Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1846-05-14

II. lhc government ul Zen. ueireIa, theIe is
good reason 10 believe, was sincerely desifons
to receive our Minister but it yielded 10 The
storm raised by It's enemies, and on the 2la OF
December refused 10 accredh Mr.. Slidrll upon
the most frivolous pretexH. These are 80 lully
and ably exposed in the note Of Mr.. Slidell OF
the 2ith of December last 10 the Mexican Minis
ter of Foregn Relations, herewith transmitted,
hat deem II unnecessary to enter into further
detail On this portion Of the subject.
Five days aller the date of Mr.. Slidells note,
General Herrera yielded the government TO Gen
Paredes without a struggle, aud on the Both OF
December resigned the Presidency. This
revolution was accomplished solely by the army,
the people having taken little part in the contest;
and thus the supreme power IN Mexico passed
into the hands Of a military leader.
Determined 10 leave no effort uniricd TO
effect an amicablc adjustment with Mexico, ]
directed Mr.. Sldcl to present his credentials TO
he government of Gen Paredes, and asked to be
officially received by him. There would have
been less ground for taking this step had Gen
Paredes come into power by regular constiiu
lional succession. In that event his adminisira-
ton would have been considered but a mere
constitutional continuance Of the governmen. Of
Gen Herrera and the refusal Of the latter TO re.
ccive our minister would have been deemed
conclusive, unless an intmation had been CIV
en- by Gen. Paredcs OF his desire to reverse the
decision of his predecessor.
But the government of Gen Paradcs, owes its
existence 10 a military revolution, by which the
>ubSisting constitutional authorities had been
Isubvcrted, The form Of government was en-
trely changed, as well as all the high iunctiona-
rieS by whom II was administered.
Under these circumstances, Mr.. Slidell in
obedience to my direction addressed note to
The Mexican minister Of foreign relations, under
date of the LIST of March last, asking to be receiv
ed by that government in the diplomatic charac-
ter 10 which he had been appointed. This min
isler, in his reply, under date of the 18th Of
March, reiterated the arguments Of his prede-
ceSSor, and in terms that may be considered
as giving just grounds Of offence 10 the govern
ment and people of the United States, denied
the application of MIR. Slidell. Nothing, there
fore remained for our envoy but D demand his
passports, and return TO his own country.
Thus the government Of Mexico, though
Solemnly pledged by official acts in October last,
to receive and accredit an American envoy,
violated their pighted faith and refused the
offer OF peaceful adjustment of our difficulties.
Not only was the offer rejected but the indigny
of its rejection was enhanced by the minifest
breach of faith in refusing to admit the envoy,
who came because they had bound themselves
TO receive him. Nor can il be said that the offer
was fruitless from the want of opportunity Of
discussing II our envoy was present on their
own soil Nor can il be ascribed to want Of
sufficient powers ouI envoy had full powers to
adjust every question Of difference. Nor was
there room for complaint that our propositions
for settlement were unreasonable permission
was not even given our envoy TO make any
proposition whatever. Nor can il be objected
that we, on our part, would not listen to any
reasonable terms of their suggestion the Meyi-
can government refused all negotiation, and
have made no proposition Of any kind.
In my message al the commencement Of the
present session, informed you that upon the
earnest appeal both of the Congress and con-
vention Of Texas, had ordered an efficient
military force TO take a position between the
Nueces and Del Norte. This had become neceS-
sary to meet threatened Invasion of Texas by
the Mexican forces, for which extensive militia
ry preparations had been made. The invasion
was threatened solely because Texas had deter
mined, in accordance with solemn resolution
Of the resolution Of the Congress Of the United
States, to annex herself TO our Union and, nn-
der these circumstances, it was plainly our duty
TO extend our protection over her citizens and
soil
This force was concentrated al Corpus Christi
and remained there until ailer' ! bad received
such information from Mexico as rendered it
probable, if not certain, that the Mexican gov.
eminent would refuse TO receive our envoy.
Meantime, Texas, by The final action of our
Congress, had become an integral part Of our
Union. The Congress Of Texas, by its act OF
December 10Th, 1896, had declared the Rio del
Norte 10 be the boundary of that Republic. Its
Jurisdiction had boen extended and exercised
beyond the Nucces.
The country between that river and the Del
Nore had teep repres 'n,cd in the Congress
and in The Convention of Texas, had thus taken
part in the act of Annexation itself, and is now
included within one Of our Congressional Dis
trlctS Oar own Congress had, moreover, with
unanmity, by the act approved December 3st
lSl5 recognised the country beyond the NucccS
as part Of our territory by including it within
our own revenue system and revenue officer,
10 reside within that District, has been appoint
ed by and with the advice and consen, Of the
Senate.
II became, therefore, of urgent necessity To
provide for the defence Of that portion OF our
country. Accordingly on the thirteenth Of
January last instructions. were issued to the
General in command OF these troops TO occupy
the left bank of the Del Norie. This river
which is the South Western boundary of the
state Of Texas-is an exposed frontier. From
this quarter invasion was threatened; upon il
and in its immediate vicinity, in the judgment
oi high military experience, are the proper STA
lions for the protecting tolceS Of the Govern
ment.
In addition to this important consideration
several others occurred TO induce this move
mcnt Among these are the facilities afforded
by the ports al Brazos Santiago and the mouth
Of the Del Norte for the reception ofsuppljes by
sea, the stronger and more 'heal,hful military
positions, the convenience for obtaining ready
and more abundant supply ofprovisions, water
fuel, and forage, and the advantages which are
afforded by the Del Nortc in forwarding sup
plies to such posts ms may be established in the
interior and upon the Indian frontier.
The movement OF the troops TO the Del Nore
was made by the commanding General, under
positive instructions 10 abstain from all aggreS-
sive acts towards Mexico, or Mexican citizens
and to regard the relations between the Repub-
lie and the United states as peaceful unless she
should declare war; or commit acts Of hostility
indicative Of state of war. lie was specially
directed 10 protect private property and respect
personal rights
The army moved from Corpus Christi on the
lth of March, and on the 2Sih Of that month ar
rived on the left bank of the Del Norte, pppo.
site TO Matnmoros, which has since been
strengthened by the erection Of field works -
\ depot has also been established at Point
Isabel, near the Brazos Santiago thirty miles in
rear of the encampment. The selection OF his
position was necessarily conided To the judg
ment of the General in command.