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

lean government, he had repeatedly assured
US that nofavorable change could be expected,
until the United States should give striking
evidence of their will and power to protect
their citizens, "and ''severe Christening is the
only earthly remedy for our grievances"
From this statement OF facts, it would have
been worse than idle, to direct Mr.. Forsyth
to retrace his steps, aud resume diplomatic
relations with that government; AID it was,
therefore, deemed proper to sanction bis
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 tn caused in subduing the constitu-
tional forces, all reasonable hope Will then
bave expired of 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
hope that they will be animated by a 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
expectations, l should at once have recon-
mended to Congress to grant the necessary
power to the President, to take possession of
sufficient portion of the remote and unset
tied territory OF Mexico to be held in pledge
until our injuries shall be redressed acd cur
just demands satisfied. We have already
exhausted every milder means of obtaining
justice In snch case, this remedy of rep
risas is recognized by the laws of nations,
not only as just in itself, but as means Of
| preventing actual. war.
| But there is a mother view Of our relations
with Mexico, arising from the unhappy con
! l;.;o ofo Of, oil thyuaS
tier which demands immediate action. In
that remote region, where there are but few
white inhabitants, large bands of hostile and
predatory Indians roaming promiscuously
over the Mexican States of chihuahua and
Senora and our adjoining Territories. The
local government of these States are perfectly
helpless and are kept IN a state Of constant
alarm by the Indians. They have not the
power, if they possessed rhe will, eyeu to re-
stain lawless Mexicans from passing the bor-
der and committing depredatlous on our re-
mote settlers 4 state of anarchy and violence
prevails throughout that distaut frontier
For this reason the settlement of Arizona is
ARRESTED, whilst it is of great Importance
that a chain Of inhabitants should extend all
along Its suth ern border, sufficient for their
own protection and that of the United States
mail passing to and from California. Well
founded apprehensions are now entertained,
that the Indians, and wandering Mcxicans
equally lawless, may break up the important
stage aud postal communication recently es-
tabiised between our Atlantic and Pacific
possessions This passes very near to the
Mexican boundary, throughout the whole
length of Arszona. | can imagine no possible
remedy for these evils, and no mode of resto-
ring law and order on that remote and unset
/ tlad hnt for nf thp tIpI-
ted States to assume temporary protectorate
over the northern PORTIONS of Chihunhua and
Sonora, and to establish military posts within
. the same-and this l earnestly recommend to
Congress. This protection may Ge withdrawn
as soon local governments shall be es tab
blished in these Mexican States, capable O.
performing their duty to the United States
, sestraining the lawless and preserving peace
along the border.
10 not doubt that this measure will be
viewed in friendly spirit By the govern
ments and people Of Chihuahua and Sonora
t as it will prove equally effectual for the pro
lection of their citizens on that remote and
: lawcss frontier, as for citizens of the United
States
And in this connection, permit me to cal
Y your attention t. the condition of Arizonia
5 The population OF that Territory, numbering
as | alleged, more than ten thousand souls
= are practically without government, withou
n laws, and without any regular administration
). of justice. Murder and other crimes ar
;, committed with imp punity. This state Q
:. things calls loudly for redress and l, there
:, fore, repeat my recommendation for a terri
a torial government over Arizona.
i The political condition of the narrow 18th
}. mus of Central America through whic
/, transit routes pass, between the Atlantic an
= Pacific oceans, presents subject Of deep in
il terest to all commercial nations. 1t is owe
1t these translts that large proportion OF tn
% trade and travel between the European ar
in Asiatic continents is destined to pass. L
is the United States these routes are of incalcl
liable Importance, as a means of communicf
IS ton between their Atlantic and Pacific po:
,e sessions. The latter now extend tbroughot
,e seventeen degrees of latitude on the Paclt
c. coast, en- mbracing the important State of Cal
or fornia and the flourishing Territories of Or,
is gon and Washington. All commercial M
r tions, therefore, have deep and direct inte
is est that these communications shall be re,
he dered secure from interruption, # an ar
C. of the sea, connecting the two oceans, pen
an trated through Nicaragua and Costa Rica,
nd could not be pretended that these Stat
to would have the right to arrest or retard
is navigation to the injury of other nation
nd The transit by land over this isthmus occ
n pies nearly the same position 1t is hig
I'm way in which they themselves have lit
u interest, when compared with the vast inte
mt csts of the rest of the world.
to Whilst their rights of sovereignty might
Ia- respected, it is the duty of other nations
6, require that this important passage shall L
or- be interrupted by the civil wars and revol
mt tionary outbreaks which have so frequent
of occurred in this region. The stake is t
of important to be left at the mercy of ri,