The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1916-04-20

He had been out of harmony WIFI
the president and his fellow CABINET
members In particular he had stood
alone in opposing the policy OF Texan
annexation, which by this time hao
become an important issue. How
ever" says George Lockhart Rives,
che and President Tyler parted with
mutual and evidently sincere express
sions of confidence and good Will"
One can imagine the number of God
bless yous."
Two international questions de-
manded much attention in the cam
paign of 1914, in which James X
Polk and Henry Clay disputed the
presidency. Mexico was showing
determination to contest the boundary
claim of Texas and meanwhile there
was a threat of war with Great
Britain.
The limits of the so-called Oregon
country, like those of Texas, had
never been definitely fixed. England
claimed territory as far south as the
Columbia river, while the United
States set the parallel of 81 degrees
40 minutes, passing north of Queen
Charlotte island, as the boundary.
Folks party, the Democratic, coupled
"the reoccupation Of Oregon" with
"the remuneration of Texas" and
"Fifty-four-Forty or Fight" became
the campaign cry.
Badly MuddIed Problem.
So Polk, like Wilson, not only fell
heir to badly muddled Mexican prob
lem but was to be threatened with
war with a nation across the Atlantic.
Notes were exchanged with Great
Britain, mutual concessions were made
and in 1916 treaty was drawn deli
nitely fixing the Oregon boundary. BY
a suggestive coincidence the practical
abandonment Of the claim for the
$40 line was contemporaneous with
the start of the Mexican war. The
resolution of notice to London was
passed by both houses of congress
April %, 1916, and on the next day
the first blood was shed in the contest
with the southern republic.
The United States had formally an
nexed Texas March 8, 1845, the last
day of Tyler's administration. Mex
leo had given warning that she would
regard such a move as an act of war
and diplomatic relations with Wash
ington were severed at once.
William S. Parrot, an American
dentist living in Mexico, abandoned
the practice Of his profession long
enough to suggest peace terms, but
Mexico repulsed his advances. Par
rott was secret agent of the United
States government. In the same
year John M. Slidell, congressman
from Louisiana, was sent to Mexico
city as minister. He found violent
factional contest raging, with no one
in authority willing to receive him,
so he returned to Washington.
1t was this same Slidell who years
later while going as confidential
commissioner from the Confederate
government to France was seized
aboard the British merchant ship
Trent. In a short time the United
States surrendered him and James M.
Mason, commissioner to England, be-
cause the neutral rights of England
had been transgressed.
During the preceding winter and
spring an American force commanded
by Gen. Zachary Taylor had been NOV
ing westward along the Rio Grande,
and late in March it halted opposite
Matamoros and erected field works.
The Mexican commander, General Am
pudia, notified General Taylor on April
IL that he must break up camp within
twenty-four hours and retire beyond
the Nueces river; otherwise ARMS