Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1858-12-09

This state of affairs was brought to crisis
In May last by the PRONUNCIATION of decree
levying contribution pro rata upon all the
capital in the Republic, between certain specifi-
ed amounts, whether held by Mexicans or
foreigners Mr.. Forsyth, regarding this decree
in the light of forced loau," formally pro-
tested against its application to his countrymen,
and advised them not to pay the contribution
but to suffer it to be forcibly exacted. Acting
upon this advice, an American citizen refused
to pay the contribution, and hisproperty seized
by armed men to satisfy the amount Not con-
tent with this the Government proceeded still
further, and issued a decree banishing him from
the country. Our Minister Immediately mott
fed them that if this decree should be carried
into execution, he would feel it to be his duty
to adopt the most decided measures that be-
long to the powers and obligations of the rep
reSentative Office" Notwithstanding the warn
ihg the banishment was enforced, and Mr..
Forsyth promptly announced to the Govern
ment the suspension of the political relations
of his legation with them, until the pleasure of
his own Government should be ascertained
This Government did not regard the contr
button imposed by the decree of the 18th of
May last to be in strictness forced loan,"
and as such prohibited by the tenth article of
treaty of 1920 between Great Britain and
Mexico, to the benefits of which American cit
zen are entitled by treaty yet the imposition
OF the contribution upon foreigners was con>id
cred an unjust and oppressive measure. Besides,
internal factions in other parts of the republic
were at the same time levyng similar exactions
upon the property of our citizens, and interrupt
ing their commerce. There bad been an entire
failure on the part of our Minister to secure
redress for the wrongs our citizens had endured
notwithstanding his persevering efforts And
from the temper manifested by the Mexican
Government, he had repeatedly assured us that
no favorable change could be expected until the
United States should "give striking evidence
of their will and power to protect their citizens"
and that " 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 diplomatic relations with that Gov
ernment and it was, therefore, deemed proper
to sanction his withdrawal of the legation from
the city of Mexico.
Abundant cause now undoubtedly exists for
a resort to hoStilities against the Government
still holding possession Of the capital. Should
they succeed in subduing the Constitutional
forces, all reasonable hope will then have ex-
pired of peaceful settlement of onr difficulties.
On the other hand, should the Constitution
al party prevail, and their authority by estab-
lished over the republic there is reason to
hope that they will be animated by less un-
friendly spirit, and may grant that redress to
American citizens which justice requires, so far
as they may possess the means But for this
expectation, ! should at once have recommended
to Congress to grant the necessary power to
/ the President to take possession of a sufficient
portion of the remote and unsettled territory
of Mexico, to be held in pledge until our in
/ iuries shall be redressed and our just demands
/ be satisfied. We have already exhausted every
milder means of obtaining justice. In such a
case, this remedy of reprisals is recognized by
the law of nations not only as just to itself,
but as means of preventing actual war.
But there is another view of our relations
with Mexico, arising from the unhappy condI-
ton of affairs along our Southwestern frontier
which demands immediate action. In that
remote region, where there arc but few white
inhabitants. large bands of hostile and pre-
datory Indians roam promiScuously over the
Mexican States of Chihuahua and Sonora and
our adjoining Territories The local Govern
ment 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 restrain lawIeSS
MexicanS from passing the border and com
mitting depredations on our remote settlers
A state of anarchy and violence prevail,
throughout that distant frontier. The laws
are dead letter, and life and property are
wholly insecure For this reason the settle
ment of Arizona is arrested, whilst It's Of great
Importance that q chain of inhabitants should
extend all along its southern border, sufficient
for their own protection and that OF the Unit
ed States mail passing to and from California
WelEfounded apprehenSiOnS are now entertain
ed, that the Indians and wandering MeXlcan|
equally lawlcss, may break up the important
stage and postal communication recently estab
lishcd between our Atlantic and Pacific pos
sessions The passes very near to the Mexican
boundary, throughout the whole length o
Arizona | can imagine no possible remedy
for these evils, and no mode of restoring law
and order on thatremote and unsettled frontier
but for the Government of the Uuited State;
to assume a temporary protectorate over the
northern portions of chihuahua and Sonora
and to establish military posts within the same
and this is earnestly recommended to Congress
This protection may be withdrawn, as soon a.
local Governments shall be established in these
Mexican States, capable of performing thei
duties to the United States, restraining th'
awless and preserving peace along the border
do not doubt that this measure will G'
viewed in a friendly spirit by the Government
and people of Chihuahua and Sonora, as it vii
prove equally effectual for the protection o
their citizens on that remote and lawless from
tier, as for citizens of the United States.
ARIZONA.
And in this connection permit me to recall
YOUR attention to the condition of Arizona. =
The popuIation of that Territory, numbering