Saint Paul weekly Minnesotian., 1858-12-18

Acting upon this advice, an American either
refused to pay contribution, and his property
was seized by armed men to satisfy the amount
Not content with this, the government pro-
ceeded still farther, and issued decree BAN
ishing him from the country. Our minister
Immediately notified them, that if the decree
should be carried into execution, he would
feel it to be his duty to adopt ''the most de-
cided measures that belong to the powers and
obligations Of the representative Office" Not
withstanding this warning, the banishment
was enforced, and Mr.. Forsyth promptly an
nounced to the Government the suspension
Of the political relations of his legation with
them, until the pleasures of his own govern
ment should be ascertained. ...
This government did not regard the centri-
button imposed by the decree of the 10Th of
May last to be in strictness forced loan,"
and as such prohibited by the tenth article of
the treaty of 1926 between great Britain and
Mexico to the benefits of which American
citizens are entitled by treaty; yet the impo-
sition Of the contribution upon foreigners was
considered an unjust and oppressive mea-
sure. Besides, internal factions in other
parts of the republic were at the same time
leyying similar exactions upon the property of
our citizens, and ndinterrupting their commerce.
There had been an entire failing on the part of
our Minister to secure redress for the wrong
which our citizens had endured, notwithstand-
ing his persevering efforts. And from the
temper manifested by the Mexican govern
ment, he had repeatedly assured us that no
favorable charge could DO e,spootnd until the
.. S. should give striking evidence of their
will and power to protect their citizens" and
that I" severe Christening is the only earthly
remedy for our grievances" From this state
ment of facts it would have been worse than
idle to direct Mr.. Forsyth to retrace his steps
and resume relations with that government :;
and is was, therefore, deemed proper to sane
ton his withdrawal of the legation from the
city of Mexico
Abundant cause now undoubtedly exists,
for resort to hostilities against the govern
ment, still holding possession of the capital
Should they succeed in subduing the consti-
tutional forces, all reasonable hope will then
have expired of a peaceful settlement of our
difficulties.
On the other hand, should the constitu-
tional party prevail, and their authority be
established over the republic, there is reason
to hope that they will be animated by less
unfriendy spirit, and grant that redress to
American citizens which justice requires, so
lar as tGey may possess the means, But
for this expectation, should at once have
recommended to Congress to grant the ne
cessary power to the President, to take
possession of a sufficient portion of the re-
mote and unsettled territory of Mexico, to
be held in pledge until our injuries shall be-
redressed and our just demands be satisfied.
We have already exhausted every milder
means of obtaining justice In such q case,
this remedy Of rcprisals is recognized by
the law of nations, rot only as just TO itself,
but as means of preventing actual war.
A PROTECToRATE ADVISED.
But there is another view of our relations
with Mexico arising from the unhappy con-
diton of affairs along the Southwestern from
tier, which demands immediate action. In
that remote region, were there are but few
white inhabitants, large bands of hostile and
predatory Indians roam promscuously over
the Mexican States Of Chihuahua and Sono-
ra and our adjoining Territories. The local
governments of these States are perfectly
helpless, and are kept in state of constant
alarm by the Indians. They have not the
power, if they possessed the will, even to re-
strain lawless Mexicans from passing the
border and committing dcpredations ON our
remote settlers. A state Of anarchy aud
violence prevails throughout that distant
frontier. The laws arc dead letter, and life
and property are wholly insecure.
For this reason the settlement Of Arizona
is arrested, whilst it is of great importance
that a chain of inhabitants should extend all
along it's southern border, sufficient for their
own protection and that Of the United States
70 oil
founded apprehcnsions are now entertained,
that the Indians, and wandering MeXicans
eqtially lawless, may break up the important
stage and postal communication recently es-
tablished between our Atlantic and Pacific
possessions. This passes very near to the
Mexican boundary, throughout the whole
remedy for these evils, and no mode Of res
toring law and order on that remote and un-
settled frontier, but for the government of the
Untce States to as sumo temporary prOtec-
torate over the MOI them portions of Chihuahua
and Sonora, and to establish military posts
within the same and this is earnestly recon-
mended to Congress. This protection may
be withdrawn, as soon as local governments
shall be established in these Mexican States,
capable of performing their duties to the Uni
ing peace along the border.
| do not doubt that this measure will be
viewed in friendly spirit by the governments
and people of Chihuahua and Sonora, as it
will prove equally effectual for the protection
of their citizens on that remote and lawless
frontier, as for citizens of the United States.
CONDITION OF ARIZONA.
And in this connection permit me to recall
your attention to the condition of Arzona.-
The population of that Territory, numbering
a. is alleged more than ten thousand souls
are practically without government, with
out laws, and without any regular administra-
ton Of justice. Murder and other crimes are
committed with impunity. This state Of
things calls loudly for redress; and l there
fore repeat my recommendation Tor the es-
tablisbment of a Territorial government over
Arizona.
CENTRAL AMERICA.
The political condition of the narrow 18TH
mus of Central America through which tran
sit routes pass, between the Atlantic and Pa
cific Oceans, presents subject of deep inter-
est to all commercial nations. 1t is over these
transits that large proportion OF the trade
and travel between the European and Asiat-
&c COUtiucut Is OcStiIicti ~ pass. AZ ".
S. these routes are of incalculable impo. tance
as means o.. communication between their
Atlantic and Pacific possessions. The latter
now extend throughout the seventeen degrees
of latitude on the Pacific coast, embracing
the important States of California and the
fourishing Territories of Oregon and Wash
iDgton. All commercial nations, therefore,
have a deep and direct interest that these
communications shall be rendered secure from
interruption. IL an arm of the sea, connect
ing the two oceans, penetrating through Nj
caragua and Costa Rica, it could not be pre-
tended that these States would have the right
to arrest or retard its navigation to the injury
Of other nations. The transit by land over
this narrow isthmns occupies nearly the same
position. 1t is highway in which they
themselves have little interest, when compar
ed with the vast interests of the rest OF the
world. Whilst their rights of sovereignty
ought to be respected, it is the duty of other
nations to require that this important passage
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