Mexican-American War and the Media

"1. This army is about to spread itself over and to occupy the republic of Mexico, until the latter shall sue for peace on terms acceptable to the Government of the United States.

"2. On the occupation of the principal point or points in any state, the payment to the Federal Government of this republic of all taxes or dues, of whatever name or kind, heretofore--say in the year 1844--payable to or collected by that Government, is absolutely prohibited, as all such taxes or dues will be demanded or the proper civil authorities for the support of the army of occupation.

"3. The state and federal district of Mexico being already so occupied, as well as the states of Vera Cruz, Puebla and Tamulipas, the usual taxes or dues, heretofore contributed by the same to the Federal Government, will be considered as due and payable to this army from the beginning of the present month, and will early be demanded of the civil authorities of the said states and district under rules and penalties which shall be duly announced and enforced.

"4. Other states of the republic, as the Californias, New Mexico, Chihuahua, Coahulla, New Leon, &e., already occupied by the forces of the United States, though not under the immediate orders of the General-in-Chief, will conform to the prescriptions of this order, except in such state or states where a different system has been adopted with the sanction of the Government at Washington.

"5. The internal taxes or dues referred to are--1, direct taxes; 2, duties on the production of gold and silver; 3, melting and essaying dues; 4, the tobacco rent; 5, the rent of sampled paper; 6, the rent on the manufacture of playing cards; and 7, the rent of post-offices.

"6. The rent of national lotteries is abolished--lotteries being hereby prohibited.

"7. Import and export duties at the ports of the republic will remain as fixed by the Government of the United States, except that the exportation of gold and silver in bars or ingots (plata y ora en pasta) is prohibited until the further instructions of the Government on the subject.

"8. All imported articles, goods, or commodities, which have once paid, or given sufficient security for the payment of duties to the United States at any port of entry of the republic, shall not again be burdened with any tax or duty in any part of this republic occupied by the forces of the United States.

"9. The levying of duties on the transit of animals, goods, or commodities, whether of foreign or domestic growth, from one state of this republic to another, or on entering or leaving the gate of any city within the republic, will, from and after beginning of the ensuing year, be prohibited as far as the United States' forces may have the power to enforce the prohibition. Other and equitable means, to a moderate extent, must be resorted to by the several state and city authorities for the necessary support of their respective Governments.

"10. The tobacco, playing card, and stamped paper, rents will be placed for three, six or twelve months, under contract with the highest bidders respectively for the several states, the state and federal district of Mexico being considered as one. Accordingly, offers or bids for these rents, within each state or any one of them, are invited. They will be sent in as early as possible, sealed, to the head-quarters of commanders of departments, except for the federal district and state of Mexico. For the two latter the offers or bids will be addressed to the General-in-Chief.

"11. Further details for the execution of the foregoing system of government and revenue will soon be given in general orders.

"By command of Major-General Scott

[JNA]

LT U.S. quarrels of generals, February 11, 1848, Page 8, Column d

THE QUARRELS OF AMERICAN GENERALS--The last accounts from Washington state that General Pillow and Colonel Duncan have to submit to be tried by a court-martial or a court of inquiry. The charges against General Worth have been dismissed, and instead of his being tried, it appears that General Scott himself is to be brought before a court of inquiry--all those trials to be held at Perote, or somewhere else. These things will produce a great sensation throughout the country, and create a great deal of bad blood in the army, and among the friends of the various distinguished leaders. We are very much afraid that the difficulties giving rise to all these court-martials have been contributed to in equal quantities by all the various distinguished individuals concerned. General Scott is great as a military man; he is an admirable fighter, a distinguished tactician; but with these exceptions he is in every other respect as meek as a child and understands little beyond mere fighting. General Worth is like him in this respect. It was well known that he comported himself with similar indiscretion in like circumstances. He picked a quarrel with General Twiggs at the commencement of the war, threw up his commission, abandoned his post and the army, and hurried on to Washington. Then, on second thoughts, he changed his mind and returned to the army again. As to General Pillow, he, too, seems to be a vain, giddy man, though a capital fighter. His military reports are written in bad taste, and are the worst of all these that have been published. Colonel Duncan, on the other hand, is a man of great good sense and how he came to be involved in these difficulties remains to be seen. But while we lament all these untoward movements, we have reason to be thankful that General Taylor never got himself into any difficulties with his officers; and when he was at the head of the army, all was quiet, orderly, and sober under his management. He must be a man of wonderful tact, great discretion, and remarkable prudence, to have passed through a long military career as he has done without creating jealousies or heart burnings among his brethren in arms. In fact, they all appear to respect, and seem to idolize, him more and more. In these difficulties and courts-martial we much fear that Mr. Polk and the Administration have committed some great mistakes, but we will wait and become acquainted with the facts before we condemn them,--New York Herald. [JNA]

LT U.S. and Mexico, March 13, 1848, Page 2, Column c

"We have received authentic intelligence of a treaty of peace with Mexico having been negotiated and accepted by the Mexican Government, at Queretaro, by General Scott, on the basis of the instructions sent out by the Government last year.

"By art. 1, Senors Cuevas, Cuooto, and Atristain are appointed commissioners on the part of the Mexican Government to adjust the terms of a lasting treaty of peace between the United States of the north and the United Mexican States, with Mr. Trist, Commissioner of the United States, &c.

"Art. 2 stipulates that there shall be an immediate suspension of hostilities between the armies of the two republics.

"Art. 3 defines the future boundary of the United States. The line commences in the Gulf of Mexico, three leagues from land; thence runs up the middle of the Rio Grande to its intersection with the southern boundary of New Mexico; thence along that southern boundary to the western boundary of same; thence north to the first branch of the Gila, which it intersects; thence down the middle of that branch of the river to the Colorado; thence it runs across westwardly, and strikes the Pacific at a point one league south of San Diego.

