Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-07-15
THE IsTHMUs OF TEHUANTEPEC.

THE lSIHMUS OF lEHUAN IEPEC.
Tte Mexican Congress have not only repealed
the law granting to Garay and others the right of
way, and the privilege of constructing canal or
railroad from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific,
but the authorities of that country have forbidden
those American citizens who have become asso-
ciated with Garay, from commencing the work,
and have refused to allow the surveyors, eng-
neers, aborers, and their tools, implements, pro-
visions, merchandise, &C., intended to be used in
the construction of the work, to be landed at Co.
atzacoalcos, or its vicinity. The Mexican Gov
eminent have even gone step farther; they have
taken measures to forify the Isthmus. and the
Committee on Military Affairs in the lower house
OF the Mexican Congress have actually reported
bill for the establishment of four military Colo
MES on the line of the proposed canal. Now this
looks sufficiently warlike, and may, it is feared,
be productive of rupture between the two coun-
tries. Let US, however, look at this question in
its true light. Let US see whether the Government
of Mexico has not, in this matter, proceeded upon
correct principles. The New York Herald con-
tends that the Mexican Congress had the right to
annul the grant under their constitution and laws
for non-fufment of its conditions, or for any
other cause, and if there is no treaty stipulation
between US and Mexico guaranteeing the inviola-
bility Of this grant, then the United States Gov
eminent have nothing to do with it.
The Herald says farther, that Mexico expressly
refused to make any stipulation respecting this
grant in l94S--that the grant is private matter
between the grantees and Mexico, and that the
holders of Mississippi or Florida repudiated bonds
in England or Holland, might as we'll ask their
governments to interfere and compel the United
States, or those States, to pay them.
If the conclusions of the Herald are correct it
follows that the Government of the United States
cannot take umbrage at the course of that of
Mexico in relation to this subject and those citi-
zens of the United States who have become es-
cated with Mr.. Garay must either abandon the
enterprise altogether, or also procure new grant
from the Mexican government.
The following extracts from letter from the
President of Mexico, written, the Herald says, to
a friend now in the city of New York, bespeak
the friendly sentiments of that distinguished gen.
tleman towards the United States, whilst they at
The same time afford an earnest of the elevated
views of the writer in relation to the "right of
way" across the 1sthmus:
My ESTEEMED FREND:-
have received with the greatest pleasure your last
civil letter, OF the 10th u which is me new proof
of remembrance OF our expressive friendship, which
return 10 you.
You know the high appreciation entertain for the
celebrated Senior Bustamente, and you will under
stand how have been gratified that you remember
him.
You speak, also, OF the question of Tehuantepec
about the right OF way to be given for its construction
Mexico desires it, no doubt than the republic oil
the United States; but she that it shall be made
for the utility OF the whole world, legal and equt-
able principles, which will save her nationality and
rights
l am we'll persuaded Of what will take place, and |
count better upon the excellent relations which exist
between this government and that of Washington; but
seeing you are friend of mine, and YOU desire
the welfare of Mexico believe it proper Tor YOU to
make all your exertions in order to settle that CUES
on, which will be advantageous for the tive countries.
have the pleasure to salute you, and desire to you
Thousand joys, your friend and efectlonate ser
want, MARIO ARISTA