Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1858-12-14

with It's internal affairs. and it is duty which
we owe 10 ourselves, TO protect the integrity OF
It's territory against the hostile interference "i
any other power. Our geographical position
our direct interest in all that concerns Mexico,
and orr well settled policy ia regard TO the
North American continent. render this an indIs-
pensible duty
Mexico has been in state OF constant revolu-
ton. almost ever since 1t achieved is indepen-
dence. One military leader after another has
usurped the governn ent in rapid succession. and
he various constitutions from time 10 time a
dopted have been set at naught almost as soon as
proclaimed. The successive governments have
afforded adequate protection, either TO Mex
lean citizens foreign residents. against law less
violence. Heretofore 4 seizure OF the capital by
a military chieftaia has been followed by at
| least the nominal submission of the country
his rule for brlef period out moi so al the pres
ent crisis of Mexican affairs. civil war has
4 been raging for some time throughout the
public, beiweea the central government at The
civ of Mexico, which has endeavored &c subvert
the constitution last framed by military power.
ana those " BIO maintained the authority Of that
constitution. The antagonist parties each hold
( possession of different States of the republic,
and the fortunes Of war constantly changing
/ Meanwhile The most replebensible ineal.s have
been enjoyed by both PARTIES &c eXtort money
! from foreigners, as well a. natives, TO carry
this ruinous contest. The truth is that this f
nign climate has been reduced by civil IsseI-
sion 10 Z condition of almost hopeless anarchy
and imbeciitv II would be vain for this gov
| eruraent TO enforce payment in money OF the
claims of American Citizens AoT- amounting 70
more than ten million dollars, against Mexico.
/ because she is destitute of all pecunIary means
! 10 satisfy these demands
/ Our late minister was furnished with ample
powers and instructions for the al u>t rnent of
all pending questions with the central govern
y1adl tsfr-
zeal and ability. The claims of citizens.
some Of them arising out Of the violation of an
1 express provision Of the treaty Of Gau6aloupe
Hidilgo, and Others from gross injuries TO per-
sons well as property, having remained un-
redressed and even unnotIced. Remonstrance
against these grievances have been addressed
! without effect to that government. Mean while,
in various parts of the ublic, instances have
been numerous of the murder, Imprisonment and
plumber of citizens by different parties
claiming and exercising local jurisdiction but
the central government, although repeatedly
| urged thereto, have made effort to punish the
authors OF these outrages. or TO prevent their re-
cUrreuce. No American citizen now visit
Mexico on lawful business without imminent
danger TO person and property. There is no adj
tequate protection to either and in this respect
o,ir treaty with that republic is almost dead
letter
This st7'e of affairs was brought to a crisis in
Nav last, Nv the PRONUNCIATION OF decree levy
ing 2 Contribution pro TaIa uIttl All Tue cSpltdi
in the republic. between certain specified a
mounts, whether held bv Mexcans or foreign =
ers. Mr.. FORSYTH, regarding the decree in the
hight OF forced loan formally protest ed
against its application to his country men, and
advised them not TO paw the contri button but to
suffer it to be iorclbly exacted. Acting upon
this advice, an American citizen refused 10 paw
contribution. and his property seized by
armed men 10 satisfy the amount Not content
with his the government proceeded still further
and issued a decree banisbing him from the
country. Our Minister Immediately notified
them. that if this decree should be carried into
execution he would feel it to be his duty to
adopt he most decided measures that belon Q
- the powers ana obligations of the representa-.
i've office" Notwithstanding this warning, the
Punishment was enforced, and Mr.. FORSYTH
promptly announced o the COVE. nment the sus-
pension OF political relations of his legation with
hem. until the pleasure of his OWL, government
should be ascerialned.
I This government did not regard the contribu-
ton imposed by the decree of the 18th of Nav
last. TO in striciness forced loan" and as sucl
prohibited by the tenth article of the treaty %
1896, between Great Baitain and Mexico To the
benefits of which American citizens are entitled
by treaty yet the imposition of the contribu-
tIon upon foreigners considered an unjust
and oppressive measure Besides internal fac
lions IN other parts of the republic were at the
same time levyIng similar exactions upon the
property Of onr citizens, and interrupting tbei,
commerce. There has been an entire falling OF
the part of our Minister to secure redress for tho
wrongs which our citizens have endured, not.
wlthsiandiag his perseverng efforts. And from
the temper manifested by the Mexican govern.
ment: he had repeatedly assured rs that no IA.
vorabfe change could be EXPECT ed until the mi.
ted States give striking evidence of their vii
aud power to protect their citizens" and thai
severe Christening Is the only earthly remedy fol
our grievances. From this statement of facts il
would have been worse than idle to direct Mr.
Forsyth TO retrace his steps ard resume relations
with That government ard it was therefore
deemed proper to sanction his Withdrawal of tho
legation from the city of Mexico
/ Abundant cause row undoubtedly exists fol
resort In hostilities against the government
stlll holding possession of the capital. Should
they succeed in suhduing the constitutional for.
ces, all reasonable hope will then have expired
| of peaceful settlement of our difficulties
On the other hand should the constitutional
/ rarty prevail, and their authority he establish.
ed over he republic there is reason To hope thai
they will be animated by a less unfiiendlv spir-
| IT. and grant that redress TO American citizens
which justice requires, far they may pos
sess the means.
But for this expect alton, | should ~ once have
recommended to Congress TO grant the necessary
power to the President, TO take possession of q
sufficient portion of the remote and unsttlcd ter
ritory of Mexico, to be held in pledge until our
injuries shall be redressed and our lust demands
be satisfied. We have already exhausted every
milder means OF obtaining Justice In such q
case, This remedy of reprisals is recognized BY
the law of nations, not only as just TO itself, but
as means of preventing actual war
(Concludcd neat ucek