The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-05-04
Counsel for Defense in the Star Route Matter
Will Submit Their Case Without
Further Argument.
Mr.. Alexander Will Be Retained on
the Hill Investigation.
American Commerce and the Australian
Mail-The Union Pacific and the Gov
ernment-Notes and Gossip.
THE MEXICAN TREATY.


The Mexican Minister Explains Its Terms
as to the Indian Provision
WASHINGTON May 3.-At the Mexican
legation some anxiety seems to be felt that
the attitude of the Mexican government in
relation to the crossing of the border by
United States troops in pursuit of hostile In
dians, should be corrected. AS stated, it is
thought the circumstances under which
orders were issued, last Saturday, to Gen
eral Crook, notifying him to adhere
strictly to the terms of the conven-
ton between the two coutries, have
not been fully explained, and that an i'm
preston may be created that the application
of this government for modification of the
convention was made some time ago and re-
fused at the critical moment when Crook
had crossed the border. The circumstances,
as they were explained to an Associated
Press reporter who called at the legation to-
night, are as follows: On the 2Sth of July,
1882 the Mexican government signed, at
this city, an agreement with the United
States government, by virtue of which
regular troops of each country were
authorized to pass over the border into the
territory of the other in pursuit of hostile
Indians under certain limitations which
were at the time thought convenient and de-
sirable by both contracting parties On the
Oath of April, 1883, the State Department
proposed to the Mexican government,
through the legation here, material modifica-
tions of the agreement of July, 1882, which
were, in substance, that commanders of
United States and Mexican troops be author
lied to change the terms of the agreement
when in their judgment it was advisable, so
that a commander of either army might cross
the border with his troops to attack hostile
Indians at any time. Senior Romero, Mexican
minister, cabled the terms of the proposition
to his government, and on the 26th received
an answer from the Mexican Secretary of
State to the effect that no change in the
agreement could be made except in the shape
OF new treaty, which must be ratified by
the Mexican Senate, but that the Mexican
government was ready to consider all modi-
fications proposed by the United States and
would accept such as in their opinion were
calculated to attain the object of that agree
ment which, as they understood, was the
speedy destruction of the hostile Indians 1t
is explained that the Mexican constitution
requires the consent of the Mexican Senate
to the passing of foreign troops through Mex
ican territory, the same formality being
necessary for this as for the ratification
of treaty, the Mexican executive
not being empowered to act in either case
without the approval of the Senate No Off
Clal inloFIHatloh mas peen received at the
legation of the crossing of General Crooks
forces, but it is thought they are already in
Mexico, and that General Crooks movement
was the result of a mutual agreement be-
tween him ard the Mexican commander, I'M
der which the former has been enabled to
enter Mexico with the consent of the Mexi-
can government and cooperation of Mexican
troops. The opinion is also expressed at the
legation that the failure of the Mexican gov
ernment to accept Immediately the modifica-
tions of the existing agreement proposed by
the United-States will not interfere with the
success of General Crooks operations against
the Indians.