The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-04-07
IN 3 = r q 6 TIoMS
OF TIE
SECRETARY OF WAR.

OF TIE
SECRETARY OF WAR.
To the Secretary of War
SIR Being charged by the constitution with the
prosecution OF the existing war with Mexico deem
proper in the exercise Of unoubcd belgerent right
to order that military contributions be levied upon the
enemy In such Of their ports other places az now are
or may be hereafter In the possession of land and
natal forces by conquest and that the same be collect
ed and applied towards dcraying the expenses Of the
war AS one means Of eectng this object the blockade
at such conquered ports will lie raised and they will be
opened to and that of all neutral ma
ons in articles not contraband of war during our mill
tary occupation OF them and duties tonnage and
imports will bc levied and collected through tho agency
Of military and naval officers In command at such
ports acting under orders from the War and Navy De-
partments
transmit to you herewith for your information and
guidance u copy of a communication addressed by me-
to the Secretary of the Treasury the 23d instant in
structng him to examine the existing Mexican tariff
and to report to me- for my consideration scale Of du
ties which he would recommend to be levied tonnage
and imports in such conquered ports together with such
regulations he would propose necessary proper
in order to carry this policy into effect and also copy
Of the report of the Secretary of the Treasury made on
the 30h instant, in answer to my communication to
him The scale Of duties and the regulations for their
collection as military contributions exacted from the
enemy recommended by the Secretary Of the Treasury
in this report. have been approved by me.
You WILL after consulting with the Secretary of War
to concert of action between the War and
Navy Departments issue the necessary carry
the measure proposed into immediate effect.
JAMES X. POLK.
wAsnlSoroS, March 81, 1917.
Wan DEPARTMENT. Washington April g. 1876
SIR II herewith enclose to you copy of the Presi-
dents letter to the Secretary Of the Treasury and the
report the proposed scale of duties and the regulations
from the Treasury department. prepared pursuant to his
directions. Tho rates Of assessment upon the tonnage
Of vessels and upon articles of merchandise which may
be received into Mexican ports while in possession our
forces have been approved by him. and he has directed
you will perceive by his letter of the 3st of March, Ia
copy of which herewith scnt that the Or
lprS DOM rvrap tn Ilact
the several sums proposed military contributions to
be drawn from the enemy as tho consumers Of the
rected to take the necessary measures far the
agency Of the officers Of the army required to carry
the orders of the President into effect His objects and
views in resorting to this kind Of contribution are s
GENTLY explained in the accompanying papers The en-
forcement OF his orders is necessarily committed to the
naval and land forces now operating in the enemys
country.
also transmit to You copy of letter from the Sec
Rotary of the Navy of this date prepared by the drcc
ton Of the President giving instructions to the naval
officers who may be engaged in carrying the orders
this subject. This letter dcsignates the circum
stances under which the duties required will be
cuted by the officers of the navy those of the army
SO far as 1t has reference to duties to be executed by the
and you hereby directed to 1t observed
The general directions therein contained alike ap
pcablc to the officers and persons connected with each
branch Of the public service
is particularly cnjoincd that should be taken
to give full effect to the thirteenth regulation If pro-
pcrly carried out 1t will eectually the officers
tho army and navy, and soldiers, sailors and ma
rines against advance in the price of the articles
which they may need for their use by the opera
ton OF the proposed measure Of raising contributions
from the enemy.
Tho contributions referred to in the foregoing nstruc
tions not all those which II be proper levy
upon the enemy. As the Mcxicans persist in protract
ing the it is expected that in the further prosecu
ton of It, you will exercise all the acknowledged rights
bcllgerent for the purpose of shifting the burden of
from ourselves upon them The views Of the govern
mcnt in this respect were presented to General Taylor
in despatch from this department Of the 22d Of Sep
tcmbcr 1886 copy Of which, far relates to this
subject Is herewith sent to you with the direction
these views may be carried out under direction similar
to that given to him. The enemy should be made to
realize that there other Inducements make them
desire peace besides the loss of battles and the burden
Of their military establishments The right Of AN
army operating in cnemys country to seize supplies
to forage, andto occupy such buildings private well
public, may be required for quarters, hospitals
storehOuses and other military purposes without COM
junction therefor cannot be questioned and IL Is
peced that you will not forego the exercise of this right
to any extent compatible with the interest the service
Ia which you are engaged.
Very respectfully, your obedcnt servant,
w. l.. MARCY Secretary Of War
Major General WINFIELD Scorr, commanding
Ertroet from letter TO Gen Taylor, (reterred 10 in The
Seeretarys instrMctions) dated
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, September ~ 1876.
IL Is lar from being certain that military occupation
OF the encmys country IL not blessing to the nhab
tants in the vicinity They shielded from the bur-
in their persons, and furnished with most profitable
market for most kinds of their property. state of
things so favorable TO their interest may induce them
wish the continuance Of hostitcs.
The instructions heretofore given have required YOU to
treat with great kindness people to private
property and to abstain from appropratng il to the pub
lie without purchase at a fair price In some res
poets this going far beyond the common requirements
civilized warfare An inv adipy army has the unnrs
tionabc right to draw its supplies from the enemy with
gu. paying or tem anu TO require contributions Tor its
hpt .y -. Ih op' anu Soou poncy requres
ma' snouu DC naae IN imposing THESE
inose VINO are friendly disposed or contribute
w. snouu DC ,lea.ru WIN iocranty yet inc enemy
nay w 'aac 70 zee. 'nc Weght oil the war anu thereby
n In ~ W use 'e'r ocs' cnor,s 10 or'ng ABOUT