Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1858-12-10

long as thsmarket shall remain open there be
for the civilization of benghted Africa Whilst the de-
nand for slaves continues in Cuba, will be waged
among the petty and barbarous chiefs in Africa for the
purpose of Selling to supply this trade In such
condition of affairs it is impossible that the light OF
civilization and religion penetrate these dark
abOdes.
has been made known to the world by
that the United have several occasions endeavor
ed to acquire Cuba from Spain by honorable
trade would instantly disappear We would not we could
acquire Cuba in any other manner inns que 70 our ma
tona character All the territory which we have acquired
since the origin Ct the government mas peeh py la pur
chase from France Spain and Mexico, by the free and
voluntary act of the Independent State Texas blending
her destnies with This course hall ever pur
anticipate rendering departure from clearly JUST
fable under the imperative and overriding law OF sepre
servation.
The Island of Cuba, from its geographical position,
commands the mouth of the Mississippi, and the immense
and annually increasing trade foreign and coastWlse from
the valley of that noble river embracing half Of the
sovereign States of the Union With that Island underl
the dominion of distant Ore power this trade OF VI
tai Importance these States is exposed to the danger
of being destroyed in time OF has hitherto been
subjected to perpetual injury and annoyance In time OF
peace. Our relations with Spain, which ought to be OF
the most friendly character must always be placed in
jeopardy whilst the existing colonial government over
the Island shall remain in its present condition.
Whilst the possession of the Island would he of vast mpor
the United sad its ysx to &c a
the great Napoleon transferred Louisiana the United
France throughout the world has imputed
blame to him. for accepting pecunary equivalent for this
The publicity which been given former negota
required the purpose render expedient before
m o 1 a@ brs h9 @ n
cesary may become indispensable to success that
the Spanish Immediately after the signing Of the
am encouraged to make this suggestion by the example OF Mr.
aus to the urehase Of from EranSe
from Mexico refer the whole subject to Congress- and com
mend it to their careful consideration.
cember last IN favor OF appropriation ito be paid to the
Spanish government for the purpose of distributing among
the claimants in the Armsted case President Polk first
made SINH recommendation in December 1S47 and it
1858. entertain doubt that indemnity is fairly due to
these claimants under treaty with Spain of the 9th Oc
tober 1875 and whilst demanding Justice we ought to do
Justice An appropriation promptly made for this purpose
could not fail SO exert favorable influence on our negota
Our position in relation the Independent
us on this continent and especa y those within the limits
boundaries of Mexico is concdent with south
en boundary from ocean TO and must neCessar
y feel deep interest in all that concerns the webeng
and the fate of neghbor. We have always cher
and have INDUCED the hone that it might at last after all it's
trials enjoy peace and prosperity under free and stable
government We have never hitherto interfered directly
or Indirectly with its internal affairs and is duty which
ourselves, protect the integrity of its territory
against the hostile interference of other power Our
geographical position direct interest in all that concerns
Mexico and settled policy in regard the North
American continent render this an indispuabe duty
Mexico has been in state of constant resolution, almost
since achieved its independence One military lead
after another has usuped the government in rapid
cesson; and the various constitutions from time
adopted have been at naught almost they
proclaimed The successive governme hts have afford
adequate protection either Mexican citizens
foreign residents against lawess violence Heretofore
seizure Of the capital by military chefain has been gen
orally followed by least submission of the
country to his rule for brief period but not at the pres
en crisis of Mexican affairs. civil has been raging
for time throug the republic between the central
government the city of Mexico which has endeavored
subver the constitution last framed by military power and
those who maintain the authority of that constitution The
the republic and the fortunes of the constantly
changing. MEANWHILE the most reprehensibe have
been employed by both parties to e>tor money from for
eignes well natives, to carry this runous contest
The truth is that this fine country blessed with produc-
tive soil and benign climate, has been reduced by civil
dssenson to condition of almost hopeless anarchy and
beciity. would be vain for this government attempt
to enforce payment in money of the claims Of American c
zens, amounting to than ten million dollars against
Mexico, because she is destitute of all peCuiary
satisfy these demands.
Our late minister furnished with ample powers and
b tUr T oft %
ty with zeal and ability The claims of our citizens,
of them arising of the violation provision
Of the treaty of Guadalupe Hdago and others from gross
injuries to persons we'll property have remained
grievances have been addressed without to that
eminent Meantime in various parts of the republic nstan-
plumber of citizens by different parties claiming and
ercising local jurisdictions but the central government
although repeatedly urged thereto have made no effort e
her punish the authors of these outrages or to
their recurrence No citizen visit MeX
co on lawful business without imminent danger his
son and property. There adequate protection
ther and in this respect our treaty with that republic al
! most dead letter.
This state of affairs brought crisis in May last
by the PRONUNCIATION of decree evying contribution pro
rata upon all the capital in the republic, between
specified amounts whether held by Mexcans foreigners
Mr. Forsyth regarding this decree in the light of forced
oan, formally protested against its application to his
cOunrymen and advised them not to pay The contribution
but to suffer to be forcby eNacted. Acting upon this
vice. American citizen refused pay the contribution
and his property seized by armed satisfy the
amount Not content with this the government proceeded
still further, and issued decree banishing him from
this decree should be carried into execution he would fee
it to be his duty to adopt the decided that
belong to the and obligations of the representative
office. Notwithstanding this warning, the banshmen
enforced and Mr. Forsyth promptly announced to the
government the suspension of the political relations of his
legation with Them until the pleasure of his govern
e ment should be ascertained.
This government did not regard the contribution i'm
posed by the decree of the 18th May last to be in strict
forced lOan and such prohibited by the 10tf
article of the treaty Of 1926 between Great Britain anC
Mexico to the benefits of which American citizens
titled by treaty; yet the imposition of the contribution
upon foreigners considered unjust and oppressive
measure Besides internal factions in other parts of tn
republic were at the time levying similar exacOn
upon the property of our citizens, and nterruptng the
commerce.
There had been an entire failure on the part of our min
ster redress for the wrongs which citizen
had endured Notwithstanding his perseverng efforts.
And from the temper manifested by the Mexican govern
ment he had repeatedly assured US that favorable
change could be expected until the United States hOu
give striking evidence of their will and power to protec
their ctzens and that severe Christening is the on
earthly remedy for grievances From this satemen
of facts it would have been than idle to direct Nh
Forsyth to retrace his steps and diplomatic rea
tions with that government and it was, therefore, deem
ed proper to sanction his withdrawal of the Legation
Il from the city of Mexico.
4 Abundant undOubtly exists for resort t.
# hosttes against the government still holding possession
e of the capital Should they succeed in subdung th
constitutional forces all reasonable hope will then hav
1t expired of peaceful settlement of difficulties
tho tho titI,tio