"Art. 4 stipulates that it shall be optional with citizens of Mexico now residing in the territory to be ceded, either to leave, taking with them or otherwise disposing of their property; or else, upon taking the oaths of allegiance to this Government, to be protected in the enjoyment of all the rights and immunities of citizens of the United States.

"Grants of land in the territory to be ceded made by the Mexican Government before the war, are by the next article to be respected by the United States.

"The next article provides that grants of land in Texas made by the Mexican Government prior to the year 1836, are also to be respected by the United States.

"The next article provides that the United States' Government shall take prompt and effectual measures for the defence of the border from Indian incursions. To this end both nations are to use their best endeavours.

"In consideration of the extension of the boundary of the United States made by this treaty, the United States' Government stipulates to pay to Mexico the sum of $15,000,000. In this sum are included the three millions appropriated last session for the furtherance of peace, and now subjected to Mr. Trist's order. This sum is to be paid to the Mexican Government immediately on the ratification of the treaty. The remaining 12,000,000 are to be paid either by instalments or in 6 per cent. stock, redeemable by the United States. This Government has the option of either mode of payment.

"By the next article the United States' Government undertakes all claims of American citizens against Mexico, both those already decided, amounting to $2,000,000-and those still undecided, amounting to about $3,000,000.

"The treaty of commerce of 1831 between the two republics is to be revived for the period of eight years, and may afterwards be renewed at the option of both Governments.

"The Custom-houses are to be restored to the Mexican authorities as soon as the treaty shall have been ratified. Means are to be adopted for settling the accounts.

"The troops of the United States are to leave Mexico in three months after the ratification of the treaty, unless the sickly season should come on, in which event they are to retire to some healthy situation, and are to be furnished with supplies by the Mexican Government on amicable terms.

"The treaty is to be ratified by the President and Senate, and to be exchanged within four months after its ratification.

"The boundary of New Mexico is to be defined as laid down in Disturnell's Map of Mexico, published at New York in 1847.

"Since the character of the treaty has become known to the Senate the hostility to its ratification has signally increased, and although there is every reason to believe that it will be ratified, yet it will meet on several of its provisions a determined opposition.

"There is information here, of the most reliable character, that Santa Anna has expressed a cordial approval of the treaty, and a willingness to support it if ratified."
[JNA]

LT US, naval force of, March 13, 1848, Page 8, Column f

THE NAVAL FORCE OF THE UNITED STATES.

(From the New York Courier and Enquirer.)

It is but a short time since that our Government had not a single ship-of-war to protect our extensive commerce in the Mediterranean, and it is only within a year that a frigate, sloop-of-war, and one or two third-class war steamers, have been ordered there. This.might prove sufficient on common occasions, but is.we should have there at this moment, when there is much cause to fear a general war among the maritime nations, and, more than all, civil wars or revolutions in many of the countries with which we have great commercial connexions? Are we, while waging successful war, to leave our merchants and their interests in the ports of the Mediterranean to the tender mercies of foreign Governments for protection? How different is it with other nations! Old England is ever on the spot to protect her merchants and their interests at any risk. By the last accounts from Europe we learn that all Sicily was in a state of revolution, and that the insurgents had driven the Royal troops from the city of Messina to the fortress across the harbour from which they were about to bombard the city, but at the moment the British frigate Thetis, of 36 guns, Captain H.J. Codrington, entered the harbour and took a position between the fort and the town, so that every shot fired from the fort must hit her or go over her. This prevented the Royal troops from firing, and there the frigate was to remain until all English persons with their property were saved, or they chose to fire into the frigate from the fort.

We are apt in this country from ignorance to underrate the naval forces of some of the nations bordering on the Mediterranean, but Commodore Read, with the small force at present under his command, might find himself awkwardly placed if he came in collision with the naval forces of some of these Powers. Naples has 18 fine steamers of war, some of them of the first class, and well appointed in every respect, besides other men-of-war. Austria and Sardinia have also numbers of fine steamers of war besides other vessels, and might handle very roughly any small force sent against them. At all events, it seems very important at this moment that our naval force in that quarter should be at once increased, both in sailing vessels and steamers, if we have any of the latter worthy the name of sea-steamers, or particularly of war-steamers, the Mississippi excepted.

Our crack ship, the Pennsylvania, has lain up so long and so long been considered by us the largest ship in the world, it would be well to have her shown, and let us see how she compares with ships-of-war of other nations built and in service since she has been rotting at the dock. Perhaps some of our members of Congress would be surprised to learn that there are ships of 110 or even 90 guns of as great, if not greater tonnage, and probably more efficiently armed than our 100-gun ship. The British ship Queen, of 110 guns, is 3,083; the Albion, of 90 guns, is 3,083, and the armament of this latter ship is most perfect in every respect. The frigate Thetis, of 36 guns, above-named, is over 1,700 tons, with a most complete armament of very heavy guns. Should the Pennsylvania be sent to the Mediterranean, she might meet some of these fine specimens of naval architecture, and the officers could compare notes. The English force in this sea is already very large, and to be increased immediately. The heaviest steamers and sailing vessels are now ordered there. The steamer Avenger, of the first class, was on her way to join the fleet of Admiral Parker, when lost off Cape Bon--and our commerce in that quarter, as well as the lives of our countrymen, is, or may be, much exposed; and we at home should call upon the Government to look to this, and place a larger force there; and if our force is increased, an Admiral should be sent to command it. There has not been such a state of things in that sea since 1814. The naval forces of all nations will be collected there, and those of the smallest Powers will be commanded by Admirals of some grade; and are we, one of the most powerful nations, only to be represented there by a Post-Captain, with the temporary courtesy title of Commodore? This should not be. Let us have Admirals, and give our brave and meritorious officers a fair chance among those of other nations. It has been suggested that our Government should create none but full Admirals; but it seems better that there should be other grades than the mere distinction of date of commission.
[JNA]

LT U.S. and Mexico, March 23, 1848, Page 6, Column b

AMERICA

[The substance of the following appeared in part only of our yesterday's impression:-]

Liverpool, Tuesday Evening.

