The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1858-12-15


ing, the banishment was enforced, and MIR.
Forsyth promptly announced 10 the govern
meni The suspension Of the political relations
oil his legation with them, until the pleasure
of his own government should be ascertain
ed.
Thiseovernment did not regard the contri-
button imposed bv the decree of the 18Th
May last TO be in strictness "forced loan"
and as such prohibited by the 10th article
of the treaty of 1926 between Great Britain
and Mexico, TO the benefits of which
American cItlzeus are entitled by treaty:
yet the imposition of the contribution upon
foreigners was considered all unjust and
oppressive measure. Besides, intarnel fac.
,ions in other parts of the republic were at
the same time levying similar exactons
upon the properly oi our citizens, and inter-
rupting their commerce. There had heen
an entire failure on the part of our minister,
TO secure redress for the wrongs which our
citizens had endured, notwithstanding his
persevering efforts. And from the temper
manifested by the Mexican government he
had repeatedly assured us that no favorable
change could be expected, uutil the United
States should ''gve striking evidence of their
will and power TO protect their citizens"
and that "severe Christening is the only
earthly remedy for our grievances" From
this statement OF facts, it would have been
worse than idle. 10 direct Mr. Forsyth 10
retrace his steps and resume diplomatic
relations with that government; aud il was,
therefore, deemed proper 10 sanction his
withdrawal of the legation from the city OF
Mexico.
Abundant cause now undoubtly exists,
for resort 10 hostilities against the govern
ment still holding possession oil the capital.
Should they succeed in subduine the con-
stilulional forces, all reasonable hope will
then have expired of a peaceful settlement
of our difficulties.
On the other hand, should the constitu-
liona party prevail, and their authority be
established over the republic, there is reasor.
TO hope that they will be animated by a less
unfriend!ly spiri!, and may grant that redress
10 American citizens which justice requires,
so far as they may possess the means. But
for this expectation, ! should at once have
recommended 10 Congress TO grant the
necessary power 10 the President, to take
possession of sufficient portion of the re.
mote and unsettled territory of Mexico, TO
be held in pledge until our injuries shall be
redressed and our ust demands be satisfied.
We have already exhausted every milder
means of obtaining Justice. In such case,
this remedy of reprisals is recognised by the
law of nations, not only as just in itself, but
as means of preventing actual war.
But there is another view of our relations
with Mexico arising from the unhappy con-
dition of affairs along our southwestern
frontier, which demands immediate action.
In that remote region, where there are but
few white inhabitants, large bands Of ofhostie
and predatory ludians roam promiscuously
over the Mexican Safes of chihuahua and
Sonora, and our adjoining territories. The
local governments of these States are per-
iectly helpless, and are kept in state OF
constant alarm by the Indians. They have
not the power, il they possessed the will.
even 10 restrain lawless Mexicans from
passing the border and committing depreda-
lions on our remote settlers. A stale of
anarchy and violence prevails throughout
that distant frontier. The laws are dead
letter. and life and property are wholly in.
secure. For this reason the settlement of
Arizona is arrested whilst it is of great i'm
por,ance that chain of inhabitants should
extent all along its southern border, sufficient
for their own protection and that of the U.
States mail passing TO and from California.
We'll founded apprehensions are now enter
tanned, that the Indians, and wandering
Mexicans equally lawless, may break up
the important stage and postal communca-
tion recently established between our Allan
tic and Pacific possessions. This passes
very near 10 The Mexican boundary,
throughout the whole length of Arizona.
can imagine no possible remedy Tor these
evils, and no mode OF restoring law and Or
der on that remote and unsettled frontier,
but for the government Of the United States
10 assume temporary protectorate over the
northern portions of Chihuahua and Sonora,
oh xrltI hn
same-and this earnestly recommend 20
Congress. This protection may be with
drawn, as soon as local governments shall
be established in these Mexican States,
capable of performing their duties TO the
United States, restraining the lawless and
preserving peace along the border.
do moi doubt that this measure will be
viewed in friendly spirit by the govern.
Inents and people off hihuahua and Sonora,
as il will prove equally efiectual for the pro-
Geciion Of their citizens on that remote and
lawless frontier, as for citizens OF the United
States.
And in this connexion, permit me 10 re-
call your attention 10 the condition of Ari-
zona The population of that Territory,
numbering, as is alleged more than len
thousand souls, are practically without
government, without laws, and without any
regular administration of Justice Murder
and other crimes are committed with inn
punily. This state of things calls loudly
tor redress and |, therefore, repeat my re-
commentator for the establishment OF a
territorial government over Arizona.
The political condition OF the narrow
ssthmus of Central America through which
transit routes pass, between the Atlantic and
Pacific oceans, presents subject OF deep
interest TO all commercial nations. il is
over these transits, that large proportion
OF the trade and travel between the Euro
pean and Asiatc continents, is destined 10
pass. To the United States these routes
are of incalcuable importance, as a means
of communication between their Atlantic
and Pacific possessions. The latter now
extend throughout seventeen degrees OF
latitude on the Pacific coast, embracing The
important State OF California and the flour.
isbing Territories of Oregon and Washing
ion. All commercial nations, therefore,
have deep and direct interest, that those
communications shall be rendered secure
from interruption. If an arm of the sea,
connecting the two oceans, penetrated
through Nicaragua and Costa Rica, il could
not be pretended that these States would
have the right to arrest or retard its naviga-
tion, to the injury of other nations. The
transit by land over this narrow lsthmus,
occupies nearly the same position. II is a
highway in which they themselves have
little interest, when compared with the vast
interests of the rest of the world, Whilst