Tri-weekly journal., 1847-10-11

proposition, no right or title has so far been al
legged by the Republic of North America, nor
do we think it possible that any can be made
The United States could not therefore acquire
those territories, except by the right OF con-
quest, or by "a cession or sale made now by
Mexico. But as we are persuaded that the
Republic of Washington would not only abso-
lutely repel, but would hold in odium the first
OF these titles, and, as on the other hand, 1t
would be new and contrary to all ideas OF JUS
tice, to carry on war against nation, only
for the reason that it refused to sell the terri
tory which a neighbor wishes to buy, we hope
from the justice of the Government and people
of the United States, that the ample modifica-
tions which we have to propose to the cessions
of territory Except the State of Texas,) which
are claimed in the above named article No. d,
will leave no motive for continuing the war,
which the worthy General of the troops of the
United States has justly termed unnatural.
In our conferences we have represented to
your Excellency that Mexico cannot give the
land which lies between the Rio Grande and
the Nueces. The reason for this is not only
the certainty that this territory has never form
ed part of Texas, although, in itself, it is of
very little value, but also that this tract of
land, with the Rio Grande, forms the natural
boundary of Mexico, both in military and COM
merclal points of view; and it cannot be ex-
pected, nor could any nation consent to give
Its natural boundary. But to remove any
causes OF difficulties for the future, the Gov
eminent OF Mexico agrees not to establish any
new settlements or colonies in the space be-
tween the two rivers; so that continuing desti-
tute OF population, as it now is, it will offer
equal security to the two Republics. The con-
servatlon OF this territory is according to our
instructions condition sine qua non of peace.
Sentiments of honor and delicacy, which the
noble character of your Excellency will know
how to appreciate, as well as motives Of inter-
est, prevent our Government from consenting
to the dismemberment of New Mexico. We
deem 1t unnecessary to say more on this point
than we have said in our discussions.
The cession of Lower California, of very lit
tie value to the Republic of North America,
offers great embarrassments to Mexico, consid-
enng the position of this peninsula in front of
our coast of Sonora, from which it is separated
by the straits of Cortez. Your Excellency has
attached due importance to our observations on
this subject, and, with satisfaction, we have
seen that you yield to them. The fact that
Mexico would keep Lower California is suffic-
lent to render it indispensable to keep also a
part OF Upper California, asotherwise that pen
lnsula would remain without any communica-
uon by land with the rest of the Republic
This would be always disadvantage, especially
to power like Mexico, which is without a
marine. The cession which our Government
oilers to make, for due compensation, is the
part OF Upper California, which runs from the
2dh parallel of latitude upward, would secure
to the United States the acquisition not only of
an excellent sea coast, fertile lands, and per-
haps undiscovered mines, but also it presents
the advantage OF an uninterrupted route TO
in he <1f
the Government of Washington and the lauda-
rich fruits f5h hP AmfEjfsa eseRls Mill
now offer.
by the article No. 8, is claimed concession
OF Tree pass through the isthmus of Tehuan-
tepec to the Pacific, for the citizens of the Uni
TED States We have verbally informed your
hXceliency that some years ago the Govern
ment OF the Republic gave privileges over this
matter to certain party, (empresario.O which
were afterwards transferred, with the consent
OF the Government, to British subjects, whose
interests Mexico cannot control. You will.
therefore, not be surprised that on this point
we cannot meet the wishes of your Govern
ment.
we have rendered these plain explanations
OF the motives of the Republic for not consen |
ung 10 alternating all the territory that is de-
manded, except the State of Texas, because we
are deslrous that the Government and peonle
OF North America may be convinced that orr
partial negative does not proceed from senti- |
ments OF aversion engendered by the antece-
dents OF this war, or by the losses Mexico has
suffered, nut rest on considerations dictated by
the reason and justice which will ever guide
thls government in its intercourse with the
most friendly powers. The other alterations
which your excellency will find in our coun-
ter-proJect are of less moment, and we believe
there can be no serious objection to them
Inc Eth article has been frequently discussed
IN your own country, and we flatter ourselves
that the loyalty (Lcdltdd) of your Government
will not refuse to contract an engagement so
to honor and the good harmony in
which neiShboring nations should live. This
refers to the article of the Mexican proposition
providing that the United States shall not here $
after annex any portion of Mexican territory. {
-EDs.
The peace between the two countries will
be more solidly established if any friendly pow
er (England,) who has so nobly offered her
good offices to Mexico and the United States I
in the present contest, would now offer her S
guaranty for the faithful observance of the pre-
sent treaty. The Mexican Government thinks $
it proper (may cOnUiente) to solicit this guar .
anty.
Our Government has instructed us to recon-
mend to your Excelency to communicate to
us within three days your resolutions on this u
l.. L l.