By the Ivanhoe, Captain Edwards, we have New York advices to the 4th inst.
The doubts as to the confirmation of the treaty with Mexico continued to increase at Washington.

A Whig caucus had been held, at which it was determined to oppose the treaty on the ground of its informality. It was proposed at the same time to provide for a legitimate, immediate, and satisfactory treaty, by sending with the document refused a commissioner with full discretion to compromise relations with Mexico upon the line suggested as the basis of negotiations.

The prospect of an early adjustment of difficulties with Mexico had had a favourable influence in enabling the Government to negotiate the Treasury-note loan upon advantageous terms. The Treasury department had received proposals, nearly sufficient to cover the amount solicited, at one quarter above par, and the rate was advancing.

The business in Congress was not of a very important character. In the Senate, Mr. Houston presented resolutions from the Legislature of Texas, protesting against the relinquishment of any territory which may have been captured from Mexico during the war, and against the principle of the Wilmot proviso.

Rosa, the Mexican Minister of Relations, had issued a circular to the governors of states, informing them that a treaty of peace had been signed at Guadaloupe. He also states that the treaty would be submitted to the deliberation of the National Congress.
[JNA]

LT Mexican debt, note on, March 30, 1848, Page 3, Column e

THE MEXICAN DEBT

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES.

Sir,--As it appears highly probable that the negotiations for peace between America and Mexico are progressing rapidly, I would suggest to the Committee of Mexican bond-holders the propriety of bringing their claims under the notice of all parties concerned, by the assistance of our own Government.

Mr. Polk has already declared his intention of taking a large slice of Mexican territory without even waiting for the final settlement. The Californias are no longer the subject of negotiation.

Now, as the whole of the Mexican States are pledged for the payment of their debt, I apprehend that in equity, at least, the portion taken away by another Power ought to remain subject to all existing claims upon it, and ought therefore to be liable to some share of the debt.

It would be an advantage to the Americans to make themselves responsible for the interest of 5,000,000 dollars rather than pay the money over tot eh Mexican; and such an arrangement would be better for the English bondholders.

In some of the southern States, where debts had been incurred previous to separation into distinct Governments, these debts have been arranged according to the extent of each country, as in Granada and Venezuela; and surely the same principle ought to apply more strongly when a severance is made by force.

I am surprised, too, that no attempt has been made to obtain that portion of the duties at Vera Cruz and Tampico which are especially appropriated for the payment of the interest on the Mexican Bonds. If the Americans have seized these duties, it ought to be without prejudice to existing claims.

I shall be obliged if you will insert this in your valuable paper.

March 27.

A MEXICAN BONDHOLDER

[JNA]

LT U.S. and Mexico, March 31, 1848, Page 6 , Column d

THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO.

Liverpool, Thursday Morning.

We have news from New York to the 11^thinst. The Mexican Treaty, the conclusion of which we announced several weeks since, is confirmed in Senate by a vote of 58 to 16.

The injunction of secrecy has not been removed.
[JNA]

LT U.S. treaty with Mexico, April 4, 1848, p8/a

AMERICA

LIVERPOOL, Monday.

The John R. Skiddy, Captain Luce, arrived to-day with advices from New York to the 15^th ult.

The New York papers contain the details of the treaty. It consists of 22 articles.

The preamble states that N.P. Trist, on behalf of the United States of America, and Don Miguel Atristan, on behalf of the United Mexican States, are the plenipotentiaries who have agreed upon and signed the treaty. Article 1 provides for a "firm and universal peace" between the United States and the Mexican Republic. Article 2 provides for a provisional suspension of hostilities, and the re-establishment of constitutional order in the places occupie3d by the forces of the United States. Article 3 provides for the evacuation of the interior of Mexico and the capital by the forces of the United States, and for a strict account being given to the Mexican authorities of all Custom's duties collected or about to fall due in ports occupied by the said forces. Article 4 requires that on the ratification of the treaty, all "castles, forts, territories, &c.," occupied by the United States forces shall be restored to the Mexicans in the same state as when captured, that the evactuation of the Mexican territory be completed within three months, and if not completed before the sickly season, that a friendly arrangement be entered into to meet that emergency. The article also provides for the release of prisoners of war on either side. Article 5 defines the boundaries of the two Republics, commencing in the Gulf of Mexico, three leagues from land, opposite the mouth of the Rio Grande, following the course of that river to where it strikes the southern boundary of New Mexico, thence westwardly along the southern boundary of New Mexico, northward along the western line of New Mexico until I intersects the first branch of the Gila and along that branch into the Rio Colorado, thence across the Rio Colorado, following the division line between Upper and Lower California to the Pacific Ocean. Article 6 secures to the vessels of the United States the free navigation of the Gulf of California and the River Colorado; also the permission to construct a canal or railway upon either side of the River Gila, for the advantage of both countries. By article 7 the navigation of the Gila and the Del Norte below the southern boundary of New Mexico is declared free to both counties. Article 8 secures the rights of Mexican citizens in territories added by the treaty to the United States. Articles 9 and 10 are expunged. By article 11 the United States undertake to repress the incursions of the savage tribes who inhabit a great portion of the territories ceded to them by the treaty. Article 12 provides that the United States, in consideration for the extension of its boundaries, shall pay to the Mexican Republic the sum of $15,000,000--$3,000,000 to be paid at Mexico in gold or silver coin, and the rest in annual instalments of the same amount, with interest at the rate of six per cent. By article 13, the United States agree to pay the liquidated claims against Mexico under the conventions between the two republics, dated the 11^th of April, 1839, and the 30^th of January, 1843. Articles 14 and 15 provide that the United States shall meet all claims and yet undecided made by its citizens on Mexico not exceeding 750,000 dollars. These articles also define the means for determining the amount and validity of such claims. By article 16, each country reserves the right of fortifying any point within its own territory. The treaty of the 5^th of April, 1831, between the republics is, by article 17, revived for eight years, terminable, however, on one year's notice. Articles 18, 19, and 20, relate to the mode in which the troops of the United States shall evacuate the territories of Mexico, and the manner in which the import duties shall be levied, under contingencies specified therein. By article 21, in the event of questions arising between the two countries, pacific negotiations, "in the spirit of peace and good neighbourhood," are to be resorted to, or the arbitration of commissioners, or that of some friendly nation. By article 22, in case of war between the republics, merchants are to be protected and prisoners of war to be humanely treated. The 23d and last article in the treaty provides for its due ratification by both republics. The signatures attached to the document are those of N.P. Trist, Luis G. Cuevas, Bernardo Couto, and Miguel Atristan.

