The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1860-12-08
MEXICO.

MHxIco.
Our relations with Mexico remain in q
most unsatisfactory condition. In nv two
last annual messages | discussed extensively
the subject of these relations, and do not
now propose to repeat at length the facts
and Arguments them presented. They proved
conciuatvety that our citizens residing in
Mexico, and our merchants trading thereto,
had suffered series Of wrongs and outra-
ges such ~ vs. have never patiently borne
from any nation. For these, our successive
minister's, invoking the faith OF treaties, had
in the name Of their country, persis.ently
demanded redress and Naturalization, but
without the slightest effect. Indeed, SO con-
fdent bad the Mexican authorities been,
because Of our patient endurance, that they
universally believed they might commit their
outrages upon American citizens with abso-
late impunity. Thus wrote oar Minister in
1896, and expressed the oppinon that moth
ing but manifestation Of the powers Of
the Government and of its purpose TO pun
ish theses wrongs will avail. Afterwards,
in 1851, came the adoption Of new Con-
stitution for Mexico, the union Of Presi-
dent and Congress under its provision, and
the inauguration OF a President within one
short month. However, this President was
expelled from the capital by rebellion iii the
army, and the supreme power OF the Repub-
lie was assigned to Gen. Zuloaga. This
usurper WAS in his turn soon compelled to
retire from the place by General Miramon.
Uunder the Constitution which had thus
been adopted, Gen. Juarez, as Chief jus
tice of the Supreme Court, became the law
ful President of the Republic, and it was
for the maintenance of the Constitution,
and his authority derived from it, that tho
civil war commenced and still continues to
be prosecuted. Throughout the year 1855 the
Constitutional party grew stronger and
stronger. In the previous history OF Mex
leo . successful military revolution at the
capital had most universally been the signal
for submission throughout the Republic.
Not 40 on the present; majority OF the
citizens pcrsistently sustained the constitu-
tional government When this was recon-
mended in April. 1859, by the Government,
Of the Unitsd States its Authority extended
over q large majority OF the Mexican States
and people, including Vera Cruz. and all the
important seaports Of the Republic: From
that period our commerce with Mexico be-
gan to revive, and tho constitutional gov
erninen. has afforded IL al the protection in
their power. Meanwhile the government of
Miramon still held sway at the Capital, and
over the surrounding country. and continued
its ontrages against the few American citi-
gems who still had tue courage to remain
within its power. To cap the climax, after
the baitle OF Tacubaya, in April, 1859; Con.
Marques ordered three citizens Of the I'M
ted States. two Of them physicians. to be
seized in tho hospital at that place, aud shot
without trial. This was done, notwithstan-
ding our unfortunate countrymen were at the
moment engaged in the holy cause Of offer
ing relief 10 the soldiers Of both parties who
had been wounded in the battle, without
making any distinction between them: he
time had arrived. IN my opinion. when this
Government was bound 10 exert its power 70
average and redress the wrongs of our citi-
xens, and 10 afford them protection in Mexi-
CO. The in,erposing obstacle was, that the
country nnder she sway OF Miramon could
not bereachei without passing over territory
under the Jurisdiction of the Constitutional
Government. Under these circumstances |
deemed it my duty TO. recommend Go Con
gress in my last annual message the eaploy-
mcns of Sufficient military force to pene-
trate into the interior where the government
of Mlramon was to be found with, or IL
need be, without the consent OF the Juarez
government, though IL was not doubted that
bis consent could be obtainei. Never have
had a cleNef conviction on any subject
than have Of the justice, as well as wisdom,
Of such a policy. No other alternative was
left, except the entire abandonment Of our
fellow citizens who had gone to Mexico un-
der the faith of treaties. 10 the system Ats
injustice, cruelty and oppression OF Mira
mons GoYernmet. Besides il 10 certain
that Il simple authority TO employ this force
would Of itsef have accomplished all cur
objects without striking Ii single blow. Iae
Constitutional Government woald then have
been estab. shed at the city of Mexico, and
would have been ready aid willing 10 the
extent Of its ability, TO do US justice. In
addition, and deem this Is u most inpor-
tant consideration, Foreign Governments
would have been deprived Of all pretext 10
interfere in the territorial and domestic con-
Germs or Mexico. Weshould thus nave been
relieved from tho obligation OF resisting
even by force, should this become necessary,
any attempt by these Governments 10 de-
prive our neighboriLg Republic Of portions
of her territory, a duty from which we could
not shrink without abandoning the tradi-
tional and established policy Of the Amcri-
can people.
am happy TO observe that, firmly relying
upon the justice and good faith Of these Gov
crnlaents, there IS no present danger that
such contingency will happen. Having dis
covered that mr. recommendations would not
be sustained by Congress, the next alterna-
tive WAS to accomplish In some degree, u
possible, the same oh lects, by treaty stlpula-
tions with the constitutional government
Such treaties were accordingly concluded by
our late able and excellent Minister to Mexi-
co, and on the fourth Of January last were
submitted TO the Senate for ratification. Al
they have not received the final action Of thai
body, it would be improper for me to present
& detailed statement of their provisions. Still
may be permitted to express the opinion, IL
advance, that they are calculated to promote
the agricultural, manufacturing and CONNER.
eial interests Of the country, and to secure
our just influence with an adjoining Repub.
lie M Ia whose fortunes anu fate we can new.