Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1846-12-19

I 4
but with the real psrpose, as the fevent has
proved, OF indefinitely postponing the repa-
ration which we demanded, and which was
SO justly due. This negotiation, after mone
tnan years delay, resulted in the conven-
OF the eleventh of April, 1899, ssfor the adj
Justment OF claims of citizens of the United
States OF America upon the government of
the Mexican Republic Ths joint board of
commissioners created by this convention to
examine and decide upon these claims was
not organized until the month of August.
1910, and under the terms Of the convention
they were to terminate their duties within
eighteen months from that time Four of
the eighteen months were consumed in IRE.
liminary discussions on frivolous and dilato-
ry points, raised by the Mexican commits
sloners; and it was not until the month of
December, 1910, that they commenced the
examination ofthe claims of our citizens up
Old Mexico. Fourteen months only remain
ed to examine and decide upon these hume
rous and complicated cases. In the month
of February, 1912, the term of the commits
sion expired, leaving many claims undis-
posed of for want of time. The claims
which were allowed by the board, and by
the umplresauthorized by the continent to
decide in cases enlargement between the
Mexican and American commissioners, A.
mounting to two million twenty-six thou
sand one hundred and thirty nine dollars
and sixty eight cents. There were pending
between the umpire when the commission
expired additional claims which had been
examined and awarded by the American
commissioners, and had not been allowed
oy the Mexican commissioners, amounting
to nine hundred and twenty eight thousand
one hundredand twenty seven dollars and
elghty- eight cents, upon which he did not
decide, alleging that his authority ceased
with the termination of the joint commission.
BESIDES these claims, there were Others of
American citizens, amounting to three mil
hons three hundred and thirty six thousand
eight hundred and thirty seven dollars and
i've cents, which had been submitted to the
board, and upon which they had not time to
decide before their final adjournment.
Inc sum OF two millions twenty six thou
sand one hundred and thirty-nine dollars
and sixty eight cents which had been awar-
deo 10 the claimants, was liquidated and
ascertained debt due by Mexico. about
winch there could be no dispute, and which
sne was bound to pay according to the terms
OF the convention: Soon after the final a.
wards OF this amount had been made. the
|
ment OF the time Of making payment. alleg-
ing that it would be inco9venient to make
the payment at the time stipulated. In the
spirit of forbearing kindness towards a sis
ter republic, which Mexico has so long abu-
sed, the United States promptly complied
with her request.
A second convention was accordingly
concluded between the two governments on
the thirteenth of January, 1S43, which upon
It's lace declared that "This new arrange
inentls entered into for the accommodation
OF Mexico" By the terms Of this conven-
ton, all the interest due on the awards
which had been made in favor of the claim
ants under the convention of the eleventh of
| April, 1889, was to be paid to them on the
thirteenth of April 1913, Sand the principal
OF the said awards, and the interest accru-
ing thereon" was stipulated to ssbe paid in
i've years, in equal instalments every three
months.''
Notwithstanding this nsw convention was
entered into at the request of Mexico. and
Tor the purpose relieving her of embar-
raSsment, the claimants have only received
the interest due on the thirteenth of April,
1913, and three of the twenty instruments. -
Although the payment of the sum thus liqui-
dated, and confessedly due by Mexico to
our citizens as indemnity for acknowledged
acts OF wrongs and outrages, was secured
by treaty, the obligations of which are al
ways held sacred by all just nations, yet
Mexico has violated this solemn engage
ment by failing and refusing to make the
payment. The two instalme be in A.
pril and July, 1874, under the hliaS cir
cumstances connected with them have been
| assumed by the United States and discharg-
| ed to the claimants, but they are still due by
Mexico.
But this is not all of which we have lust
cause of complaint.
To provide remedy for the claimants
whose cases were not decided by the Joint
commission under the convention of April
the eleventh 1889, twas expressly stipula-
ted by the sixth article of the thirteenth of
January, lS43, that ga new convention shall
be entered into for the settlement of all
claims of the government and citizens of the
| United States against the republic of Mexi-
co, which were not finally decided by the
late commission which met in the city of
Washington, and of all claims of the gov
| eminent and citizens Of Mexico against the
United States.''
In conforming with this stipulation, a
third convention was concluded and signed
at the city of Mexico on the Goth of Novem-
Der, 1913, by the plenipotentiaries of the two
governments, by which provision was
made for ascertaining and paying these
claims. In January, 1914, this convention
was ratified by the Senate of the United
States with two amendments which were
manifestly reasonable in their character
Upon reference of amendments proposed
to the government of Mexico, the same eva
sions, difficulties and delays were interpos-
ed which have so long marked the policy Of
that government towards the United States.
1t has not even yet decided whether it will,
or would not accede to them, although che
subject has been repeatedly pressed upon
their consideration.
Mexico has thus violated a second time
the faith of treaties, by falling or refusing to
carry into effect the sixth article of the Con-
vention of January, 1913.
Such is the wrongs which we have suffer-
ed and patiently endured from Mexico
through long series of years. So far from
aitording reasonable satisfaction for the in
Juries and insults we had borne, a great ag-
gravation consists in the fact, that while the
Uuited States, anxious to preserved good
understanding with Mexico, have been con-
stanuy, but vainly employ in seeking re-
dress for past wrongs, new outrages were
constantly occurring, which have continu-
ed to increase our causes OF complaint, and