Expresses had been dispatched to Mexico with the ratification of the treaty. It was expected that they would reach the capital on the 25^th ult.

We learn from the city of Mexico that an armistice of two months had been agreed upon between General Butler and the Mexican Commissioners.

A rumour prevailed at Washington, to the effect that the Cabinet had decided against favouring the passage of the Ten Regiments Bill.

Some severe fighting had taken place between the United States troops and the Mexican guerillas.

Property to the amount of $100,00 had been destroyed at Boston by fire.
[JNA]

LT U.S. and Mexico, May 11, 1848, Page 6, Column a

THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO

SOUTHAMPTON, May 10

The Ocean Steam Navigation Company's ship Washington, Captain Johnston, arrived off Cowes this morning at 11a.m., bringing the United States' mails for Great Britain, France, and Germany, in charge of Mr. W.W. Hincken..

.We have a few days later news from Mexico, and our dates from Vera Cruz are to the 9^th of April. General Santa Anna had been escorted by Colonel Hughes to the Hacienda of El Encero, where he remained till the 2d of April, when he left for Antigua, just north of Vera Cruz, where he embarked on the 4^th in a Spanish brig for Jamaica or Havanna. His exact destination was unknown. Just previous to his departure Santa Anna published a long farewell address to his countrymen, reviewing his public life, complaining of the injustice that has been done him, execrating the peace which the Mexicans have consented to make, and declaring his intention to exile himself from his country. Some desertions from the American forces had taken place. Mr. Clifford, one of the Commissioners to Mexico, arrived at Vera Cruz on the 2d of April, and was attacked en route by the guerrillas, who succeeded in capturing seven of the mules and their burdens. It was reported that Mr. Trist would be sent out of the country under arrest, by orders of the Cabinet at Washington. Mr. Freairer arrived at Mexico on the 16^th of March with instructions for General Butler to send Mr. Trist home as a prisoner as soon as he had given his evidence before the Court of Inquiry. General Butler immediately communicated to Mr. Trist the orders of the Government, and his intention to execute them. Mr. Trist then addressed a long letter to the General, denying his right to arrest or remove from the country an American citizen; but General Butler briefly replied that he should enforce his orders to the letter. Mr. Trist will therefore make a very inglorious exit from the scene of his diplomacy and negotiations.

We subjoin the latest particulars of the New York money, stock, and produce markets.
[JNA]

LT U.S. treaty with Mexico, June 24, 1848, Page 7, Column a

AMERICA

"AUGUSTA, GEORGIA, June 8.

"The special express has come to hand, bringing intelligence that the steamer Hetzel has arrived at New Orleans, with advices from the city of Mexico, to 4 o'clock p.m., 26^thult.

"The Senate ratified the treaty on the fifth vote-- 23 yeas, 5 nays.

"General Kearney succeeded General Smith in the command of the city of Mexico, while the latter superintends the embarkation of the troops at Vera Cruz.

"Commissioners Sevier and Clifford arrived at Queretaro on the 23d. An exchange of ratifications took place, and the outposts of the army were all ordered to be on march in 10 days. All under sentence of death were banished.

"The Mexicans are under great fear of Indians after the army leaves."
[JNA]

LT U.S., new bill to legislate Oregon, August 31, 1848, Page 6, Column a

AMERICA

LIVERPOOL, Wednesday.

The America, Captain Judkins, arrived to-day with advices from New York to the 16^th and Halifax to the 10^th inst.

We have also late dates from the River Plate, the Brazils, and Venezuela.

The America experienced stroug head winds during the first four or five days after leaving Halifax.

The Cambria, Captian Harrison, arrived at Halifax on the 17^th, and proceeded for New York.

Congress adjourned on the 15^thinst.

