Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1858-12-15

gONe oiteR th0 SiS -
the treaty, without awaiting the ratification
of it by the Sepate. l am encouraged to
make this suggestion, by the example of Mr,
jefferson, previous to the purchase of Louisi-
ana from France, and that Of Mr.. Polk III |
view of the acquisition of territory from T
Mexico. l refer the whole subject to Con-
gress, and commend it to their careful con-
siGcration.
repeat the recommendation made in my |
message Of December last. in favor of an |
approximation ''to De paid in the Spanish gov
ernment for the purpose of distribution among |
the claimants in the Amstad case Pres |
ident Polk first made a 81 uiilar recommended |
ton in December, 1847, and it was repeated
by my immediate predecessor in December, |
1858 / entertain no doubt that indemnity
is fairly dDe to these claimants under our tre
ty with Spain of the 9th October, 1898;
and whilst demanding justice we ought to do
justice. An appropriation promptly made
| for this purpose, could not fail to exert
favorable influence on our negotiations with
| Spain
Our position in relation to the Independent
| States south of us on this continent, and espes-
! ialy those within the limits of North Amer
! lea, is of peculiar character The northern
! boundary of Mexico is coincident with our
own southern boundary from ocean to ocean;
/ and we must necessarily feel deep interest IN
! all that concerns the wel-being aud the fate
| of SO near a neigabor. We have always
cherished the kindest wishes for the success
of the republic, and have INDUCED tie hope
that it might a: last after all its trials, enjoy
pease and prosperity under free and stable
government We have never hitherto in
terfered. directly or indirectly, with its inter-
nal affairs, and it Is duty we owe to ourselves,
to protect the integrity of its territory, against
the hostile interference of any other power.
Our geographical position, our direct inter
ist in all that concerns Mexico, and our
we'll settled policy in regard to the North
American continent, render this an indispen-
siblc duty.
Mexico has been in state of constant
revolution almost ever since it achieved its
independence. One military leader after an
other usurped the government in rapid sue
cession; and the various constitutions from
time to time adopted, hare been set at naught
almost soon they were proclaimed -
The successive governments have afforded
no Mexican citizens, or foreign residents, a
gainst lawless violeuce. Heretofore, sci
zure Of the capital by military chicctain,
has 5ecn generally followed by at least the
nominal submission Of the country to his rule
for q brief period, but not SO at the present
crisis of Mexican affairs. n civil war has
been raging for some time throughout the
republic between the central government at
! the city, which has endeavored to subve.t
the constitution last framed, by military pow
cr, and those who maintain the authority of
that constitution. The antagonist parties
each hold possession of different States of the
, republic, and the fortunes Of the war are con-
stantly changing. Meanwhile, the most
reprehensibe means have been employed by
\ both tnr
as well as natives, TO carry on this ruinous
, contest. The truth is, that this fine country.
f blessed with d productive soil and a benign
climate, has been reduced by civil dissension
to condition OF almost hopeless anarchy and
: inlbecilty:' 1t woIld be vain for this gov
, ernment to attempt to force paymen: in mon :
ey Of the claims of American citizens, now
f amounting to more than ten million dollars,
f against Mexico, because she is destitute Of ali
e pecuniary means. to satisfy these demands. -
Our late minister was furnished with ann
t pie power and intructioEs for the adjustment
] of all pending questions with the central gov
/ ernment Of Mexico. snd he performed his du-
: ty with cal and ability. The claim Of our
e citizens, some of them arising out OF the vio-
b. lation of an EXPRESS provision OF the treaty
II of Guadalupe Hida!go, aad others from iniurie!
y to persons as well as property have remain
: ed unredrcssed and even unnoticed. ReInon
:. strances against these grievances have beer
g addressed without effect to that government
n Meantime, IN various parts of the republic
Instances have been numerous of the murder
y Imprisonment, and plunGer Of our citizens
,, by different parties claiming and exercising :
re local jurisdiction ; but the central govern
n ment, although repeatedly urged thereto
Of have made 10 effort either to punish the au
s. hors OF these ourages or prevent theie recur
TO Mexico on lawful business, without immiueu
ry danger to his person and property. Their
of is no adequate protection to either; and i
Sc this respect our treaty with that republic
be almost dead letter.
nt This state of affairs was brought to a eris
es in May last, by the promulg CATION of deere
er lcvylng contribution pro rata upon ali I'll
ir. capital in the republic, between certain spe,
a flied amount, whether held by Mexicans
NJ foreigners. MIR. Forsyth, regarding tn
"a decree in the light of a forced loan," fol
mally protested against its application to b
,al countrymen, and advised them not to pay IL
is contribution, but suffer it to be forcibly exa
as ted. Acting upon this advice, an America
he citizen refused to pay the contribution, ar
ng bis property was seized by armed men
lth satisfy the amount. Not content with thi
mt the government proceededtstiIl further, al
Ice issued decree banishing him from the cou
Of try. Oar minister Immediately notified the
las that if this decree should be carried into exec
Try tioa he would feel it to be his duty to ado
la the most desided measures that belong
of the powers and obligations of the represent
lys tive Office Notwithstanding this warnin
ing the banishment was enforced, and Mr. FL
all syth promptly announced to the goverume
the suspension of the political relations
nld his legation with them, until the pleasure