The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-07-28
Tho Tehuantopec Negotiations.

TIC heSotiahoHS upoh shiS iuRoItdht euU-
ject will probably be presented to the Senate on
an early day, when it will no doubt receive the
intelligent consideration which the national
and individual interests involved demand.
1t is now nearly two years since we called
public attention to the importance of opening
whilst every day has demonstrated its neces-
sity. we have been disappointed to observe
that new elements of opposition have arisen to
delay its completion. The measures taken by
the American proprietors to bring their enter
prise before the public, have induced Mexico
to form an exaggerated idea Of its value. 1t
is supposed that foreign and even domestic in
fuences have encouraged her to believe that the
people of the United States are Indifferent to
the ownership of the right of way; and that
the Government of the United States would
not insist upon the rights of its citizens. We
regret greatly these unhappy ceunsels, since
they may impel Mexico to occupy position
involving ultimate embarrassment.
1t seems that Mexico having made DELHI
crate grant to one Of her citizens, sanctioned
its transfer "to British subjects" This title
was transferred to American citizens, who were
permitted to send engineers upon the Isthmus.
Mexico also instituted convention with the
United States which guaranteed to the enter
prise the protection of both governments. This
convention was, in accordance with its terms,
submitted to the American holders, and, hav-
ing been amended at their suggestion in the
Senate of the United States, was returned to
Mexico for ratification. Mexico had in the
mean time changed her policy. She expelled
the engineers from the Isthmus; not, however,
before they had obtained the materials for a
photographed and Typographical exposition Of
the projected work. The Mexican Congress
adopted an elaborate report upon the title, termi-
mating in a resolution annullingit. They also re-
jected the convention without motion to amend
it; and, protesting a willingness to grant " the
most liberal INN unites" and "the safest guar
antees," have specified conditions which re-
duce this important communication to a mo-
nopoly maintained by the Intervention of for
eign powers. From this confiscation of their
property the claimants have appealed to the
protection of their own government.
1t is not often that the interests of individu-
ais represent measure of such vital import
ance to the nation as those involved in the Te-
huantepec grant. Upon the acquisition of
California and New Mexico. right of way be-
came indispensable. The American commits
sioner was empowered to offer large sum for
the right, but the negotiation was broken off
by the declaration on the part of Mexico that
she had already granted it to others.
Although the American holders seemed to
have expended large sum Of money on the de-
velopment of their property, Mexico coolly
takes advantage of their surveys and demon
STATIONS without making them any offer of
compensation or indemnity whatever!
The present Administration has insisted
American citizens, but to the successful prose-
cution of great national object. In this policy
it has been ably seconded by the American
Minister at Mexico. He has already persisted
in his position; nor has he been deceived by
the specious assurances held out by the Mexi-
can government He has been convinced that
if the rights represented by our citizens should
ever be Invested, Mexico would never renew
them. He knew that these rights compre-
hended freedom Of transit, with exemption from
all political charges whatsoever; and that in
maintaining them he was maintaining mea,
sure Of vital Importance to his country. Hence
his infexibiity upon this subject.
We have no inclination to expa,iate upon
the importance to the commercial world of free
thoroughfares across the Isthmus of Northern
and Central America. But the political con
sequences Of inadequate or restricted means o.
intercourse between the distant members o.
the Confederacy are too peculiar to be passed
over. The immense transfer Of population ant
rapid accumulation Of wealth upon our Pacific
shores demand means of intercourse cheap
rapid, and free from any political restrictions
II the Government shall fail to provide thes
thoroughfares, the self-reliant character Of tn