Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1858-12-17

I that of Mr.. Polk in view of the acquisition Of
territory from Mexico. refer tho whole sub
ject TO the Congress, and coinmrn'i it to their
careful consideration.
| repeat tho Recommendation made III my
message of December last, in favor of an APP
preparation $40 be paid TO the Spanish govern
ment for the purpose of distribution among the
claimants in the Amistad case President
Polk first made similar recommendation in
December, 1847, and it was repeated by my
immediate predecessor in December, lo53.-
| entertain 10 dcu It that indemnity is fairly
due TO these claimants under our treaty with
Spain, of the 9th October, 1885, and whilst
denandDg justice we ought to do Justice
An appropriation, promptly made, for this pnr-
pose could not fail to exert favorable infiu-
ence our negotiations with Spain.
Our position in relation to the independent
States south of us on this continent, and es-
pecally those within the limits OF North
America, is OF peculiar character. The
northern boundary of Mexico is coiucident with
our own southern boundary froin ocean TO ocean,
aad We must necessarily feel deep interest in
all that concerns the we'll being and the fate of
so near neighbor We have always cherish
ed the kindeit wishes for the success of that
republic, and have INDUCED the hope that it
might at last, after all lis trials, eujoy peace
and prosperity under free aud stable govern
ment. We have never hitherto ;uteffered. di-
rectly or indirectly, with its internal affairs,
ana it is duty which we owe 10 ourselves to
protect the integrity OF is territory, against
the hostile interference Of any other power
Our geographical position, our direct interest
IN all that concerns Mexico, and our weil-set-
tied policy in regard To the North American
continent, render this an indispensable duty.
Mexico has been in state of constant rev.
olI'ien almost ever sluee it achieved It's lnde-
pendenee. One military leader after another
has usurped the government in rapid success
sion, and the various constitutions from time to
time adopted have been set at naught almost a.
soon as they were proclaimed. The successive
governments have afforded no adequate pro-
lection, either 10 Mexican citizens or foreign
residents, against lawle>s violence. Hereto
fore, seizure of the capital By a military chief
talu has been generally followed by at least the
nominal submission Of the country to his fale
for brief perioj, but nor SO at the present
crisis of Mexicau uflirs. A civil war has
been raging for souie time throughout the re-
public, between the central government at ;he
city of Mexico, which has endeavoIed to sub
vert the constitution last framed, by military
power, and those who maintain the authority ut
that constitution. The antagonist parties each
hold possession of different States of the re-
public, and the fortunes ot the war are con-
stantly changing. Meanwhile, the most repre-
hensble means have been employed by both
parties TO extort money from Foreigners, as well
as natives, 10 carly CT this ruinouS contest
The truth is that this fue country, blessed with
a productive soil ana benign climate, has been
reduced, By civil discussion, TO d condition of
| almost hopeless anarchy and imbecility. Ii
would be vain for this government to attempt
| to enforce payment in mouey of the claims OF
American citizens, now amounting to more than
ten millions OF dollars, against Mexico, because
she is destitute OF all pecuuaFy means TO satisfy
these demands.
Our late minister vas furnished with ample
powers aud instructions for the adjustment OF
! all pending questions with the central govern
ment of Mexico, and lie performed bis dutywlth
zeal and ability. The claims OF our citizens,
some Of them arising out of the violation OF
an express provision of the treaty OF Guala-
/ lupe llidaIgo, and others from gross injuries to
persons we'll as property, have remlined uu-
against these grievances have been addressed,
without effect, to that government. Meantime,
in various parts of the republic, instances have
been numerous Of the murder, nprisonlaentS
and pluader of our citizens, By different par
ties claiming aud exercising local jurisdiction;
but tue central government, although repeated
ly urged thereto, have made no effort either to
punish Tie authors of these outrages or to pre-
ybpir NJ Anna
eIu now visit Mexico on lawful business, with
OUT lsaailnent danger 10 his person and property
There is no adequate protection 10 either and
IN Ibis respect our treaty with that republic is
almost dead letter
This state OF aif4irs was brought to 4 crisis
it May last, by the promulgatiOn of decree
levying contribution pro rata upon Ill the
capital In the republic, between certain spcei-
/ fed amounts, whether held by Mexicans or
foreigners. Mr.. Forsyth, regarding this decree
/ IN the light Of a 'forced lOaD," formally pro-
tested against its application to his countrymen,
and advised them cot to pay the contribution,
but to suffer it to be iorcibiy exactcd. Acting
/ upon this advice, an American citizen refused
J 10 pay the contribution, and his property was
/ seized by armed men to satisfy the amount
! Not content with this, The government proceed
| ed still! further, and issued a decree banishing
/ him from the country. Our minister imlnedi-
ately notified them that, if this decree should
1 be carried into execution, he would feel il to be
/ his duty TO adopt ''tbe most decided measures
! that belong TO the powers ana obligations of the
representative Office Notwithstanding iais
warning, the punishment was enforced, aud MIR
Forsyth promptly announced to the government
the suspension OF the political relations of bis
! legation with them, until the pleasure Of his own
government should be asccrtained.
/ This government did not regard the coutri-
button imposed by the decree Of the 18th ol
May last, To be in strctness ''forced loan,
aud, as such, prohibited, by tho tenth article oi