The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-12-26

q
doubt not that he will profit thereby.
1t is proper to say. without the slightest
disrespect. that the Democracy doesn't care
pin about the supposed grievances OF Mr..
MILLS or the ambitions Of Mr.. SPRINGER. 1t
expects both OF them to do their best for 1t.
and will Judge them accordingly.
The Scheme to Annex Northern Mexico.
4 It is hard to see what good can come OF
the resolution which has been referred to
the Senate Foreign Committee. instructlng
\ that body to inquire whether 1t would be
practicable and expedlent for tho United
States to, acquire those portions Of Sonora.
chihuahua. and Coahulla that lie north OF
the twenty-ninth parallel.
On the other bandit is easy to understand
how at this time the introduction OF such
resolution might do mischief. Mexico's
military forces on the right bank Of the Rio
i Grande have for several months been en-
gagged in watching the movements OF
CATARINo CARA, and in fighting bodies OF
his adherents. who are In arms against the
Government. These raids have lately be-
come serious. although President DIAz is
said to treat them as predatory rather than
political In motive: but beyond doubt some
Of them have been organized on American
soil. The diligence Of our Government in
seeking to prevent and punish such
violations Of Its neutrality laws IL fully
/ shown by the busy movements OF
Gen. STANLEY's cavalry In patrolling the
river. Indeed. only the other day q raid
Supposetlto be directed against Camargo
was checked by skirmish In which party
Of our troops suffered losses. But II In spite
Of these evidences Of neighborly good faith.
the United States Congress Is found to be
engaged In celebrating upon ways and
means Of getting from Mexico a portion Of
her territory. the rulers Of that republic
may well feel some anxiety and distrust.
\ The last Congress received from the
Legislature Of Arizona o memorial asking
+ Tor negotiations with Mexico for the cession
I Of q strip Of land sufficient to give that Ter
sitory deep-wster port on the Gulf OF CALI
fornia as an outlet for her products. The
memorial went to the Senate Committee
on Foreign Relations. whose Chairman. Mr..
BAERdAN, asked Secretary BLAINE what he
Z thought Of the project and received the fol-
towing reply:
: i hold unhestatngly that the Government Of the
United States 10 precuded by obligations OF traditional
good faith from approaching the Government Of Mexico
with view to acquiring any part Of Mexican territory;
and equally believe that Administration Of Mexico
could face the manifestation Of national sentiment
that would certainly attend any indication Of dis
position infrngs tho provisions OF the Mexican Con-
yttuiion. which withholds from the Government the
power to cede Mexican soil"
u II this was true Of the limited project
then suggested. it must apply with even
greater force to the one just proposed in
Z Congress. The Arizona memorial looked
only to the acquisition Of small corner OF
Mexican territory. lying east OF the Colo
RADIO. although perhaps 1t might not be
Possible to reach a deep-water port north Of
+ Libertad or Lobos. about 900 miles from tho
delta OF that river. Indeed, the present
Gulf outlet for Arizona Is as far south as
Gusymas. which is reached by the Sonora
railway from Nogales. But the pending
Sproposition to adopt the twenty-ninth par
allel as the boundary would take o great
sslice from the three northern States OF
Mexico beginning on the Rio Grande Just
below the great bend In that river. about
twenty miles north OF the Escondido and
4 Eagle Pass. and thence continuing west
ward to the Gulf.
# It may be said that the proposition Is a
sSimple business matter, in which ample
Sompensation would DO offered for any land
I purchased. and that 1t should be regarded
accordingly like any private real estate
Transaction. which lie quietly declined II tho
Owners do not wish to soil. without harm
sbeing done to anybody. But the experience
,ol nations does not show such view to be
! sorrect. When nation Is known TO have
!: no desire to part with any Of Its territory.
u even forbidden by Its Constitution to do
4 70. 1t can hardly be considered q simple real
4 sstate transaction for q powerful neighbor
70 thrust upon 1t unwelcome offers OF
1 purchase. That harm may come Of
I euch annexation schemes Is clearly In
/. @cated by the diplomatic correspond
q euco which took place year before
lest between our country and Mexico.
The alleged plot, having Ban Diego a. its
FOCUS. for fomeating an insurrection at and
around Ensenada. with view TO the annex
alton OF that region to the United States.
\ did not greatly trouble the authorities OF
Z MEXICO. But when the Los Angeles Cham
bar OF Commerce petitioned Congress for
y lhe purchase Of Lower California. and the
Governor Of Q Pacific coast State advocated
I b public interview the acquisition Of 30
eora and GinAlos. Secretary NARIsoAL made
/ . formal protest against such propositions
4 IN . despatOh TO Minister RoxKRo. Mr..
8 MAlIyoAL asked him TO cay TO Secretary
4 BLAuY that the administration of Gen.
y DIAs ives devoted 10 strengthening the
amicsble relations Of the two countries; yet
4 shAt II. In spite Of the prohibition against
The alienation Of territory contained In
nh md NJ