Among the last acts of legislation, and one which has received the President's signature, was a bill providing for the government of Oregon. The peculiar circumstance which gives interest to this bill is, that it embodies, in respect to that territory, the provision of the famous ordinance of 1787--which forbids slavery for ever in the territories north-west of the Ohio--and the wise foresight of which prohibition has been proved by the growing up already in that territory of six great and prosperous states, within which slavery can find no foothold. There was a strenuous contest in the Senate especially to exclude this provision, but it was found, after two or three successive trials, that on each occasion the House of Representatives became more and more determined to let Oregon remain without a Government, rather than consent to any compromise adverse to freedom; and finally the Senate yielded, and the bill was passed and is now a law, with the clause prohibiting slavery within the borders of Oregon. The other new territories acquired by the treaty of peace with Mexico remain unprovided with any Government, and are in a sufficiently anomalous position, for they are American by treaty and of course no longer subject to laws which attached to them when belonging to another country--and yet not provided with any new form of government by their new country. Slavery is here again the stumbling-block--for portions of both these territories lying within parallels of latitude where slave labour may be with most advantage employed, the senators and representatives from the slave-holding States would not consent to any bill that looked to the exclusion of slavery from these countries. On the other hand the representatives from the non-slave-holding States would not sanction any bill that might lead to the introduction of slaves and slavery into regions now free. The difference is irreconcilable, and the territories are left without any settled form of government.

The President, in returning this bill to Congress with his signature, accompanied it with a message, in which he declares that he signed the bill because Oregon lies north of the line of the Missouri Compromise, but would not do the same for any bill, excluding slavery, having relation to the government of the territory of California, or the newly acquired provinces in Mexico, because he evidently thinks the slave limits little enough, and that the Missouri Compromise having been adopted and made a rule of action, it is unwise and unjust to the south to seek to impose conditions excluding slavery upon territory south of that line. In conclusion, he quotes from the farewell address of Washington a portion which deprecates sectional influences and the admission of any feeling tending to weaken the union..

."By the Oregon treaty certain possessory rights are reserved to the company south of the parallel of 49 degrees; the free navigation of the Columbia river is also reserved; the British Government, in the name of the company, has, through Mr. Crampton, the British Charge, proposed to sell this Government their possessory rights south of 49 degrees, and also to dispose of the free navigation of the Columbia, for the sum of $1,000,000.

"Some of the Senators hearing of the proposition, the Senate passed a resolution calling for information. The Secretary of State, in a communication, laid before them the whole matter, but did not, as has been said, advise the acceptance of the proposition. He declared that, as adviser of the President, he could not counsel its acceptance with-out first ascertaining the value of the propriety of the property the British Government proposes to transfer; declaring, however, that if he were in the Senate he should vote for the purchase, as it would prevent the trouble and annoyance likely to arise from the joint navigation of the Columbia. The agents of the Hudson's Bay Company represent the property south of 49 as very valuable. The truth appears to be, however, that it is of little account compared with the other right proposed to be transferred."

Congress passed this proposition over for want of time. The President, however, has still the power in the recess of negotiating a treaty upon this subject, through the British Government, subject to the ratification of Congress. The Courier and Enquirerwriting upon this subject, says--

"It is certainly desirable, as likely to do away with too pregnant causes of dispute between English and American settlers in Oregon, that all the property and rights of the English company should be conveyed to the American Government, even although the price to be paid should be larger than the actual money value of the property acquired. Harmony and good understanding among the settlers of this new territory can hardly be bought too dear." [JNA]

LT U.S. and annexation, September 8, 1848, Page 4, Column d

The policy pursued by the Government of the United States with regard to territorial aggrandizement is particularly deserving of attention. Prussia, in her vital struggles through the middle of the last century, was not more desperately bent upon consolidation and enlargement than is America at present, and a state which still retains in its original possessions sufficient unoccupied land to maintain double the amount of its population is impressing into its service all the expedients of annexation, conquest, and purchase, with as much determination and energy as if it were actually gasping in those extremities of political existence which necessitated the seizure of Silesia and almost palliated the first partition of Poland. This policy may be, perhaps, to some extent, the manifestation of that high national purpose occasionally proclaimed by American statesmen, of reducing the uttermost parts of the continent under their rule upon the faith and sanction of scriptural donations; or it may be simply the natural development of ambition and activity in a thriving, uncontrolled, and unquiet people. But with either or both of these motives we have no doubt there is compounded, on the part of forecasting statesmen, a strong desire to multiply and extend as far as possible those outlets for discontent and restlessness which are the very lungs of the American body politic, and to postpone to the remotest practicable period that moment when the rushing stream of expansive population must at length be checked, and with a sudden and terrible recoil. What emigration is, or ought to be, to Great Britain, migration is to the United States. Their colonies are in their western provinces. All opinions concur in stating that the facilities afforded by the wilderness of the far-west to the spirit of adventure or change have proved the salvation of the Government, and have been the chief means of preserving intact for seventy years a constitution which, by the side of more recent incarnations of democracy, seems to wear not a few of the features of a steady and consolidated monarchy.

The efforts of the American Government to perpetuate the existence and secure the free action of this political safety-valve have been commensurate, in success not less than in spirit, with the necessities of the case. Taken with the previously vacant territories of the United States proper, we may say that the annexation of Texas, the acquisitions from.the disposal of the authorities at Washington a tract of land at least twice as spacious as the whole presently inhabited portion of their possessions. In fact, taking the whole breadth of the continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific, between the 50^th and 30^th parallels, as representing the present dominions of the United States of America, it would be substantially correct to say that the whole space west of the Missouri, or, in other words, two-thirds of the entire territory, is yet untenanted, and lies in reserve for the caprices of necessities of generations to come. It is particularly instructive to observe with what summary and business-like promptitude every acre of this accumulated property is secured in the Government stores, and stamped, as it were with the national mark, for the undetermined purposes of the nation. Already that coast, to the capabilities of which we seem to pay such little heed, has been brought within call of Washington, and the ports of the Pacific will be kept well in hand by a Cabinet sitting on the shores of the opposite ocean. A line of mail steamers is forthwith to run between New York and New Orleans; at New Orleans it will join a second line from that port to Chagres, on the Isthmus of Panama; from the Isthmus a third line of steamers will traverse the Pacific to and from the Columbia River. The ink of the treaties is scarcely dry, and yet in January next thye direct and regular communication between New York and Oregon will be such as at this time last year, had not been established between London and Ascension. The Americans want no sharesmen in their operations. The terms of the convention left certain possessory rights to the Hudson's Bay Company within the frontier assigned to the United States. These rights the States are anxious to purchase immediately, and it is probable that the President, without waiting for the re-assembling of congress, will negotiate during the recess, at no illiberal valuation, his bargain for the whole of these possessions. How much of the price paid for Louisiana of California would the Government of Washington give for an island which seems to have gone begging for twelve months in London?

