M'arthur Democrat. (McArthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1853-1865, 1858-12-23
Presidents Message.
| CONCLUDED. |

pendent States south OF us on this con
continent, and especially those within
the limits of North America, is of {
peculiar character. The northern
boundary of Mexico is coinciden
with our own southern boundary from
ocean to ocean; and must necessarily
feela a deep pinterest in all that concerns
the well-being and the fate of so near
q neighbor. We have always cherish
ed the kindest wishes for the success
of that Republic, and have INDUCED
the hope that il might at last, after
all its trials, enjoy peace and prosperi-
ty under a free and stable govern.
ment.
We have never hitherto interfered
directly or indirectly, with its internal
affairs, and it is a duty which we owe
to ourselves, to protect the integrity
Of its territory against the hostile in
reference of any other Power. Our
geographical position, our direct in.
terest in all that concerns Mexico, and
our well-settled policy in regard to
the North American continent, render
this an indispensable duty.
Mexico has been in State Of con-
slant revolution, almost ever since it
achieved its independence. One mil
itary leader after another has usurped
the Government in rapid succession;
and the various constitutions from
time to time adopted, have been set
at naught almost as soon as they were
proclaimed. The successive govern,
ments have afforded TO adequate pro.
lection, either to Mexican citizens or
foreign residents, against lawless vio-
lence. Heretofore, a seizure of the
capital by a military chieltain, has
been generally followed by at least the
nominal submission of the country to
his rule for brief period; but NOT so
at the present crisis of Mexican af,
fairs. A civil war has been raging
for some time throughout the Repub.
lie, between the central Government
at the city of Mexico, which has en-
deavored to subvert the constitution
last framed, by military power, and
those who maintain the authority of
that constitution. The antagonist
parties each hold possession of differ
ent States of the Republic, aud the
fortunes Of the war are constantly
changing. Meanwhile, the most rep
rehensible means have been employed
by both parties to eXtort money from
foreigners, as well as natives, to carry
on this ruinous contest. The truth is,
that this fine country, blessed with a
productive soil and a benign climate,
has been reduced by civil dissension
to condition of almost hopeless an
archy and imbecility. 1t wonld be
vain for this Government to attempt
to enforce payment in money Of claims
of American citizens, now amounting
to more than ten million dollars,
against Mexico, because she is desti-
tute Of all pecuniary means to satisfy
these demands.
Our late Minister was furnished
with ample powers and instructions
for the adjustment Of all pending ques-
tions with the central Government of
Mexico, and he performed his duty
with zeal and ability. The claims Of
our citizens, some of them arising out
of the violation of an express provis-
ion Of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidal-
90, and others from gross injuries to
persons as well as property, have re-
mained unredressed and even unno.
ticed. Remonstrances against these
grievances, have been addressed with
out effect to that government. Mean
time, in various parts OF the Repub-
lie, instances have been numerous of
the murder, Imprisonment, and plum
der of our citizens, by different par
ties claiming and exercising a local
jurisdiction but the central Govern
ment, although repeatedly urged
1hOAObOj udfO ulhu6 uO cuOIb 0lLu6T "
punish the authors of these outrages
or to prevent their recurrence. No
American citizen can now visit Mex
leo on lawful business, without immi-
nent danger to his person and proper
ty. There is no adequate protection
to either; and in this respect our treaty
with that Republic is almost a dead
letter.
This state of affairs was brought to
a crisis in. May last, by the promulga,
ton of decree levying contribu-
tion pro rata upon all the capital in
the Republic, between certain speci-
fed amounts, whether held by Mexi
cans or foreigners. Mr.. FORSYTH, re.
garding this decree in the light of a
"forced loan" formally protested
against it's application to his country.
men, and advised them not to paw the
contribution, but to suffer it to be for.
cibly exacted. Acting upon this ad.
vice. an American citizen refused ia
pay the contribution, and his property
was seized by armed men to satisfy
the amount. Not content with this,