating
that portion of it only which openly advocated
the establishment of monarchy. The better
to secure his ultimate designs, he had, by an
arbitrary decree convoked congressman to be
elected by the free voice of the people but to be
chosen in manner to make them subservient
to his will and to give him absolute control
over their deliberations.
Under all these circumstances, it was beliey-
ed that any revolution in Merico, founded upon
opposition to the ambitious projects of Paroles,
would tend to promote the cause of peace, as
well as prevent any attempted European inter-
ference in the affaias of the North American
continent, both objects OF deep interest to the
United States. My views upon that subject
were fully communicated to Congress in my
last annual message. In any event. it was GER
tain that no change whatever in the govern
ment of Mexico, which would deprive Pare des of
ted States was concerned, whilst it was highly
probable that any change must be for the better.
This was the state of affairs existing when
Congress, on the 18th OF May last, recognized
the existence of the war which had been COM
mencedb by the government of Par edes; and it
became an object of much Importance, with
a view to speedy settlement of our difficulties,
and the restoration of an honorable peace, that
Parades should not retain power in Mexico.
Before that time there were symptoms of
revolution in Merico, favored as it was under
stood, by the more liberal party, and especially
by those who were opposed to foreign interfe-
renee and to the monarchical form of govern
ment. Santa Anna was then an Grille in Havan-
ah, having been expelled from power and Danish
from his country by revolution which occurred
in December, 1874; but it was known that he
had still considerable party in his favor in Mo.
1t was also equally well known that no vigilance
which could be ererted by our squadron, would
have prevented him from efecting landing on
the extensive gulf coast of Merico, if he desired
to return to his country. He had openly pro-
fessed an entire change of policy; had cypress
ed his regret that be had subverted the federal
Constitution of IA and avowed that he was now
in favor of its restoration. He had publicly de-
clared his hostility in the strongest terms, to the
establishment of monarchy, and to European
interference in the affairs of his country. In
formation to this effect had been received from
sources believed to be reliable, at the date of the
of the existence of the war by Con-
gress, and was afterwards fully confirmed by the
receipt of the dispatch of our Consul in the city
with the accompanying documents, which are
herewith transmitted. Besides it was reasona-
BILE to suppose that he must see the ruinous con-
to Mexico of a war with the United
States and that it would be his interest to favor
peace.
1t was under these circumstances and upon
these considerations that it was deemed expedi-
ent not to obstruct his return to Mexico, should
be attempt to do so. Our object was resolu-
ton of peace;a land with that view, no reason was
perceived why we should take part with Pare
des, and aid him, by means of our blockade,
in proven ting the return of his rival to Mexico
On the contrary, it was believed that the intes-
ii ne divisions which ordinary sagacity could
not but anticipate, as the fruit of Santa Annals
return to Mexico, and the contest with Paroles
might strongly tend to produce disposition
with both parties to restore and preserve peace
with the u. s.. Paroles was soldier by pro-
fession, and a monarchist in principle. He
had but recently before been successful in
military revelation, by which he had obtained
power. lie Was Ine SWOTn tHciby VI thC Chi-
ted States with which he had Involved his
country in the existing war. Santa Anna had
been expelled from power by the army which
was known TO be in open hostility to Paroles,
and publicly pledged against foreign interven-
ton, and the restoration of monarchy in Mexico.
In view of these facts and circumstances it was
that orders were issued to the commander of
our naval forces in the gulf, on the 18th day of
May last, only two days after the existence of
the war had been acknowledged by Congress,
to place the coasts of Mexico under blockade,h |
was directed not to obstruct the passage of
Santa Anna in Mexico, should he attempt to
return.
revolution tookplace in Mexico in the ear
ly part of August following, by which the pow
err of Paroles was overthrown, and he has since
been banished from the country, and is now In
exile: Shortly afterwards Santa Anna returned. |