There is this peculiar interest attached to these transactions on the American continent,--that we there see in actual operation the course of those events of which in our own world we can only read. We may look at the North America of 1848 as at the Northern Europe of a thousand years before, and may watch with our own eyes the territorial settlement of a continent. There are the Spaniards of the Isthmus, the rival Saxons in the center, the Slavonians in the north-western angle, and a powerful element of Celts interspersed. We may imagine a new race of Franks establishing itself in a Transatlantic Gaul, a new colony of Slaves struggling up to a new Pomerania, or a new swarm of Huns settling upon a new Danube. We have civilized instead of barbarous races to deal with, and therein consists the whole difference. With this variation we may fix our speculative eyes upon a continent of which the distribution and occupation is as uncertain and fortuitous as that of Europe in the days of Charlemagne. There may be one empire or two, of one or two races, or there may be kingdoms or republics innumerable. Nobody can yet calculate the members of the American family when the partition and tenancy of the continent shall be at length complete.

The interest felt in such a prospect as this is not diminished by the consideration of the extent to which our own national credit is involved. Over half of this vast territory we have at least manorial rights, and it is indeed fitting that the institutions of the company to which we delegate so important a tenancy should be introduced to general notice. It should not be overlooked that our remaining portion in these possessions is mainly deficient in those very advantages which we have recently proposed to bargain away. The immense tract of British North America has on the Pacific but a very inadequate proportion of seaboard. The Russian territories straggle half-way down our western coast from the north, and south to the Columbia River all will soon be subject to American rule. Vancouver's Island is not only the most promising harbour and position in these parts, but it is literally nearly one half of the western seaboard of our whole dominion. And yet this is the settlement on which we set so little store!
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LT Mendoza (Jose M.) on Mexican Finance, September 12, 1848, Page 6, Column a

MEXICAN FINANCE

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES

Sir,--I beg to accompany herewith a translation of a document received from his Excellency J.M.L. Mora, which I shall feel obliged by your publishing in your valuable journal.

I remain, Sir, yours most obediently,

Jose M. Mendoza.
Mexican Consulate, 3, Winchester-buildings, Sept.11.

MEXICAN LEGATION AT THE COURT OF HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY.

London, Sept. 6.

Under date of the 12^th of July his Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs writes me as follows:--

"Excellent Sir.--The Supreme Government, considering how important to every nation is its good public credit, occupies itself before all things in the re-establishment of that of the Republic by arranging the payment of its creditors; the more so as this requires time and consideration, and there are, besides, creditors that have such preference that they cannot be put off until that time without prejudice to the national credit. His Excellency the President has therefore resolved, that from the duties which belong to the maritime Custom-houses, from the cargoes of the vessels which may arrive at the ports from this time, and from those which have arrived in those ports of which the Americans had possession, after the return of these Custom-houses to the Mexican functionaries, the respective administrators proceed to separate the portions that have been designed for the fund of the 26 per cent of the internal legal debt, for the exterior (foreign)debt, and for that of creditors acknowledged by diplomatic conventions in favour of subjects of other nations, and which were in course of payment at the time of the cessation of the Custom-houses, remitting the proceeds of these funds to the respective representatives in the same terms as formerly established.

"Notwithstanding that the funding of the 26 per cent was considered in the consolidation which was arranged by the decree of the 10^thof July, 1846, as this on account of the war has not been carried into effect, nor can be now, principally on account of the decree of the 14^thof last month, the Supreme Government has desired to continued the separation of the said stock, because it considers it more advantageous to those interested, who will avoid the losses they would have to sustain until such time as some definite arrangement could be made on this subject; in this they have the greatest advantages, considering the present state of the National Treasury.

"As the principal aim of the Government in taking this resolution is that of re-establishing the public credit, which it desires to consolidate, his Excellency the President desires that your Excellency will give the substance of this determination the greatest publicity, to which end I communicate it, assuring you at the same time of my consideration.

"OTERO."

And I communicate the same to you for the like purpose, renewing the assurances, &c.,

J.M.L. Mora.

To the Mexican Consul in London.
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LT California, September 16, 1848, Page 4, Column c

There is really a great deal of interest to be acquired in the seizing of California, just taken by the United States. We mean that there is something very amusing in the spectacle of the most inquisitive and tenacious people in the world turned loose into a huge, mysterious, unexplored region. It is something beyond DENON and his brother savantsin Egypt, and is almost equivalent to a meeting of the British Association in Japan, with the free run of the islands. It is certain that at this moment no human being of Caucasian extraction has any conception of what may be discoverable on the ten degrees of the globe's surface between the Rio del Norte and the North Pacific Ocean, and it is almost as certain that in two years' time there will be a railroad right across the province, and boarding-houses at every station. It is something in these dull times to have a real trueterra incognita in store, with Americans for adventurers. The truth is, that the Colorado beats the Oxus hollow, for there was a time when Bactriana was a civilized and accessible region enough, whereas there is no certainty that the spot of ground indicated by lat. 36, long. 112, was ever trodden by any foot but that of an Indian horse-stealer. We say no certainty, because there is mystery in the highest degree attached to this country. A blue book, stamped with all authority of a Parliamentary warrant, positively states that "independent nations, living in large towns, "and known only by report," are presumed to exist within the old domains of Mexico, and, as none such turned up the other day during the forays between Santa Fe and Vera Cruz, we must conclude they lie somewhere hereabouts, it anywhere. The mystery of the reports is quite charming. The existence of the cities in question is not exactly so well ascertained as was that of Paradise by Sir John Mandeville, who "had not indeed reached the spot, but "had seen the walls thereof;" it bears rather a stronger analogy to that of El Dorado, of which some Indians told Raleigh's sailors that they had once seen the reflection in a lake. Seriously, though, there is actually an enormous indefinite area to be explored and fifty thousand adventurers ready to rout and ransack every corner of it, like the undertakers at the drawers and cupboards in Hogarth's picture of the Dead Miser.

