Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1858-12-16


maintain the authority of that constitution.
The antagonist parties each hold posse
ion Of different States Of the republic, and
the fortunes of the war are constantly
changing. Meanwhile, The most reprehen-
sible means have been employed by both
parties to exiort money from foreigners, as
well as natives, TO carry on this ruinous con-
test. The truth is, that this fine country,
blessed with productive soil and benign
climate, has been reduced by civil dissen-
sion TO a condition Of almost hopeless an
archy and imbecility. 1t would be vain for
this government to attempt to enforce pay
ment in money of the claims Of American
citizens, now amounting TO more than ten
million dollars, against Mexico, because she
is destitute Of all pecuniary means TO salts
fy these demands.
Our late minister was furnished with
ample powers and instructions for the ad-
jusiment Of all pending questions with the
central government of Mexico, and he per-
formed his duty with zeal and ability
The claims of our citizens, some Of them a.
rising out Of the violation Of an express
provision Of the treaty Of Gaudalope Hidal-
go,and others from gross injuries to persons
as well as property, have remained unre-
dressed and even unnoticed. Remonstran-
ces against these grievances, have been ad-
dressed without effect 10 that government.
Meantime, in various parts Of the Republic,
instances have been numerous Of the muir
der, imprisonment, and plumber Of our citi-
zens by different parties claiming and exer.
cising local jurisdiction; but the central
government, although repeatedly urged
thereto, have made no effort either TO pun.
ish the authors Of these outrages or to pre-
vent their recurrence. No American citi-
zen can now visit Mexico on lawful bust
ness, without iminent danger to his person
and property. There is no adequate protec-
ton TO either; and in this respect our treaty
with that Republic is almost dead letter.
This state of affairs was brought to crr-
sis in May last, by the PRONUNCIATION Of q
decree levying contribution pro rata upon
all the capital in the republic, between Ger
tain specified amounts, whether held by
Mexicans or foreigners. Mr.. Forsyth, re-
garding this decree in a light Of q "forced
loan," formally protested against its appli-
cation 10 his countrymen,an and advised them
not to pay the contribution, but to suffer it
to be forcibly exacted. Acting upon this
advice, an American citizen refused 10 pay
the contribution, and his property was seiz-
cd by armed men to satisfy the AMOUNT
Not content with this, the government pro-
ceeded still further, and issued decree
banishing him from the country. Our min
lister Immediately notified 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 belong TO the
repre- sentative Office" Notwithstanding
this warning, the Punishment was enforced,
and Mr.. Forsyth promptly announced 10
the government the suspension Of the po-
liticai relations Of bis legation with them,
until the pleasure Of his own government
should be ascertained.
This Government did not regard the con-
tribu,ion imposed by the decree Of the 18th
Nav last to be iii strictness "forced luan,"
and as such prohibited by the 10Th article
Of the treaty Of 1926 between Great Britain
and Mexico, 10 the benefits Of which Amer
lean citizens are entitled by the treaty; yet
the imposition Of the contribution upon .or-
eigneis was considered an unjust and OIL
fensive measure. Besides, internal factions
in other parts Of the Republic were at the
same time levying similar exsctions upon
the property Of our citizens and interrupts
ing their commerce. There had been an
entire failure on the part of our Minister 10
secure redress for the wrongs which our
citizens had endured, notwithstanding his
preserving efforts. And from the temper
manifested by the Mexican government he
had repeatedly assured US that no favorable
change could he expected, until the United
States should "give striking evidence Of
their will and power to protect their citi-
zens," and that "severe chastenlng is the
only earthly remedy for our grievances.
From this statement of facts, il woald
have been worse than idle TO direct Mr..
Forsyth to retrace his steps and resume
diplomatic relations with that government;
and it was, therefore, deemed proper to
sanction his withdrawal Of the Legation
from The city of Mexico.
ABUNDANT CAUSE ron WAR WITH MEXICO
AND WHEN 1T SHOULD BE COMMENCED.
Abundant cause now undoubtedly exists,
for resort to hostilities against the gov.
eminent still holding possession Of the cap
ital. Should they succeed in subduing the
forces, all reasonable hope
will then have expired Of peaceful settle
nent of our difficulties.
SEIZURE OF MEXICAN TERRIToRy.
On the other hand, should the constilu-
tional party prevail and their authority be
established over the republic, there is rea-
son to hope that they will be animated by a
less unfriendly spirit, and may grant that
redress 10 American citizens which justice |
requires, so far as they may possess the
means. But for this expectation, should
It once have recommended TO Congress to
grant tho necessary power to the President
10 take possession Of sufficient portion Of
he remote and unsettled Territory Of Mex.
co, 10 be held in pledge until our injuries
hall be redressed and our just demands be
We have already exhausted eve
y milder means Of obtaining justice. In
INCH a case This remedy of renrisalx ia re.