Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-12-17

vious to that time scarcely suspended for
brief period, although The treaty so clearly defines
the rights and duties OF the respective parties that
it is impossible to misunderstood mistake them.
In less than seven yeats after the conclusion OF
that treaty, our grievances had become utolera-
bic that, in The opinion OF President Jackson they
should no longer be endured In his message TO
Congress in February, 1881, he presented them 10
the consideration Of that body, and declared that
"rhe length OF time since s0me Of the injuries |
have been committed the repeated aud unayailing
applications for redress, the wanton character Of
some Of the outrages upon the property aud per-
Of our citizens, upon the officers and flag OF
the United States, independent OF recent insults TO
this government aud people by the late exiraordi-
nary Mexican minister would Justify in the eyes Of
all nations immediate war" In a spirit of kind. |
ness aud forbearance, however, he recommended
reprisals a mder mode Of redress. lie declar-
ed that war should not be used as remedy "by
Just aud generous nations, couhdug in their strength
for injuries committed, f il eau be honorably avoid.
ed" aud added, III has occurred to me that, con-
sidering the present embarrassed condition of that
country, we should act with both wisdom and mod
Grafton, by giving to Mexico more opportunity
to atone for the past, before take redress into
our own hands To avoid all misconception on
the part of Mexico, as well TO protect our own
national character from reproach, this opportunity
should be given with the nvowed design aud full
preparation 10 take inUiCulate sdtteldCuON, VI
should not be obtained on a repetition of the de-
mand for it. To this end recommend that an act
be passed authorizing reprisals, and the Of the
naval force of the United States, by the Executive
against Mexico. TO enforce them in the event OF
refusal by the Mexican government TO come 10 an
amcablc adjustment Of the matters in controversy
between us, upon another demand thereof made
| from board Of vessels of war on the
coast of Mexico"
Committees Of both houses OF Congress, TO which
this message OF this President referred, fully
sustained his views Of the character of the wrongs
which we had suffered from Mexico, and recon-
mended that another demand for redress should be
made before authorizing war or reprisals. The
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, in
their report, say: "Aher such demand, should
prompt Justice be refused by the Mexican govern
ment, we may appeal to all nations only for the
equity and moderation with which we shall have
acted towards sister republic, but for the necessl-
ty which will then compel us To seek redress Tor
our WRONGS either by actual war or by rcprisals-
The subject will then be presented before Con-
gress nj the commencement of the next session, IN
clear aud distinct form and the committee can
not doubt but that such measures will be immedi-
o,ey adopted as may be necessary to vindcate the
honor of the country, and insure ample reparation
, TO our injured citizens"
The Committee on Foreign Affairs Of the House
) Of Representatives made similar recommendation
In their report, they say that they "fuly concur
with the President that ample cause exists Tor TAX
ing redress into own hands, and believe that
we should be justified in the opinion of other
tons for taking such step. But they are willing
to try the experiment of another demand made in
the most solemn form, upon the justice Of the
Mexican Government, before any further proceed
. ngs are adopted"
Nc difference of opinion upon The subject is be.
I eved to have existed in Congress at that time !
the Executive and Legislative departments concur.
red and yet such has been our forbearance, and
desire TO preserve peace with Mexico, that the
c wrongs OF which we then complained, and which
gave rise these solemn proceedings, not only re-
main unredrcssed TO this day, but additional caus-
e es Of complaint of an aggravated character, have
ever since been accumualing.
, Shortly after these proceedings, special mes.
0 senger was despatched TO Mexico, to make linal
demand for redress aud on the Goth Of July, 1887
n the demand was made The reply Of the Mexican
0 government bears date on the ,wenty-nnth OF the
same month, and contains assurances Of the "anx'
ious wish" OF the Mexican government mot to de-
lay the moment Of that final and equitable ADJUST
i ment which is to terminate the existing difficulties
between the two governments ~ that "nothlng
+ should be left undone which may contribute 10 the
i most speedy and equitable determination OF the sub
ects which have seriously engaged the attention
= of the American governments" that the "Mexcar
government would adopt, the only guides for It's
conduct, the panest principles Of public right, the
IT sacred obligations imposed by international law
= aud The religious faith Of treaties :; and that "wha
y ever and justice may dictate respecting eacl
D; case will be done" The assurance was further
d given that the decision Of the Mexican government
Is upon each cause of complaint for which redress
E. has been demanded, should be communicated "a
E. the government Of the United States by the Mexi
lean minister at Washington.
e, These solemn assurances, in answer TO our de
lie mand for redress, were disregnrded BY making
&c them, however Mexico obtained further delay
er President Van Buren,, in his annual message Il
III Congress of the fifth of December, 1887, states
d, that "nlhough the larger number" Of our demand
as for redress aud many OF them aggravated cases o
ir personal wrongs, have been now for years beor'
e. the Mexican Government, and some OF the cause
e. Of national complaint, aud those Of the most often
IS, sye character admitted of immediate, simple, nn'
rs satisfactory replies is only wlhn few days pas
as that any specific communication in answer to gu
he last demand, made FIVE months ago. has BEEN re
I'd ceved from the Mexican minister" aud that $50
Sc not one OF our public complaints has satisfaction
IS. been given offered tina, but one Of the cases o
Isl personal wrong has been faVorably considered, AM
he that but four cases OF both descriptions out Of al
n those formally presented. aud earnestly pressed
is have yet been decided upon by the Mexican gov
lr ernmenl." President Van Buren,, believing that
ur would be vain TO make any further attempt TO oh
H. tain redress by the ordinary means within The pow
k err Of The Executive, communicated this opinion
TO Congress, in the message referred 10, IN which b
said "On careful and deliberate examination Q
&c, the contents" (of The correspondence with ih
VS. Mexican governmeni,) "and considering the splr
in manifested by the Mexican government, il has be
ny come my painful duty 10 return the subject as