The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-11-04
AFFAIRS IN MEXICO THE PLYMOUTH At
TAMPICO.
'or comparison

The Navy Department. has received dispatches from
Commander John A. DahlgTen, commanding the United
States oop Plymouth giving the particulars Of the visit
of that vessel to Tampico and of interview with Pres
ent Juarez at Vera Cruz The date the last letter is
at Vera Cruz, October 18th.
The Plymouth reached Tampco on the Sd of October,
and Immediately communicated with the American con
sui, Franklin Chase esq The consul then transmitted
to Commander Dahgren copies Of affidavts by Victor
Basen and Christian Herman Schultz, citizens of the
United States Bastien declares that on the first day
of October he arrested by officer of the consttu
tiona army who conducted him to the commissariat
where peremptory demand made upon him for the
immediate payment of So 900 forced loan that he
refused to pay It, and that the officer then escorted him
by force to the military barracks where he ncarce
rated and remained until coerced to satisfy the said un
just exaction. Schultz is merchant of Tampico who
had imported quantity Of merchandise valued at over
Sl2 000 upon which he had paid secured to be paid
to the local custom-house authorities belonging to the
constitutional party, the accruing duties The merchan.
disc destined to San Luis Potos and Santa Barbara
which places within the possession the central
ernment The merchandise appears to have been seized
by the authorities of the central government and de-
mand made upon Schultz for the payment of duties sec
ond time to that party This Schultz protests against as
in violation of the existing treaties between the United
Suites and Mexico.
Commander Dahlgreen had interview with Gov
Garza OF Tampco, who assumed the responsibility for
the forced loan upon Basen and that he was ready to
make indemnity to him for the injury done In reply to
inquiries Gov Cara said that he had great disincina
ton to practise similar molesations upon citizens of the
United States, but necessity might compel him to resort
to like contributions all merchants in which those of
the United States would, of course, be included. Com
mander Dahgen demonstrated against the proprety of this
course and reminded Gov Cara that the United States
government had fully approved of the OF Mr. For
syth in resisting similar exactions upon American resi-
dents at the city of Mexico and that continuance of such
would endanger the friendly relations between the
two countries Gov. Cara would bind himself to nothing
further but promised TO write TO his government that Of
Ju,rez, for more particular instructions
The OF Mr.. Schultz was then discussed Gov
Cara observed that the matter under judicial inves
tgaon, and that he not disposed to interfere To
this it replied that the merchant could iuvest
gate the political rights Of the local authorities and
that the United States could not hold the Judge espon
sibe but look to the government Of Mexico for the
reparaon Of any wrongs.
Two Spanish war steamers stationed in the river OF
Tanpco for the protection of its consulate and mer
chants An English force also expected, Eng
fish merchant had been forced to pay 81 0oo his house
taken by soldiers, and himself put into prison. Com
mandcr Dahlgrcn makes the following general remarks
upon the condition Of Mexico
can hardly convey TO the Department an accurate