Perhaps our readers would like to learn something of the known state of California, as a print de depart from which to venture into those interesting details which will no doubt reach us by every American mail. Under the old Spanish monarchy, Upper, of New California, was one of the three provinces composing the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Its settlement, however, was limited to the establishment of some eighteen or twenty "missions" along the coast, which were dedicated to the various saints whowe titles till survive between Francisco and Diego, and which were calculated, with a precision and certainty attainable by none but Spaniards, to render the colonization of the country altogether an impossibility. San Diego, the southernmost of these, and the point where the new American frontier will debouch upon the Pacific, was founded in 1769, before which year there was no European settlement upon the coast. Between this period and 1800 were founded the others, all on the same model, and all running the same course. The aspect of the presidios was not materially varied under the rule of the emancipated Republic. When Captain Wilkes landed at San Francisco, he founded, at the chief anchorage of this noble port, a "town," of which the constituent elements are thus enumberated:--"A large frame house occupied by and agent of the Hudson's Bay Company; a store kept by an Anglo-American captian; a blacksmith's shop, and some outbuildings." As this is decidedly the most famous colony on the coast it would be rather perverting the proverb to say "Ex pede Herculem," but we may probably save ourselves the trouble of describing San Carlos, or Santa Barbara, or La Purissima Concepcion. In these delightful settlements resides the present white population of the province, numbering perhaps about 3,000 souls, and some 9,000 or 10,000 Indians, as it is calculated, roam abroad in the mysterious wilds of the interior. The whites are true sons of Old Spain, with everything of a Castilian but his bravery. But for the presence of certain English and Americans the Indians would infallibly drive them into the sea. After calm observation and mature reflection, Captain Wilkes is compelled to pronounce that "they may be termed cruel to their wives, in a greater degree still to their slaves and cattle, and exceedingly ignorant of everything but extortion, riding horses, and catching bullocks."

A true Yankee graft upon this valuable stock must yield a wonderful result, and we shall not be long before we see it. We described lately the precautions which have been so promptly taken to bring the new territory safely under hand, and it appears that the work of discovery has already commenced. At present the great attraction seems rather in the bowels of the earth than on its surface, and hundreds of independent citizens are at work with their pickaxes, like treasure-seekers in the Hartz Mountains. Quicksilver in the main object of search, and we are told, in a semi-official and perfectly serious report, of one mine, about 13 miles from San Francisco, "so rich that the gentleman who surveyed it under the directions of the Government was so much affected by salivation, that his mouth was sore for a period of ten days after he had concluded the survey." It is anticipated that quicksilver will thus be an article of as regular exportation from the western, as breadstuffs from the eastern coasts of the States; several mining companies are already established, and California is even now spoken of by Transatlantic journalists in that phrase which so attracted Mr. Martin Chuzzlewit, as "one of the most remarkable provinces of our country, Sir."

We should rather conceive doubts, from the configuration of this part of the continent, whether the mineral wealth so characteristic of the great spinal plateau of Anahuac did in reality extend so far beyond its termination as to be met with in North California. But, like the young farmers in the fable, who dug for a treasure and discovered it in the enrichment of their farm, which had followed upon the labour bestowed, the Americans will no doubt find their account in the improvement and civilization of this hitherto unproductive country. With a territory, at least in places, highly fruitful, a climate free from the noxiousness of the opposite coasts, and a temperature not otherwise than equable, they can hardly fail of a return for their labour, and, if they do not discover any New Peru, or any fresh variety of the human race, they will at least make a vast tract of the earth's surface subservient to the increasing wants of man.
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LT Mexican bonds, October 27, 1848, Page 3, Column c

MONEY-MARKET AND CITY INTELLIGENCE.

The firmness of the English funds continues, and there has to-day been a further advance of a quarter per cent. Consols opened at 85⅛ to ¼, and after some slight fluctuations closed at 85⅜ to ½ for money and account; Bank Stock left off 185 to 187; Reduced Three per Cents., 84¼ to ⅜; Three-and-a-Quarter per Cents., 84¾ to 85; Long Annuities, 8⅜ to 7-16; India Stock, 234 to 237; India Bonds, 39s. to 42s. premium; and Exchequer Bills, March, 39s. to 42s., June, 37s. to 40s. premium.

The Mexican accounts by the West India mail had some effect upon that stock, and the bargains, the whole of which were for money, were done at 19¾, 20⅛, 20, and 20¼. The other business in the foreign market was confined to Danish, at 65½; Grenada, at 12½; Peruvian, at 30½; Portuguese Four per Cents., at 23; Russian Five per Cents., at 98 and 98½: Spanish Three per Cents., at 44⅝, and the Four per Cent. Certificates, at 68¼.

