M'arthur Democrat. (McArthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1853-1865, 1860-01-12

government Of Zuloaga had been recognized
by the eutire diplomatic corps, including the
Minister Of the United States, as the de fac
10 government OF Mexico. The Constltu
lonal President. nevertheless, maintained
his position with firmness, and was soon es-
labllshed with his cabinet at Vera Cruz
Meanwhile, the government Ol Zuloaga was
earnestly resisted in many parts OF the rePuu-
lie, and even in the capital, portion ofthe
army having pronounced against il, its iunc-
Lions were declared terminated, and an as
sembly of citizens was invited for the choice
ol new President. This assembly elected
General Miranon, but that officer repudiated
the plan under which ne was chosen, and Zu-
loagu was thus restored 10 his previous posi-
iion. lie assumed it, however, only to with
draw from it, aud Mimmon having brcome,
by his appointment, President Substitute" j"
continues, with that title, at the head Of the
iusurgenl party.
In my last annual message communicat-
ed 10 Congress the circumstances under
which the late Minister Of the United States
suspended his official relations with The cen
tral government, and withdrew from the
country. 1t was impossible TO maintain
friendly intercourse with government like
that at the capital. under whose usurped au-
lhOrity wrongs were constantly committed,
but never Iedressed. Had this been an es-
lablished government, with its power ex-
tending, by the consent of the people, over
the whole Of Mexico, resort to hostilities
against il would have been justifabe and
indeed necessary. But the country was
prey TO civil war, and it was hoped that the
success of the Constitutional President might
lead 10 condition Of things less injurious to
the United States. This success became so
probable that, IN January last, employed a
reliable agent to visit Mexico. and report to
me the actual condition and prospects o the
contendlng parties. In consequence OF this
report, and fro m information which reached
me from other sources, favorable 10 the pros
poets Of the const tutional cause, | felt JUS
titled in appointing new Minister to Mex
leo, who might embrace the earliest suitable
opportunity OF restoring our diplomatic rela-
lions with that republic.
For this purpose distinguished citizen of
Mary land was selected, who proceeded on
his mission on the Slh of March last, with
discret ionary authority to re cognize the Gov.
eminent ol President Juarez il, on his arri-
val in Mexico, he should find it entitled to
such recognition. according to the establish.
ed practice OF the United States. On the 7th
of April following Mr.. McLane presented
his credentials to President Juarez, having
no hesitation ain pronouncing the Govern
ment oil Juartz to be the only existing gov
eminent ofthe Republic" He was cordially
received by the authorities at Vera CTuz,and
they have ever since manifested the most
friendly disposition toward the U States.
Unhappiy, however, the constitutional
government has not been able to establish lis
power over the hole Republic. 1t is sup
ported by a large mojonty Of the people and
the Suites, but there are important parts Of
the. country where it can enforce no obedi
ence. General MiramOn maintains himself
at the capital, and in some OF the distant
provinces there are military governors who
pay little respect to the DEGREES Oiellher gov
eminent. In the meantime. the excess which
always attend upon civil war, especially in
Mexico, are constantly recurring. 0utrages
of the worst description are committed both
upon persons and property. There is scarce.
y any form oi injury which has not been sui.
fered BY our citizens in Mexico during the
last few years. We have been nominalIy
at peace with that Republic, but "sO far as
the interests OF our commerce or OF our citi.
zens who have visited the country as mer-
chants, shipmasters, or in other capacities
are concerned, we might as well have b, Ell
at war; Life has been insecure, property
unprotected, and trade impossible, except at
a risk OF loss which prudent men cannot be
expected 10 incur.
Important contracts, involving large tx-
pendltures, entered into by the central gov
ernment, have been set at defiance by the To-
cal governments. Peaceful American res
idenJs, occupying their rightful possessions
have been suddenly expelled the country, in
defiance OF treaties, and by the mere force
oi arbitrary power. Even the course of JUS
tiCe has not been safe from control and re-
cent decree OF MIramon permits the interven-
lion oi government in all suits where either
party is foreigner, Vessels Of the United
States have been seized without law, md a
consular officer who protested against such
SEIZURE has been fined and imprisoned for
dsrespect to the authorities. Military con-
ItrbuliOns have bee II levied in violation of
every principle OF right, and the American
who resisted the lawless demand has had his
property forcibIy taken away, aud has been
himself banished From conflict OF author.
ty in different parts of the country, tariff
duties which have been paid in one place
have been exaeted over again in another -
Large numbers ofour citizens have b4en ar
rested and imprisoned without any Orm Of
examination or amy opportunity for hear
ing, and even when released have only OBJ
tanned their liberty alter much suffering aud
without any hope of redress. ..o
The wholesale Massacr, Of Crdbbe aud his
associates without trial, in Sonora, as we'll
as the seizure md murder of four sick Amer
leans, who had taken shelter in the house of
an American, upon the soil OF the U States,
was communicated TO Congress at It's last
ses ions. Murders Of still more dtTocious
character have been committed in the very
heart OF Mexico. under The authority o Mira
mons Government, during the present year.
Some Of these were only worthy OF a bar
barous age. and, il they had moi been clear
| ly proven, would have seemed impossible in
country which claims to be civilized. of
| this description was the brutal massacre in
April last, BY order of General Marquee, OF
three American physicians, who were seized
in the hospital at Tacubaya, while attending
upon the sick and the dying oi both parties,