New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-07-25
The Tehuantepec Business.

Mexican Congress, annulling-atter 1t had
annulled itself-Senor Garays grant OF the
right of way to the Isthmus of Tehuante-
pec. In New-Orleans, where the Tehuan-
tepec Railroad Company was formed, the
cry is long and loud, and some journals even
90 so far as to advocate disregard of Mex
lean authority and continuation of the
work, with that supreme independence
which stronger people frequently assumes
in dealing with a weaker.
That the Newt Orleans Company should
feel disappointed and aggrieved, Is very nat
ural, but we cannot see what reason they have
for finding fault with the Mexican Govern
ment. None knew better than Mr.. Har-
gous. who negotiated with Mr.. Garay for
the transfer of his privilege, that the same
was virtually null, though a show of fulfill
ing the conditions was kept up for the pur-
pose of holding it until foreign capital
could be enlisted in the speculation
When the writer of this visited the Mex
lean Capital about eighteen months ago,
it was positively stated that five hun
dred men were hard at work, opening
carriage-road across the lsthmus vet on
reaching Vera Cruz, he learned from gen
tleman lust returned from the Coatzocoal-
eos River that the first blow Of spade or
pick-ax had not yet been made. The
Mexican Congress could not fail to become
acquainted with the hating expedients en-
ploved to retain the privilege, now that the
settlement of California made it valuable,
and it is not remarkable that they should
feel little disposed to legislate for the ag-
grandizement of the party who twice de-
ceived them by false promises.
The Tehuantepec Treaty, negotiated by
Mr. Letcher, was intended to patch up
Garay's deficiencies and cover the uncertain
tenure of his privilege. 1t was accepted
by the Presidents of both countries, who are
strongly in favor of the prosecution Of this
great and important work, and disposed to
lend it all the weight of their influence. 1t
would probably have been accepted by the
Mexican Congress also, in spite of the
strong opposition of the Conservative men,
bers, but for one clause, which is as unne-
cessary as it Objectionable. We allude to
the clause, providing that a United States
force shall be stationed on the lsthmus, to
protect the laborers on the Railroad
The Mexicans see in this provision, and
truly, the germ of endless difficulty. That
the people of Tehuantepec are neither
prejudiced against Americans, nor opposed
to the construction of the road, is proven
by their reception of Major Barnard's sur
veying party Why then this quartering
of our troops upon Mexican soil, reviving
all the old bitterness of feeling, exciting
the jealousy of the local authorities, and
giving cause for differences without end
between the two parties If the road can
not be built without military protection,
neither can it be held and used after its
completion. Besides, when the frontier of
the Rio del NOrte and the ella is sufficiently
guarded to prevent the forays of the Ca
manches and the Apaches, according to
our treaty stipulations with Mexico, we
imagine there will be but small force left
for Tehuantepec.
This bullying tone toward Mexico is any
thing but magnanimous on our part That
Republic has thus far honorably performed
her part of the bargain made at Guadalupe
Hidalgo, and in all her relations with this
country maniiests an earnest desire for ami
tv and concord But It's not to be expected
that she will surrender her indiSpute' rights
and compromise her dignity as II on, by
accepting a treaty, the terms OF which she
conceives to be prejudiclal 10 her interests.
The survey Of the lsthmuS was made on
sutlerance, and against the Will of a majori-
the temporary permission Of President
AriSta had been revoked. The Railroad
Company cannot with right consider them
selves wTonged, when, under such circum-
stances, they have succeeded in procuring
complete survey Of the lsthmu> and ample
proof Of the feasibility Of the road
We Go not believe the Mexican Congress
is opposed 10 the construction Of the road,
per Sc. Throwing aside all negotiations
made hitherto, 4 fair and liberal treaty,
guaranteeing the right OF an American COM
pany to build the road, would be accepted
with little opposition. There is, neverthe-
less, party in Mexico which strenuously
advocates the connection of Vera Cruz Mex
leo and Acapulco by railroad, and the Gov
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