The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-06-16
The Tehuantepec Route.


The greatest uncertainty and doubt. arising from
vague and false information, have existed
to the action which the Mexican government
would take in relation to the much contested ques-
ton of the right of way across the lsthmus--
whether they would carry out the Garay treaty,
or enter into a new contract with Mr.. Sloo,
or break off all negotiations with foreigners, and
give the construction Of the proposed railway or
canal to Mexican citizens. We have already given
accounts Of the correspondence on the subject
which took place between President Arista
and President Fillmore, and in which the intelli-
gence was communicated by President Arsta to our
President at Washington, that Mexico had entirely
refused to ratlfy the Tehuantepec treaty. and the
grant made to Mr. Garay to carry out its objects.
But, at the same time, il was intimated that the
Mexican government, in refusing to adhere TO these
stpulations, did not mean to deny their entire will
lipgness to form sort of treaty with the Anne
rcan government for the opening Of q road across
the Isthmus, which would be advantageous to COM
mercial interests, and free to the whole world.
Since that time we have received great deal
of equvocal intelligence, through the New Or
leans journals, respecting the movements of Mr..
Sloo, formerly of Cincinnati and Washington, and
well known for his previou, operations in rela-
ton to steam lines across the lsthmus of Panama, in
which Mr.. Law was equally interested with him
These reports by the way of New Orleans, which are
only sometimes reliable, state that Mr.. Sloo has
succeeded in efecting a contract with the govern
ment Of Mexico, for the establishment BY him Of a
communication across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec,
and that the contrac. has been agreed to by the
Mexican Legislature. We much disposed, how
t,a &C ~; Orr
,ect information from the city Of Mexico. coming
from most authentic quarter, gives different IN
terprctation and meaningto the action OF Mexico,
and to the chances Of Mr.. Sloo's success. We are
thus informed, in explicit and positive terms, that
the Mexican Legislature at least branch Of it,
which is quite sufficient, had refused to grant any
right Of way, enter into any contract or arrange
ment with Mr. Sloo or any foreigner, but that they
had passed general LAWN which the President
had mountaineering the right of way and COM
plete sovereignty to the Mexican government, which
was authorized to make such o contract with such
parties as would most rebound to the interests, safety
and homer, of the Mexican republic Possibly Mr.
Sloo may have made some propositions, or entered
INTO some negotiations under this law, and some
prospects may be held out to him Of q certain cha
TRcteI, WHICH may nave leu ~ viz obhV1ASSAA~-NN-
the New Orleans journals: but thus far we are with
out any athentic information, or positive facts,
which could lead us to believe that he has succeeded
in obtaining anything like the grant therein as.
serted
Our recent correspondence from the City Of Mex
leo, embracing the last act Of the Mexican Congress
on the subject Of the Tehuantepec right Of way,
throws more additional light the matter. This
act if subjected to strict construction reveals the
fact. that if it is designed to cover the rumored
privileges Of Mr.. Sloo, they are not worth having.
Nor does the act in question exhibit the spirit Of
Cancellation and compromise on the part OF Mexico
towards citizens of the United States, shadowed
forth in the recent publication Of Mr.. Ramirez the
Minister of Relations. The act distinctly states
that in all cases. natives will be preferred to foreign
ers, and that the government of Mexico must con-
stitute one Of the partners to the contract which
has first to be submitted for the approval Of the
General Congress. 1t furthermore enjoins upon all
foreigners who may be associated in the enter
prise, to relnquish, in advance, all claims against
the republic, growing out Of its bad faith or in
justice.
II is well known that the government and people
Of Mexico are extremely jealous of permitting To-
reigners from any country to get foothod 10 that
Country; but this is especially true as regards Ame-