The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-12-17
best calculated to enable the United States to

extend to them the most liberal justice. On
the 30th Of December, 1S45, Gen. Herrera
resigned the Presidency, and yielded up the
Government to Gen. Paroles without II strug-
gle. Thus a revolution was accomplished
solely by Paredes, and the supreme power in
Mexico passed into the hands of II military
usurper, who was known to be bitterly hostile
to the United States.
Under all these circumstances, it was be-
lieved that any revelation in Mexico, found
ed upon opposition TO the ambitious pro ects
OF Paroles, would tend to promote the cause
Of peace as well as prevent any attempted
European interference i'll the affairs OF the
North American Contine both objects OF
deep interest to the United States Any
such foreign interference, if attempted, must
have been resisted by the United States
My views upon that subject were fully com
municated to Congress Ill my last Annual
message. In any event, 1t was certain that
no change whatever in the Government of
Mexico Which would deprive PMedes OF pow
er could be for the worse so far us the Uulted
States is concerned, while it was highly prob
able that any change must be Tor 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
commenced by the Government OF Paroles,
and it became an object Of much Importance,
with a view to a speedy settlement OF our dli-
ficuites and the restoration OF an honorable
peace that Paroles should no. retain power
in Mexico. Before that time there were
symptoms of revolution in Mexico, favored,
as it was understood to be, by the more liber-
al party and especially by those who were
opposed to foreign interference and to the
monarchical form of Government Santa
Anna was then in exile in Havana, having
been expelled from power and banishod from
his country, a revolution which occurred i'll
December, 1874; but it was known that he
had still considerable party in his favor in
Mexico. 1t was also equally well known that
no vigilance which could be exerted by our
squadron would, in all probability, have pre-
vented him from effecting landing some
where on the extensive Gulf coast of Mexico,
if he desired to return to his country. He
had openly professed an entire change of pol
icy; had expressed his regret that he had sub
verted the Federal Constitution Of lS24 and
avowed that he was now in favor Of its resto-
ration. He had publicly declared his hostiii'
ty, in the strongest TERMS to TIE establish
ment of monarchy, and to European inter-
ference IN the affairs of his country.
Information to this effect had been receiv-
ed, from sources believed to be reliable lat the
date Of the recognition of the existence of the
war by Congressman was atterward fully con-
filmed by the receipt of the dispatch OF our
Consul in the city Of Mexico, with the ac-
campaigning documents, which are herewith
transmitted Besides, it was reasonable to
suppose that he must see the ruinous conse-
quences to Mexico of war with the United
States, and that it would be his interest to IA
vor peace.
1t was under these circumstances, and up
on these considerations that it was deemed ex-
pedient not to obstruct his return to Mexico,
should he attempt to do SO. Our object was
the restoration of peace; and with that view
no reason was perceived why We should take
part with Paredes, and aid him, by means OF
our blockade, in preventing the return Of his
rival to Mexico. On the contrary, it was
believed that the intestine divisions which Or
binary sagacity could not but anticipate as
the fruit OF Santa Annals return to Mexico,
and his contest with Paroles, might strongly
tend to produce disposition with both par
ties to restore and preserve peace with the
United States. Paredes was soldier by pro-
fession, and monarchist in principle. He
had but recently been successful in Il militia
ry revolution, by which he had obtained pow
-er. He was the sworn enemy of the United
States, with which he had involved his coun-
try in the existing war. Santa Anna had
been expelled from power by the army, was
known to be in open hostility to Paredesand
publicly pledged against foreign Intervention
and the restoration of monarchy in Mexico.
In view of these facts and circumstances ii
was, that, when orders were issued to the
,,F (N,,1f
on the 18th day of May last, only two days
after the existence of the war had been rccog
nized by Congress,to place the coasts of Mex
leo under, blockade, he was directed not to
obstruct the passage of Santa Anna to Next
co, should he attempt to return.
A revolution took place in the early part
of August following, by which the power of
Paredes was overhrown, and he has since
been banished from the country, and is now
in exile. Shortly afterward, Santa Anna re-
turned. 1t remains to be seen whether his
return may not yet prove to be favorable to
n pacific adjustment of the existing difficult
ties, it being manifestly his interest not to
persevere in the prosecution Of war conf
menced by Paroles, TO accomplish a purpose
50 absurd as the re-conaucst of Texas to the
Sabine. Had Paroles remained in power, it
- 'hoidlly CcItdIH Iudt any pacihC "uJuo'A-She
would have been hopeless.
While the war was in course of success
full prosecution, being still anxious TO arrest
its evils, and considering that, after the bril-
liant victories of the 9Th and 9th of May last,
the national honor could be compromised by
it, another overture was made to Mexico, by
my direction, on the 9th of July last, to ter
inmate hostilites by peace just and homo
rable to both countries On the 31st of Aug
ust folio wing, the Mexican Government de-
clineI to accept this friendly overture, but
referred i, to the decision of Mexican Con-
gress, to be assembled in the early part of
the present month. / communicate to you
herewith, copy of the letter of the Secre-
tary of State proposing to reopen negotla-
tons, of the answer Of the Mexican Govern
lI,Etl L.. &c