The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-09-22
From the New York Times
OUR MEXICAN RELATIONS.
WASHINGTON. Sent. l4.le5

WASHINGTON, Sept. a. 1859.
Your correspondent has made it his special
business to penetrate the mystery, or rather the
fog, which appears to hang over our relations
with Mexico. The result of this investigation
causes the writer to state with reluctance that
cloud has come over our negotiations with
the constitutional Government of that country.
Mr.. McLane has returned with no treaty. or
even the shadow of treaty perfected All that
can be said is, that negotiations remain open.
Mr. McLane arrived at Vera Cruz early in
April, with carte blanche from the Administra-
ton to recognise whichever party he thought
best, and open negotiations with the same. He
had no line of policy marked out by the Ad-
ministration, and, being new man in Mexico,
he could have none in MS own mind until he
arrived on the spot and then his quick per-
ception at once pointed out the path he ought
to pursue. With the most thorough honesty OF
purpose and commendable promptitude, the
American Minister recognised the Juarez Gov.
eminent six days after his arrival, not only as
the de j.re and de factO Government of Mexi-
CO, but as the representative Of the only party
in that country which the United States could
properly recognise, and with whom she could
open friendly and profitable relations. Devel-
opments since that period prove the wisdom OF
this recognition. With some Insignificant ex-
ceptions it is supported by all parties in the
United States. Foreign interests in the Re
public of Mexico have rallied around the
American Minister, and the approval we cared
for most in Europe has been accorded to this
new and important manifestation of American
diplomacy, and the policy that is likely to fol-
low the act itself. The good already accom-
plished by this step cannot fail to have Its re-
suit. The ball is in motion, and progress will
h do in fha iuhf 70,
it may be obscured at the present moment.
After recognising the constitutional Govern
ment, Mr.. McLane at once opened negotiations
with the Juarez Cabinet A treaty was blocked
out, one of the first and most important stipu-
lations of which guaranteed entire freedom of
religion throughout the Mexican Republic
the same as it exists in the United States.
The securing of this point alone in treaty
with Mexico would be brilliant achievement
for any Administration and lis Minister, as il
would take from the country the curse that has
been hanging over it for more than three cen
turtles, and destroy the bulwark that for ages
has successfully opposed the progress Of liberal
principles, such as our own Government is
based upon, and suoh as it is our beautiful and
grand destiny to peacefully extend.
The next stipulation in this treaty, in point
of importance, was, rights of way across the
northern States of Mexico and ports of the
Gulf of California, through Sonora, to Arizona
the privilege of erecting and maintaining ware.
houses at the termini of the several transit
routes the night of Transporting troops and
munitions of war over such routes free entry
and transit of goods belonging to American
citizens in Arizona through the ports on the
Gulf of California and across Sonora, and right
ofway and valuable privileges of transit across
the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Annexed to these stipulations were guaran-
ties OF safety and protection on the part Of the
Mexican Government, and in case Of the ina
bility of that Government to protect, then the
United States should be at liberty to employ
her own armed troops in that Office.
The above are the principal stipalations en-
braced in the proposed treaty with Mexico
and, mainly in consideration Of the rights Of