The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1858-12-17

IT., aud may grant that redress To American cil-
zens which Justice requires, so far as they may
possess The means. But for this expectation,
should al once have recommended TO Con-
gresslto grant the necessary power to the Pres-
dent, to take possession of sufficient portion OF
the remote and unsettled territory Of Mexico,
TO be held IN pledge until our injuries shall be
redressed and just demands be satisfied. We
have already exhausted every milder means of
justice. Ia such case, this remedy
OF reprisals is recognised by the law Of nations
not only as Just in itself, but as a means OF pre-
venting actual war.
Bot there is another view of our relations
with Mexico, arising from the unhappy con-
dtion OF affairs along our southwestern frontier
which demands immediate action. Ia tina. re-
mote region, where there are but few white
inhabitants, large bands of hostile and predato-
~ Indians roam pTomiscuously over the Mexi-
can States of Chihuahua and Sonora, and our
adjoining Territories. The local governments
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 the
will, even 10 restrain lawless Mexican from
passing the border and committing depredatons
on our remote settlers. A state of anarchy
and violence prevails throughout the distant
frontier. The laws dead letter, and life
and property are wholly insecure. For this
reason the settlement OF Arizona is arrested,
whilst it is Of great Importance that a chain Of
inhabitants should extend all along IFS southern
border, sufficient for their own protection and
HAT of The United States mail passing to and
from California. Well founded apprehensions
are now entertained, that The Indians. and
wandering Meylcans equally lawless, may
break up the important stage aud postal COM
munication recently established between our
Atlantic and Pacific possessions. This passes
very near to the Mexican boundary, through
out the whole length of Arizona. | can ina
CINE no possible remedy for these evils and no
mode OF restoring law and order on that remote
and unsettled frontier, but for The government
oil the United States 10 assume temporary
protectorate over the northern portions OF
Chihuahua and Sonora, and 10 establish militia
ry posts within the same and this earnestly
recommend to Congress. THIS protection may
be withdrawn, as soon as local governments
shall be established in these Mexican States,
capable of performing their duties to the United
States, restraining the IawleSs and preserving
peace along the border.
l do not doubt that this measure will be
viewed in friendly spirit by the governments
and people Of Chihuahua and Sonora, as it viii
prove equally ef5cuaI for the protection Of
their citizens on that remote and lawiess from
tier. as for citizens Of the United States.
And in this connexion, permit me 10 recall
your attention, 10 the condition of Arizona.-
The population of that Territory, numbering,
as is alleged, more than Ten thosuand souls, are
practically without government, without
any regular administration Of justice. Murder
and other crimes are committed with lmpunty.
This state Of things calls loudly for redress and
|, therefore, repeat my recommendation for the
establishment of a territorial government over
Arizona.
The political condition OF the narrow 18th
mus of Central America through which transit
routes pass, between the Atlantic and Pacific
0r eFafS4ni.G subfet 2l dsep pseres aS t9 al
that large proportion OF the trade and trayeI
between the European and Asiatic continents
IS destined 10 pass. To the United States these
routes are of incaIculabe Importance, as q
means of communication between their Allan
tic and Pacific possessions. The latter now
extend throughout seventeen degrees of latitude
on the Pacific coast, embracing the important
State of California and the Aourishing Terrific
rieS of Oregon and Washington. All com
merciaI nations, therefore, have deep and d.
rect interest, that these communications shall
be rendered secure from interruption. If an
arm Of the sea, connecting the two oceans
penetrated through Nicaragua and Costa Rica
it could not be pretended that these States
would have the right TO arrest or retard It's
navigation, to the injury of other nations
The transit by land over this narrow isthmus,
occupies nearly the same position. 1t is a high
way in which they themselves have little inter-
est, when compared with the vas interests oi
the rest Of the world. Whilst their rights OF
sovereignty ought TO be respected, II is the
duty OF other nations 10 require. that this
important passage shall not be interrupted, bv
the civil war and revolutionary outbreaks.
which have so frequently occurred in that re-
gion. The stake is too important, 10 be left at
the mercy Of rival companies, claiming to hold
conflicting contracts with Nicaragua The
commerce of other nations is not to stand
still and await the adjustment of such petty
controversies. The government of the United
States expect no more than this, and they will
not be satisfied with less. They would not.
ii they could, derive any advantage from the
Nicaragua transit, not common to the rest of
the world. lis neutrality and protection, Tor
the common nse Of all nations, is their only
object. They have no objection that Nicara-
qua shall demand and receive fair compensa-
tion, from the companies and individuals who
may traverse the route but they insist that it
shall never hereafter be closed, by an arbitrary
decree OF that government. If disputes arise
between it and those with whom they may
have entered in to contracts, these must be
adjusted by some fair tribunal provided for the
purpose, and the route must not be closed pen
ding the controversy. This is our whole poll
cy, and it cannot fail 10 be acceptable TO other