Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1860-01-06
VOL. 80. NO. 2.

ask the earnest attention of Congress 10 the M
happy condition of that Republic.
The constituent Congress of Mexico, which
adjourned On the 17th of February, 1857 adopt
ed Constitution and provided for a popular
election. This took place in the follosipg July
(lS57,) and Gen. ComoDfort was chosen PIesi-
dent, almost without opposition. Az the same
election q new Congress was chosen whose first
session commenced on the 18th of September, /,
1881 BY the Constitution of 1857 the pres
idential term vas to begin on the first of De-
cember, 1851 and continue for fou- years.
On that day Gen. Comonfort appeared before
the assembled Congress in the city of Mexico,
took the oath to support the new Constitution,
and Was duly inaugurated as President. With
in month afterwards he had been driven from
the Capitol, and military rebellion bad as
signed the supreme power of the Republic to
Gen. Zuloaga. The Constitution provided tiat
in the absence of the President bis Office should
devolye upon the Chief Justice Of the Supreme
Court, and, Gen. Comonfort having leftthe coun-
try this fulotionary, Gen. Juarez, proceed TO
! form at Guanajuato, constitutional govern
ment. Before this was officially known, how
ever, at the capitol, the government of Znloags
had been recognized by the entire diplomatic
corps, including the minister of the u. States,
as the de tacto go:eTnneat Of Mexico. The
constitutional President, nevertheless, main
tanned his position with irmness, and was soon
established with his cabinet at Vera Cruz
Meanwhile, the government of Zulcaga was
earnestly resisted II many parts of the repub-
lie, and even IN the capital, portion OF the
army having pronounced against it, Its functions
were declared terminated, and sn assembly OF
| citizens was invited for the choice of q new
President. This assembly elected Gen. Mira
mon, but that cf1eer repudiated the plan under
which ne was chosen, and Zuloaga was thus ro-
stored to his previous position. He assumed it,
however, only to withdraw from it, and Mira
mon, having become, by bis appointment, Pres
idcnt substitute continues, with that title, ss
the head CT the iDsutgent party.
In my last annual message communicated
to Congress the circumstances under which tho
late Minister of the United States suspended
his othcial relations with the central govern
ment, and withdrew from the country. 1t was
impossible to maintain friendly intercourse with
government like that at the capital, under
whose usurped authority Trongs we're constantly
committed, but never redressed. Had this
been au established government, With its power
extending, by the consent of the people, over
the whole Of Mexico, resort to hostilitiss
against il would have been quite justifsble,
and indeed necessary. But the country was
prey to cival war and it was hoped that the
success of the constitutional President might
lead to condition of things less injurious 20
the United States This success became so
probable that, iD January last, employed
reliable sgent to visit Mexico, and report to
me the actual condition and prospects Of tbs
contendipg parties. In consequence of his re-
port, and from information which reached me
from other sources, favorable TO the prospects
of the constitutional cause, | felt justified IN
appointing a uew minister 10 Mexico, who
might embrace the earliest suitable opportunity
of restoring our diplomatic relations with that
republic. For this purpose distinguished
citizen of Maryland was selected, who pro-
ceeded on his mission OH the Sth cf March
last. with discretionary authority TO recognize
the government Of President Juarez, if on bis
arrival in Mexico he should find it entitled to
such recognition, according to the established
practice of the United States. On the 7th Of
April following, Mr.. McLane presented bis
credentials to President Juarez, having no
hesitation sin Pronouncing the government Of
Juarez to be the only existing government Of
the Republic" He was cordially received by
the authorities at Vera Cruz, and they have
aver since manifested the most friendly dispo-
sltiQl towards the United States. Unbappily,
however, The constitutional governments has nos
been able TO establish its power over tho whole
republic. |, is supported by large majority
of the people snd the States, bu: there are
important parts of the country where il can
enforce no obedience. General Mramon MAIN
tails himself at the capital, and in some OF
the distant provinces there are military COVER
nors, who pay little respect 10 DEGREES of eth
or government. In the mean time the excesses
whici always attend upon civil war in Mexico
are constantly recurring. Outrages of the
worst description are committed both upon per-
sons and property. There is scarcely any form
o. injury which has not been suffered BY our
citizens il Mexico during the last few years.
We have been noninaiiy at peace with that re-
public, but ''sa far as the interests of our COM
meres or Of cur citizens who have visited the
country as merchants, shipmastsrs, or in other
capacities, are conceIued, we might ns we'll
have been at G,r' Life has been Insecure,
property unprotected, and trade impossible, ex-
cep, at risk of loss which prudent nen oan-
not be expected to incur. Important contracts,
involving large expenditures, entered into by
tho central government, have been set at de-
6ance by the local governments. Peaceful
Amcricaa residents, occupying tLeir rigbtful
possessions, have been suddenly expelled the
country 10 defiance of treaties, ana BY the more
force of arbitrary power. Even the course of
justice has not been safe from control, and
recent degree of Miralnon permits the interysn-
ton OF Governnen. ill ali suits where either
party ls foreigner. Vessels Of tie United
States have been seized without law, md con-
snlar officers WHO protested againa. such seisure
has been ansd and Imprisoned for disrespct 60
the authorities. Military contributions have
been levied in violation Of every principle Of
| right, and the American who rcsistcd sbe law~