The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-04-30

" ucatAn.


We lay before readers very interesting message
which was yesterday transmitted both houses of Con-
ess by the President 1t called out some remarks in
10Th houses, but in neither il fully discussed We
have no space left this morning for the documents
Shich accompanied the message, for any COM
nents on the facts they DISCLOSE the they
recommend But we have doubt that the country will
stand by the wise, and humane, and moderate policy
which the President recommends
10 the Senate and House Of Representatives. Of the United
States
Submit for the consideration ofCongress several commu
eaons received al the Department Of State from Mr. Juno
'tsrra, commissioner of Yucaan and also a commnnca-
ion from the Of ha State representing the cond
ion OF extreme suffering which their country has
educed by an instruction of the Indians within its limits
md asking the aid Of the United States
The communications present case OF human suffering
pd mt'ey which cannot fail excite the sympathes Of
III civilized nations From these and other sources of in
ornauon II appears that the Indians OF Yucatan are
vngng war OF exerminarion against the white race la
us cruel war; they spare neither age sex, but put
eah, indiserminatelY, all who fail within their power
the Inhabitants, panic and destitute of arms are
lying before their savage pursuers towards the coast and
heir expulsion from their country, their ex,erninaon
would seem 10 be inevitable unless they can obtain assist
tnce from abroad.
In this condition they have throuph their cons n
horiiies impored the aid of this government TO save then
rom destruction, offering, in this should be granted
transfer the dominion and sovereignty of the Peninsula
the United States. Similar appeals for aid and protec
ION nave been made 10 the Spanish and the English gov
rnments.
Whilst it is not my purpose recommend the adop-
lon OF any measure, with view TO the acquisi-
ION OF the dominion and sovereignty over Yucca
an, yet according 10 established policy, could
not consent to transfer of this "domiron and sover
eighty either to Spain, Great Britain, or any other
European power In the language of President Mon
zoe, in his message of December, 1923 "we should
consider
my portion OF this hemisphere dangerous our peace
md safety" lnmy annual message OF December, 1915
declared that neara quarter OF century the principle
wasdsuncy announced to the world in annual mes.
sage oil one oil my predecessors that the American
lnents by The free and independent condition which they
nave assumed and maintained, henceiorth be
considered as subjects for future colonization by any Euro
pean power" This principle will apply with greatly in
creased force, should European power acmp TO es,a-
llsh any new colony in North America In the existing cir
cumstances OF the WORLD the is deemed proper
occasion to reierate and reatn the principle avowed by
Nr Monroe and to state my cordial in its wis
dom and sound policy The reaserton OF this principle
pecaly in reference TO North America this day but the
PRONUNCIATION OF policy which no European power should
cherish the disposition resist Existing rights every Eu
ropean nation should be respected but due alike
safety and interests that the efficient protec
laws should be extended whole territorial limits
and that it should be distinctly announced the world a,
our settled policy that no future European colony dom
ion shall, with consent be planted established on
any part the American continent"
Our own security requires that the established policy
thus announced should guide conduct and this applies
with great force to the peninsula of Yucaan. 1t is situate
in the Gulf of Mexico, the North American continent;
and from its vicinity to Cuba, the Capes of Florida
New Orleans, and indeed whole southwestern coast,
would be dangerous peace and cuy lift should
become a colony of any European nation.
We have now authentic information that, if the aid ask
ed from the United States be granted, such aid will
probably be obtained from European power, which
may hereafter assert claim dominion and sovereign
y'' over Yncatan.
Our existing relations with Yucatan OF Il peculiar
character will be perceived from the Of the Score
ay of State to her ssoner dated the Oath of De-
cember last; copy of which is herewith transmitted
Yucatan has never declared her independence, and
treat her State of the Mexican republic For this
son, have officially received her commissioner
but whilst this is the case, have, to considerable
tent, recognised her neutral in with Mexico
Whilst still considering Yucatan portion Of Mexico
we had troops TO spare for this purpose would deem il
proper during the continuance of the with Mexico,
occupy and hold military possession of her territory and
to defend the white inhabitants against the incurson OF
The Indians, in the same way that we have employed
our troops in other States of the Mexican republic
in possession in repeng the attacks Of savages upon
the Inhabitants who have maintained their neutrality in
the But, unfortunately at the present. with
serious danger withdraw forces from other por
ions OF the Mexican territory in occupation and
send them Yucatan. All that be done, under exist
ing circumstances, to employ naval forces in The
Gulf required other points, to afford them relief
But is not be expected that any adequate protection
be afforded, the operations of such naval ioce'
must of necessity be confined to the coast.
have considered proper to communicate the inlorma
lion contained in the accompanying pondence and
submit wisdom of Congress adopt such measures
as ia their Judgment may be expcdsnt prevent Yucca
tan from ming colony of any European power which
in no event could be permitted by the United States and
at the same time the white from extemina
lion or expulsion from their country.
JAMES X. POLK.
WAsHNGroy, April 70, ls43