The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1852-05-17
THE TEHUANTEPEC TREATY.
TlE Ell nv III LO IlLA i
We call attention to the following letter, ad
dressed TO the New York Herald

dressed TO the New York Herald
WAsHiNGToS, May Is, 1852.
have seen letter from distinguished gen
tleman in Mexico, 10 q friend in this city
which contains important and interesting in
formation as to the relation existing between
this country and Mexico. The information is
authentic, and may be relied upon.
1t was understood in the city of Mexico
that President Arista had, on the 10Th of April
after the rejection of the Tehuantepec treaty
addressed a letter to President Fillmore. stat
ing all the facts of the difficulty, as regards
The position assumed by Mr.. Letcher, the
| American Minister, who was informed long be-
fore the treaty was rejected by the Mexican
| Congresa that il had no chance of being rati.
| fed-there being but one man in either House
of Congress in favor of it. Bun it was intima-
ted TO him that the government was willing to
grant the right of way across the Isthmus OF
TehuaRtepec TO the New Orleans Company, if
they would cease to press the Garay grant
claim-a claim which the Mexican people
were unanimously opposed to. on the ground
not only of its expiration, but that it was OBJ
tanned by bribery, and conveyed vast guam
tity of land-ten leagues on both sides of the
road-for the purpose of colonization.
Mr.. Letcher wrote TO Mr.. Benjamin, the Pre-
sident of the Tehuantepec Company, request
ing him to come to Mexico and try and ar
range the matter, by abandoning the Garay
grant, and accepting new grant for a right
of way alone. But Mr.. Ben amin did not go.
The Tehuantepec treaty was rejected by the
Mexican Congress, bat with two dissentient
votes. Immediately thereupon, Mr., Letcher
addressed the Mexican government the ultima
tum of the government of the United States,
which declared that the Tehuantepec treaty,
recognizing the validity of the Garay grant.
must be confirmed by the Mexican govern
ment. No other arrangement would for "a mo-
ment be listened TO.
1t was under such circumstances that Presi-
dent Arista addressed himself directly to Presi-
dent Fillmore. He acknowledges the weakness
OF Mexico, and the greatness of the United
States, and makes touching appeal TO the
magnanlmty OF great nation, not to force
wrong upon a weak people. He declares there
must be some mysterious influence which in
dnces the United States to endeavor to force
Mexico TO ratify treaty Teviving a defunct
grant. He says that the government and peo-
pie of NJ exico have every desire 10 throw open
the TeLuantepec communication, and insSan-
ces the fact that the day previous to his writing
bill had been introduced into the Mexican
Congress authorizing the government to offer
the right way across the Isthmus to any com.
pany which would build a road; but, as for the
Garay grant, it would not be recognized even
if the United States forced upon Mexico
the full extent of the threat contained in the
ultimatum-war.
| do not know whether this letter has yet
reached the President, but l suppose not, as
the New Mexican Minister has not yet been
presented. 1t is impossible to believe that MIR.
Letcher has not exceeded his instructions in
pressing Mexico too close to the wall, and
there Is little doubt but that the appeal of Aris-
to will bring about peaceable settlement
The right ofway is all the people of the Uni
ted States can desire-the vast tract of land
which the old Garay grant provided being a
matter purely ofproft aud loss to the compa.
ny, and which, if the grant is valid can be re-
covered in the Mexican courts. N.Y.