The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-03-16
TIE CALL OF CoNuRHss.
THE INSTRUCTION TO MR. SLIDELL,
&C., &C., &C.
WASHINGTON. March IL 1919


AS there appears to be some desire to see the
| Instructions to the Hon. John S!idell, the
Minister to Mexico previous to the declaration
| Of War. | have taken upon myself the liberty
of transmitting to you syllabus of them
In consequence OF a letter received by our
government from Mr. John Black, the United
States Consul at the City Of Mexico, dated Sept
n, 1912, stating that the Mexican government
the settlement OF difficulties between the two
governments, Mr.: buchanan, on the Goth OF
November, despatched the following instructions
to Mr.. John Slldell, then at New Orleans, COM
missioned as Minister Pleni potentiary to Mexico.
After repeating to Mr.. Sildell the objects OF the
mission, which were to counteract the designs
OF foreign powers against the interests of the
United States, and to restore friendly and peace
iul relations previously existing between the two
countries, tine instructions declare that the true
interests of the American republic require the
pursuit OF uniform American policy, different
from that OF European governments; that the
balance OF power doctrine cannot be tolerated
on this continent; and that no interference, even
in the shape of mediation, for the adjustment of
d difficulties between this country and Mexico
will be allowed.
The attention of the minister is then directed
to the claims OF our citizens against Mexico,
which he is Instructed to urge strenuously, and
to the many acts OF this government decaratOry
of their validity. Those claims and the acts of
injustice OF Mexico, are enumerated. The case
is argued clearly and powerfully, and the right Is
demonstrated to be on the side Of this govern
Lhcht. IL 10 tHch ISUdfkcu tHOsc CldlIHS
could not then be extlngulshed by the Mexican
government by the payment of money, and that
as the joint resolution for annexing Texas author
Used the adjustment of all questions of boundary,
this government would be willing to assume the
debts OF Mexico due citizens, IN consideration
OF the extension of the boundary OF the United
States. The Rio Grande is the true boundary of
Texas, and Mr., Buchanan goes on to prove this
position from the history of this country and
| OF Mexico, and intorms Mr.. Slidell that the in
| dependence OF Texas Is not to be admitted to be
a question. 1t was different, however, with
regard to New Mexico. That country the Tex
ans never conquered; and as its possession was
desirable to the United States, il was a fit SUBJ
| jet tor negotiation.
For the whole of New Mexico and the boundary
of the Rio Grande, Mr.. Slidell was authorised to
offer to assume payment of the debts due our cit-
zens, and, in addition, to pay Mexico five mil
lions OF dollars for the boundary of the Rio
Grande from its mouth TO the source. To as
sumo the payment of the claims of our citizens,
Mr.. s: was instructed TO obtain California if
possible, and for the line running from the south.
ern extremity of New Mexico to the Pacific, so
as to include San Francisco, he was authorized
to offer twenty millions for the line embracing
Monterey, twenty-five millions. At this, he was
instruc ed TO inquire into the alleged delinquen-
| OF Emilio Voss.