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

doubt that indemnify is fairly due to these clai-
man!s under our treaty with Spain of the 9th
October, / 795 and whilst demanding Justice,
we ought TO do justice. An appropriation
promptly made for this purpose, could not fail
10 exert favorable influence on our negotIa-
tons with Spain.
Our position in relation 10 the independent
States South of US on this continent, and especial
" those within the limits of North America, is
OF peculiar character. The northern bonuda-
~ Of Mexico is coincIdenl with our own south
crn boundary ffom OCEAN to ocean and We
must necessarily feel deep interest in all that
concerns the well-being and the fate Of so near
nrizllbor. We have always cherished the KIN
dest ishes for the success of that republic, and
have INDUCED the hope that il ght at last, after
all IFS trials enjoy peace and prosperity unde:
free and stable government. We have never
hitherto interiered, directly or indirectly, with
IFS internal affairs, and it is duty which we
owe 10 ourselves, 10 protect the integrity OF IFS
territory, against the hostile interference of any
other power. Our geographical position, our
dreci interest in ell that concerns Mexico, ard
our well-settled policy in regard TO the North
! American continent, renders this an iadespensa-
bic duty.
/ Mexico has been in a state of constant re-
volntion, almost ever since it achieved its
/ independence. One military leader after anoth-
/ er has usurped the government in rapid success
/ ion and the various constitutions from time
to time adopted, have been set at naught al
most as soon as they were proclaimed. The
successive governments have afforded ade
quate protection, either TO Mexican citizens or
| foreign residents, against l,wless violence
Heretofore, SEIZURE Of the capital by militia
ry chIeftau; has been generally followed by at
least the nominal submission Of the country to
his rule for brief period, but moi al this crisis
Of Mexican affairs. A civil war has been ra-
ging for some time throughout the republic, be-
tween the central government at the city of
Mexico, which has endeavored 10 subvert
the constitution last framed, by military
power, and those who maintain the authority OF
that constitution. The antagonistic parties each
hold possession of different States of the republic
and the fortunes OF the war are constantly chan
ging. Meanwhile, the most reprehensbe
means have been employed by both parties TO
pXtort money from foreigners, as well as ma
tires, to carry on this runous contest. The
Truth is, that this fine country, blessed with
productive soil and a benign climate, has been
reduced by civil dissenSion 10 a condition Of
almost hopeless anarchy and imbeciity. II
would BE- vain for this government 10 attempt
to enforce payment 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 satisfy
( these demands.
! Our late minister was furnished with ample
powers and instructions tor the adjustment of all
pending questions with the central government
of Mexico, and he performed his duty with zeal
and ability. The claims ofour citizens, some
| of them arising out OF the violation of an ex-
press provision of the treaty Of Guadalupe
! Hdalgo, and others from gross injuries to per-
sons as we'll as property, have remained un-
redresSed and even unnotced. Remonstrances
against these grievances, have been addressed
iihaqt4;JIfct TO that government. Meantime,
been numerous of the murder, Imprisonment,
and pIunder Of our eli z Ds, by different parties
clai ming and exercising local jurisdiction but
the central government, although repeatedly
urged thereto, have made no effort either TO
punish the authors of these outrages, or to pre-
vent their recurrence. No American citizens
can now visit Mexico on Lawful! business, with
out imminent danger 10 his person and property.
! There is no adequate protection to either and
in this respect our treaty with that republic is
almost a dead letter.
| This state of affairs was brought TO a crisis in
May last, by the PRONUNCIATION of a decree
| leVylng contribution Pso r0ta upon all the
capital IN the republic, between certain specified
amounts, whether held by Mexicans or foreign
! ers. Mr.. Forsyth, regarding this decree in the
light OF a ''forced loan,'' formally protested. a.
galnSt It's application TO his countrymen, and
advised them not to pay the contribution, but TO
suffer il to lie forci5Iy eXacted. Acting upon this
advice, an American citizen refused TO pay the
contribution, and his property was seized by
armed men to satisfy the amount. Not con-
! tent with this, the government proce eded still
| further, and issued a decree baniShing him from
| the country. Our minister immediately notifi-
| ed them that if this decree should be carried
/ into execution, he would feel il to be his duty
TO adopt 'the most decided measures that belong
| to the powers and obligations of the representa-
/ tive office" withstanding this warning,
! the Punishment was enforced, aad Mr. FORSYTH
/ promptly announced to the government the
suspension of the political relations of his Iega-
ton with them, until the pleasure Of his own
| government should be ascertalned.
! This government did not regard the contribn-
| ton imposed by the decree OF the / 5h Nav
last TO be in strictneSs a E:forced loan" and as
such prohibited bV the 10th article Of The treaty
Of 1926 between Great Britain and Mexico, to
the benefits OF which American citizans are
entitled by treaty yet the imposition of the
contribution upon foreigners was considered an
unjust and oppressive measure. Besides, inter-
nal factions in other parts Of the republic were
al the same time levying similar exactions
upon the property Of our citizens, and Interrupt
lung their commerce. There had been an en-
tire failure on the part OF our minister, 10 Sc