Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-01-06

lie main object OF bis mission was to carry out
the spirit of the precautionary arrangement be-
tween the late Secretary of State and the British
minister, and thus to preserve the peace and pre-
vent collision between the British and American
authorities pending the negotiations between the
two governments. Entertaining no doubt of the
validity of our title, need scarcely add that, in
any event, American citizens were to be placed
on footing at least as favorable as that of Brit
ish subjects, it being understood that Captain
Pickett's company should remain on the island.
It is proper to observe that, considering the dis
tanoe from the scene of action, and in ignorance
| of what might have transpired on the spot be-
fore the Generals arrival, it was necessary to
leave much to his discretion, and am happy to
state the event has proven that this discretion
conld not have been intrusted to more compe-
tent hands. General scott has recently return
ed from his mission, having successfully accom-
plishod its objects, and there is no longer any
good reason to apprehend collision between the
forces of the two countries during the tendency
of the existing negotiations.
/ regret to inform you that there has been 10
Improvement in the affairs of Mexico since my
last annual message, and am again obliged to
ask the earnest attention of Congress to the I'M
happy condition of that republic.
The constituent Congress of Mexico which ad
journed on the 18th of February, 1857, adopted
a constitution and provided for a popular cleo
| ton. This took place in the following July,
Q857,) and General Comonfort was chosen Presi-
dent, almost without opposition. At the same
election new Congress was chosen, whose first
session commenced on the 10th of September,
tf1aoatHl By the constitution of 1857 the pres-
dental ter was to begin on the 1st of Decem-
Der, Qs57) anu continue for four years. Un
that day General Con" uioft appesred oelore .ne
assembled Congress in the y. $1,000 'oO1
the oath to support the new CO. sro an
afterwords ha 10 80 le'i sO: "ithih 'tal,
and military rebellion had assigned the SUI
preme power of the republic to General Zuloa-
ga The constitution provided that in the abb
sence OF the President his Office should devove
upon the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court,
and General Comonfort having left the country,
this functonary, General Juarez, proceeded to
form, at Guanajuato, a constitutional govern
ment. Before this was officially known, how
ever, at the capital, the government of Zu,oaga
had been recognised by the entire diplomatic
corps, including the minister of the United Sta
tes, as the de facto government of Mexico. The
constitutional President, nevertheless, maintain
ed his position with firmness, and was soon es-
tabllshed with his cabinet at Vera Cruz Mean
while, the government of Zuloaga was earnestly
resisted in many parts of the republic and even
in the capital, portion of the army having pro-
nounced against it, its functions were declared
terminated, and an asss1ly of citizens was in
vlted for the choice of Nnew President. This
assembly elected General Miramon, but that Off
Ger repndiated the plan under which he was cho-
sen, and Zuloaga was thus restored to his pre-
vlous position. He assumed it, however only
to withdraw from it, and Miramon, having be-
come, by his appointment, president Substi-
tute, continues, with that title, at the head of
the insurgent party.
In my last annual message communicated to-
Congress the circumstances under which the late
Minister of the United States suspended his Off
cal relations with the central government, and
withdrew from the country. 1t was impossible
to maintain friendly intercourse with govern
ment like that at the capital, under whose usur-
ped authority wrongs were constantly commit
ted, but never redressed. Had this been an es-
tablished government with its power extending
by the consent OF the people over the whole of
Mexico, resort to hostilities against it would
have been quite justifable and indeed necessary.
But the country was prey to civil war; and it
was hoped that the success of the constitutions
President might lead to condition of things
less injurious to the United States This sue
cess became so probable, that in January last.
| employed reliable agent to visit Mexico, and
to report to me the actual condition and pros
poet of the contending parties. In consequence
OF his report, and from information which reach
ed me from other sources, favorable to the pros
poets OF the constitutional cause, / felt justified
in appointing new Minister to MEXICO who
might embrace tile earliest suitable opportunity
Of restoring our diplomatic relations with that
republic. For this purpose a distinguished eiti-
zen OF Maryland was selected, who proceeded on
his mission on the 9th of March last, with dis
cretionary authority - recognize the government
OF PRECEDENT Juarez. if on his arrival in Mexico
he should find it entitled to such recognition.
according to the established practice of the Uni
ted States. On the 7th OF April following, Mr..
McLane presented his credentials 70 President
Jnarez, having no hesitation. ''n .pronounc;ne
the government of Juarez, to be the only exist
ing government OF the Republic" He was cor
daily received by the authorities of Vera Cruz,
and they have ever since manifested the most
friendly disposition towards the United States.
Unhappily, however, the constitutional gov
eminent has not been able to establish its pow
over the whole republic. 1t is supportgd by
large majority of the people and the States, but
there are important parts of the country where.
it can enforce no obedience. Gen. Miramon
maintains himself at the capitol, and in some of
the distant provinces there are military govern
ors who pay little respect to the DEGREES of either
government. In the meantime the excuses
which always attend upon civil war, especially
in Mexico are constantly occurring Outrages
of the worst description are committed both up
on persons and property. There is scarcely any
form of injury which has not been suffered by
our citizens in Mexico during the last few years.
We have been nominally at peace with that re-
public, but $50 far as the interests of our CON-
merce or of our citizens who have visited the
country as merchants, shipnasters, or in other
capacities, are concerned, We might as well have
been. at war" Life has been insecure property
unprotected and trade impossible except at a
risk of loss which prudent men cannot be ex-
rected TO incur. Important contracts, involving
large expenditures entered into by the central
government, have been set at defiance by the To-
cal governments. Peaceful American residents.
occupying their rightful possessions, have been
suddenly expelled from the country, in defiance
of treaties, and by the mere force of arbitrary
power. Even the course of justice has not been
safe from control, and recent decree of Mira
mon, permits the intervention of government in
all suits where either party is foreigner. Yes
sells of the United States have been seized with
out law, and consular officer who protested a.
gainst such seizure has been fined and imprison-
ed for dsrespect to the authorities. Military
contributions have been levied in violation Of