Daily American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1852, 1852-01-13
3,Os6, 400 to 3,916,7S3


But enormous as this profit is-grevious as the
corresponding loss would be to Mexico-prudence
would make it wise for her to submit, rather than
encounter the greater evil of a British blockade!
Now, we who in q matter involving such large
amounts were content with paltry commission,
which under no circumstances could exceed
$175,9 900, and might be much less, were sneered
at, as self-constituted agents in this natter and
it was urged as q reason for refusing to crafty
the wishes Of Mexico or to keep good faith with
her. that we would derive pecuniary benefit by
the transaction.
To this Mr.. Souls replied:
"Mr. Marks, the individual on the occasion of
whose memorial this debate has arisen, is intel
ligent, able, honest citizen of New Orleans; and
so far as strict integrity, skill and ability con-
cerned, know of few who could claim any supe.
riority over him. He presents himself to this
government in no attitude that should make him
obnoxious to the sneers Of the Senator from New
York. He never presumed TO thrust himself
upon the American government. lie assumes no
pretensions to. be their agent-not at all-but
presents himself on behalf Of the Mexican gov
eminent, for the purpose Of transmitting their
propositions TO this government.
al am told that it matters not what profits are
to be realized by these bankers out Of the con-
tract which this bill is intended TO cover and car
ry out. Why, if that be the case, we have, / sup
pose, as little to trouble ourselves about the
profits to be realized by Mr.. Marks who actually
proposes to discharge the very obligations as
sumed by the British bankers, with still better
security to our government than that which they
can furnish, and at premium higher by one per
cent. than that rendered by them"
To this we may add, that we have not unwar-
rantably thrust ourselves upon you, or on any
branch of this government, as self-constituted
agents in this matter. Our proceedings were
begun with the consent and appreciation of
your predecessor and his Secretary Of State !;
and we ask you, if, having the intelligence to con-
ceiye plan to protect both Mexico and the United
States from the combinations of foreign bankers,
which our Minister in Mexico had complained OF
to save to the treasury of the United States
over half million of dollars, and to confer on
Mexico still greater advantages-was 1t not our
duty, no less than our privilege as American citi
gems, to submit it to the American government
And when the American government had ap-
proved of our plan, and authorized and encour-
aged us to prosecute it, at much expense of time
and travel, and consequent expenditure of money,
have we not right respectfully to ask that it
shall be carried out? Mr.. Webster has endea-
vored to thrust aside our prior and better rights
for the benefit Of the Earrings Co.-parties to
those very combinations spoken of by Mr.. Bayly
and Mr.. Letcher-and at loss to the people Of
the United States of over half million of dol
lars We respectfully submit whether, under
these circumstances, we, as American citizens,
have not right, without subjecting ourselves to
sneers for our presumption, to appeal to you for
the protection of our rights, and to expect that
protection at your hands?
But it was urged by Mr.. Bayly on the House,
and by Mr. Dickinson on the Senate, that the
Earrings & Co are our bankers abroad. 1t was
urged that this government should therefore sus-
tain them. Sustain the Earrings Go. as ou
bankers abroad How, and for what? Shall
it be by giving them contract, unauthorized by
law, and which takes from the treasury of the
United States over half million Of dollars which
but for that contract might have been and would