Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-07-31
President Fillmore to President Arissa.
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, WASHINGTON,

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MARCH 10, 1852.
SIR The deep interest which feel for the prosperity
of both the American and Mexican Republics and espe
ciay for the preservation of harmony between them,
duces me to waive the ceremony of diplomatic intercourse
and address your Exceency unocay upon the subjects
of difference between respective countries. cannot
doubt from what have heard of your Exceency char
acter that you sympathze with me fully in my desire TO
maintain the most harmonious relations with your Gov
ernment and that your enlarged and enlightened views
must enable you fully to appreciate the Importance Of
openine an ner-oceanc communication between the At
lantc and Pacific across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec
Though this enterprise may not be indispensable to the
commerce Of the United States, yet shall not attempt
to disguise the fact that is Of great Importance and
in which the people of this country feel deep interest
II must be apparent to your Exceency that in all proba
bty more than one such communication viii be opened
Measures are now progress for opening through the
State OF Nicaragua and another through the lsthmus Of
Panama and the question therefore presents itself whe
tber is wise or polite for Mexico refuse her consent
to authorize another route through her territory
Amere glance at the map must satisfy you that the
travel and commerce between the and
shores Of North America viii naturally take the most
northern route between the two oceans and the same
must be true reference to Europe, and especially Great
britain in her intercourse with the Of Anne
America With the western coast Of South America may
pass through the Nicaragua Panama route with as
much facility, more than through the Tehuante
pee independently Of the right which some Of our ct
zens claim under the Garay grant TO open this commun
cation il would be matter Of great indifference to the
people of this republic whether such communication
constructed BY tie subjects of Great Britain the citizen:
of Mexico or those of any other country All that
ask that the best and safest mode Of nercommunica-
ton shall De established of which the nature Of the
try viii admit and that it shall be open and free TO the
commerce the whole world without any exclusive right
in any nation, and under the sole jurisdiction OF Mexico
herself.
The command Of such a commerce must be mine OF
wealth to Mexico. and should feel it waste Of time
urge upon your Exceency the Importance of securing
ii to before seeks and becomes finally fixed in other
channels can well understand the prejudces that per
wade Of your people against the United States
ing ont OF recent events the recollection Of which sim
cerely wish might be buried in oblivion. can also
understand how these preudees may affect the represen
taves Of those people in Congress whose assent is neces
sary to the ratification Of the treaty that shall secur
these blessings Mexico and the commercial world Blu
am sure your Excelency will rise above al such loca
and popular prsjudces and view this question as
great importance Mexico, and Of scarcely less impor
lance 10 the world.
adjustment Of this matter beg leave most earnestly
cali the attention of your Exceency to the probable diff
cutes that may up between the two nations shout
Mexico break her pghted faith in the grant to GaraJ
Our citizens, relying upon her good iah nave oecom
Of money for the purpose Of carrying out its objects
they have surveyed route for railroad, and demon
straed practcaby of constructing it; and il is nc
possible that they should be deprived OF the priv
eges guaranteed by grant and sustain the heavy osse
that must without appealing to their own Govern
men for the enforcement Of their rights My anxiou
desire j. to avoid the too probable consequences tina
must result from such appeal. We cannot if W
would, be Indifferent TO it, 1t is duty which every Go
vernment is citizens protect their right
at home and abroad; and the consequences growing gu
Of the disagreement Of the propeors the Garay gran
and the Government Of Mexico such true fren
Of this country Of Mexico look upon with nder
cnce What might be the result time only determine
have but few months to remain the head Of thi
Government when my responsibility will cease and th
difficult and complicated matter will deyoye upon som
other agent | can you that my love for my ow
country as well my sincere desire promote the pro
perity OF yours induces me earnestly urge upc
your Excelency TO leave nothing undone to adjust Il
Controversy upon the subject Every days delay da
eerous and If it cannot be settled fear the time
soon come when it must disturb the harmonious reato
now 50 happily existing between the two countries.
seems 70 that independently Of the pghted faith
Mexico she must feel deep interest in settling Il
question and opening this communication cannot dou
that the heightened and liberal views Of your Excelen
viii induce you to with me in these sentiment
hut whatever may be the result permit me to express
Won the high respect and esteem entertain for your 81
racter and to you that truly and sincere
Your friend, WILLARD FILLMORE
To HIS Excellency Gen. Don MARIANA ARIsTA,
President Of he Wereda Republic.