Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1849-09-07
Mr.. Crarfo:d 10 Mr.. Clayton.
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JVashinst0n August IS, lS49.


Washington, August q, lo49.
Sir: have had the honor 10 receive your
commune olion of The 25,h inst, together with a
copy Of a note addressed TO your Department
by the Mexican Minister at Washington. Hc
complains that American cmigraas, IN passing
through the State of Chihuahua and in the
ncighborhood Of Ell Paso, have committed acts
of violence and outrage on The Mexican inhabi
tanis residing there
Impressed not less by sense Of duty than Of
inclination 10 maintain and preserve the friend
ly relations now happily existing between the
ltcpubIic of the United States and Mexico, |
have sought 10 find some authority, The interpo-
siton Of which would remove all future causes
of complaint. The law Of 1918 coners autho-
rity on The Executive TO arrest aud punish those
who shall begin and set on foot any military en-
terprse or expedition against the territory or
people with whom the u. States are al peace.
This act, when taken in connection with joint
resolution Of the last Congress, and applied 10
emiarating parties TO Upper California, would
seem 10 exempt them from its operation. BY
the resolution just adyerlei TO- it was clearly The
pulley of this Government L. encourage emgra
ton 10 It's territories on The Pacific, b. supplying
all emigrants with approved arms at cheap
prices. That the parties are armed, and have
TO some extent, quasi military organization,
arises from The dangers and necessities Of the
long journey.
In pursuing their way 10 California and Ore.
con, il was certainly in the contemplation Of
CONGRESS that The emgranls should pass t1clu-
svely over The suil Of the Uned STATES, as in all
cases Of emigration to New Mexico. II, however,
they shou d choose 10 diYerec from The conem-
plated course and pass over a section OF thr ter
riloiy OF Mexico by their entrance on j., they
place themselves under those internal reeuaions
oil thai Republic which are adverted 10 in the com
munica;ion Of The Mexican Minister, aud are,
consequently, Liable TOR all breaches OF them.
With these regulations, The United States can
not riSttiuiy interfere. They spring from Ike
supreme authority exercised Ivy Mexico ard are
limited only by her discretion. As 4 necessary
consequence, she possesses The same clear right
oil enforcing her remedies according 10 her Ia 9.
ment
the people Of The United States are habnally
inclined 10 respect and obey laws which promote
social order and security. II, however any
portion II them SHOULD be unmiI d.ul U! their
duty as 10 intTude themselves on those residing
in foreign land, or inyac their rights OF person
or property, they must abide the consequences Of
Their rashness ard violence.
may b: pald)ned in making he suggestion
that ii Mexico olacl 10 he armed emislaiins
parties o! the United States passing through her
territory, notice 10 that effect should he gwen
She will moi, in my opinion, compromise hel
hospitality or her fidelity 10 treaty obligations by
the Act Of preserving her inleIna! tranquility
Al least, notice would exclude The defence which
ignorance frequently seeks to impose as shield
Tor delinquency.
Very respectfully, your eb't. srrv'i,
GEO. w. era WORD.
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