Subjoined are the communications brought by the present mail to the Committee of Spanish American Bondholders regarding the Mexican Debt. On the whole they will be found more satisfactory than has been expected, although extremely meager as to details. It would appear that the sum of about $90,000 is now in hand on account of the bondholders, of which $29,138 has been remitted, the latter sum consisting of the one-fifth of the Customs' dues collected at Vera Cruz from the 11^thof July, the date of the American evacuation, to the 11^th of September. This, however, being merely the proportion of the dues actually collected, that is to say, one-fifth of $145,690, while the total, according to Messrs. Manning and Co.'s estimate, to be paid by the importers, is $308,000, it seems that a further sum of $32,462 will be realizable fore the bond-holders for the period in question when the collections shall have been all completed. The progressive increase of revenue at Vera Cruz from $108,000 in July, to $200,000 in August, is also a favourable feature. With regard to the $60,000 still held for remittance by Messrs. Manning and Mackintosh at Mexico, and Mr. Glass at Tampico, it will be understood that this is entirely composed of the proportion of one-fifth set apart for the bondholders by the Mexican Government, from the total handed them by the Americans for collections made at the ports of Vera Cruz and Tampico during the interval between the peace and its consummation, so that the good faith thus shown is also, as far as it goes, satisfactory. The system under which these remittances are made, however, and the general want of definite information concerning the contemplated arrangements of the Government, show the urgent necessity of the decision lately come to for the dispatch of an agent to put matters, in behalf of the bondholders, on a clear and final footing.

(From Messrs. Manning and Mackintosh.)

"Mexico, Sept. 12, 1848.

"Sir,--We beg to hand you herewith duplicates of our last respects, since when we are deprived of your favours, the steamer with the mails of the 1^st of August not having yet arrived.

We now bet to inform you that on the 2d instant we received from the Mexican Government, and forwarded to Mr. Glass of Tampico for shipment by the present steamer, a bill of $22,400, being the 20 per cent. belonging to the bondholders, proceeding from the duties returned by the Americans in Tampico under the treaty of peace.

In addition to this amount you will receive from our Vera Cruz house, we believe by this packet, a remittance for the 20 per cent of the duties, carried by the conducta of specie which lately left this for that port; and the united amount of these remittances we should think will exceed $50,000.

We shall have to remit also a further sum of $40,208. 0. 4., received from the Mexican Government, on account of the dividends, respecting which you will be duly advised.

As yet the Congress has not come to any decision as to what proportion of the 12 millions of American indemnity is to be appropriated to the dividends."

"We remain, &c,

MANNING AND MACKINTOSH.
(Signed)
G.R. Robinson, Esq."
(From Messrs. Manning, Mackintosh, and Co.)

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LT Mexican Bonds, October 28, 1848, Page 3, Column a

MONEY-MARKET AND CITY INTELLIGENCE.

Friday Evening.

There have been some fluctuations in the English funds today, but the recent advance has been maintained. Consols opened at an improvement of an eighth, the first price being 85½ to ⅝. A further rise, however, to 85⅞ caused some sellers to enter the market, and a reaction took place to 85⅜ to ½, both for money and account, at which they closed. Bank Stock left off 186 to 188; Reduced Three per Cents., 84¼ to ⅜; Three-and-a-Quarter per Cents., 84¾ to ⅞; Long Annuities, 8⅜ to 7-16; India Stock, 234 to 237; India Bonds, 42s. to 45s.; June, 40s. to 43s. premium.

The market for foreign securities was comparatively quiet, and not much business was done in any description. Mexican, however, continues to support the late advanced quotation. The bargains in this stock were at 20¼, ⅞, and ½ for money, and at 20½ for the account.

.We have received the following, signed "A Bondholder," in relation to the Mexican remittances, mentioned yesterday:--

"Sir,--The Mexican bondholders cannot fail duly to appreciate the clear analysis which you have given this morning of Messrs. Manning and Mackintosh's letter relative to the forthcoming remittances for dividend account. Your general view of the subject also is shared by the parties most deeply interested in this important business.

Permit me to explain one point which, not being touched on by Messrs. Manning and Mackintosh, could not come within your summary. The Vera Cruz Custom-house gives credits on duties levied for the State, so that the greater part, if not the entire amount, of the $29,000 now received must arise form the Custom-house revenue for May and June, leaving the whole, or nearly the whole, of the quota for July and August (about $60,000) still to be remitted to the bondholders. What portion of it may actually be recovered and transmitted by the September packet, we cannot at present ascertain.

You have made no allusion to Messrs. Manning and Mackintosh's remark that the Congress had not come to any decision as to what proportion of the 12 millions of indemnity money was to be appropriated to dividends. But it is most important to gather from this observation that the appropriation is no longer a question of principle, but one of degree; and it is to be hoped that this point will be duly enforced in the future communications between the bondholders and the Government."
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LT Tampico, deplorable state of, December 13, 1848, Page 5, Column a

AMERICA

Liverpool, Dec.12.

The Royal mail steam ship Acadia, Captain Stone, which left Boston on the 29^th ult., and Halifax on the 1^stinst., arrived in the Mersey this morning.
The steam ship Cambria, Captain Harrison, hence, arrived at New York on the 25^th ult., in 13 days and three-quarters.
There is literally no political intelligence to communicate.

The advices from Mexico represent the country to be in a very restless condition, although we have no outbreaks to record. Robberies upon the highways and in the streets are frequent; the police of the towns are inefficient; the insurgents of Sierra were unsubdued; the Indians were desolating the frontier stations; and to crown all the Government was without funds, and consequently inactive.

.The papers give a deplorable picture of the state of affairs at Tampico. The most frightful disorder is said to reign there, and brawls were continually occurring between the partisans of annexation and those who oppose it. A portion of the populace in favour of it is said to traverse the streets at all hours with arms in their hands shooting and committing ravages.
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The Mexican-American War and the Media, 1845-1848

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