Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1847-04-06
From the Union.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS.

To The Secretary of the Treasury:
SIR: The Government of Mexico having re-
peatedly rejected the friendly overtu!es of the
United States 10 open negotiations with view
10 The restoration OF peace, sound policy, and a
just regard TO The interests OF our own country
require that the enemy should be made, as far as
practicable, 10 bear Inc expenses OF war, OF
which hey are the authors and which they obsti-
na,ely persist in protracting.
1t is the right OF the conqueTor 10 levy conlri-
buttons upon the enemy, in their seaports, towns,
or Provinces which may be in his military pos
session by conquest, and oapply The same 10 de-
fray the expenses OF the war. The conqueror
possesses The right also 10 establish temporary
military government over such seaports, towns,
or provinces, and to prescribe the conditions and
restrictions upon which commerce with such
places may be permitted. He may, in his discre.
lion exclude all trade; or admit il, without lim-
taion or restriction or impose terms, the obser-
vance OF which will be the condition OF carrying
il on. One of these conditions may be The pay
ment of prescribed rate of duties on tonnage and
Imports.
In the exercise of these unqueslioned rights OF
war, | have, on full consideration, determined 10
order that all the ports or places in Mexico which
now are, or hereafter may be, in the actual pos
session of our land and naval forces by conquest
shall be opened, while our military occupation
NAV continue, 10 the commerce OF all neutral ma.
tions, as we'll as our own, in articles not contra
band oil war, upon the payment OF prescribed rates
OF duties, which will he made known and enior-
ced by our military and naval commanders.
While the adoption OF this policy will be to
impose burden on The enemy, and al the same
time 10 deprive them OF The revenue 10 be derived
from trade at such ports or places, as well as 10
secure il to ourselves, whereby the expenses o.
the war may be dminished-a just regard to the
general interest of commerce, and the obvious
advantages Of uniformity in The exercise of these
belligerent rights requires that we-con sidered
regulations and restrictions should be prepared
for the guidance Of those who may be charged
with carrying ii into effect.
You are therefore instructed TO examine The ex-
isling Mexican tariff OF duties, and report to me
schedule OF articles of trade, 10 be admitted at
such poris or places as may al any time be in
our military possession, with such rates of duties
On them, and also on tonnage, as will be likely
10 produce The greatest amount of revenue. You
will also communicate The considerations which
may recommend the scale OF duties which you
may prepare, and will submit such regulations
as you may deem advisable, in order 10 enforce
their collection.
AS the levy of the contribution proposed is
military right derived from the laws OF nations.
the collection and disbursement OF The duties will
be made under the orders of the Secretary OF
War and the Secretary of The Navy, by the mill
tary and naval commanders al the ports or places
in Mexico which may be in possession of our
arms. The report required is therefore neces.
sary in order 10 enable me 10 give the proper d.
REGIONS 10 the War and Navy Departments.
JAMES K. POLK.
W4suINoToN March 49, IS47,