i Sffl : -; 945 K; OPINION ON :|!!-:ANNIXA"liON ()l ; IviiOCCD I/ NCftOI ' LIIRARY University of California Berkeley PUBLIC OPINION IN THE UNITED STATES ON THE ANNEXATION OF MEXICO. PUBLIC OPINION IN THE UNITED STATES ON THE ANNEXATION OF MEXICO. The following extracts from the public journals of the United States are printed in connection, to show the state of public opinion in this country on a proposition recently made in the Senate and reported adversely by the Committee on Foreign Relations to change the boundaries so as to include large portions of several States of Mexico in the limits of the United States. The resolution above mentioned was introduced on December 15, 1891, and it is as follows : "Resolved: That the Committee on Foreign Relations be requested to inquire whether the acquisition Q{ those portions of the States of Sonora, Chihuahua and Coahuila, lying north of the twenty-ninth parallel of north latitude, in the Republic of Mexico, is practicable and for the in- terest of the United States." FROM CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. FIFTY-SECOND CONGRESS. FIRST SESSION. VOL. 23, No. 47. WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, FEB. 18, 1892. PAGE 1312. SENATE. Wednesday, February 17, 1892. ******* * # * * # REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. * * * Mr. Sherman, from the Com- mittee on Foreign Relations, to whom was referred the resolution sub- mitted by Mr. Quay on December 15, 1891, requesting the Committee on Foreign Relations to inquire whether the acquisition of certain por- tions of the territory of the Republic of Mexico is practicable, reported adversely thereon, and asked to be discharged from its further consid- eration; which was agreed to. \ DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The Washington Post, Washington, D. C., Dec. 28, 1891. MR. QUAY'S MEXICAN BILL. The scheme of Mexican acquisition, which for some years has been agitated along the border, and which is now formulated in a bill recently introduced in the Senate by Mr. Quay, is not likely to create any general enthusiasm. There is nothing like a national desire for further annexa- tion on the South, and in Mexico there is a very decided antagonism to the relinquishment of any more territory to the North. If there were any disposition on either side of the line favorable to such a project, or if anything were to be gained by it to either country, or to both, there would be good ground perhaps for the legislation pro- posed ; but the people of the United States, for the most part, are well enough satisfied with the existing boundary, and the people of Mexico have already lost all they want to lose by American absorption. It is for the interest of the two governments to keep thoroughly at peace with one another and cultivate to the utmost possible extent the re- lations that ought to prevail between near neighbors, instead of springing new and needless issues that, having no merit in themselves, are only calculated to revive old prejudices and obstruct the freedom of commer- cial intercourse which the best statesmen of both countries are striving to bring about. The Church News, Washington, D. C., Jan. 3, 1892. A SCHEME TO DISMEMBER MEXICO. A resolution has been offered in the United States Senate instructing the foreign committee to inquire whether it would be practical and ex- pedient for this Government to acquire certain portions of the territory of Mexico. The resolution, in view of the fact that our sister republic has previously protested against the United States discussing similar propositions, seems unnecessary and imprudent. It is pretty well known that Mexicans would not tolerate a proposi- tion looking to the dismemberment of their country; it is also known that the constitution of Mexico forbids the Government from selling any of its territory. We can then very easily imagine with what ill feeling the news of the action of the Senate in referring this resolution will be re- ceived in Mexico. The resolution is not only a violation of the traditional policy of this Government, but is imprudent because our southern boundary is un- protected, and the people of Texas may be placed in a dangerous posi- tion, as the Mexican forces are now on the right bank of the Rio Grande watching the movements of Garza, who is in command of a body of rebels against the Government. Under other circumstances the proposition might be harmless and regarded as a business transaction in real estate, but at this time it will scarcely be so considered by the Mexicans. They have by no means signified any desire to sell any of their territory, but, on the contrary, their minister, Mr. Romero, when Arizona asked Congress to open nego- tiations for a small strip of land, informed Mr. Elaine that the adminis- tration of General Diaz desrred to promote amicable relations with the United States, but if the question of annexation was discussed by influential men on this side of the river, Mexico might have to protect herself. Whilst we may desire to own part or even the whole of Mexico, we have no right to force the people of that country to come under our control. We might as well talk of acquiring Canada or Cuba as to dis- cuss the subject of buying Mexico. In fact, it would be more rea- sonable to expect England to sell Canada, or Spain to part with Cuba, as those, colonies are so far from the mother country, than to ask Mexico to sell us portions of Sonora, Chihuahua, and Coahuila, which are a part of herself. As there is not the slightest possibility of the resolution doing any good and strong probabilities of its doing harm, we must be surprised that the Senate gave it the slightest consideration. In the far future Mexico, Canada and Cuba may come into the family of States, but they must come by their own volition and not by force. At present they do not seem anxious to do so, and we should not try to force them or endanger the lives of our own people by showing an unreasonable desire to get them under our flag. It is quite probable that the resolution will "sleep the sleep that knows no waking" in the room of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Such is the fate it deserves. The Washington Post, Washington, D. C., Feb. 8, 1892. MEXICAN ANNEXATION. HOW MR. QUAY'S RESOLUTION is REGARDED 'SOUTH OF THE RIO GRANDE. THE Two REPUBLICS : Several of our local contemporaries have taken notice of the extraordinary resolution offered in the United States Senate by Mr. Quay of Pennsylvania, in which the absorption of a portion of Northern Mexico is proposed. The offering of those resolu- tions by the United States Senator is, of course, a matter of no conse- <[iicnce \vh uever, since they can have no support except that of their author. Nevertheless, they are regarded in Mexico as a gratuitous offense of more than ordinary gravity. It is difficult to convince the Mexican people that the American people and the Government are their friends, when men occupying high political positions put themselves to the trouble of unnecessarily offending their southern neighbor. The relations between the United States and Mexico are constantly growing more cordial, but periodically something occurs to cause the people of this country to suspect the sincerity of the professions of friendship which come from the United States. Usually the disturber is an American newspaper, but occas- ionally some prominent man distinguishes himself by committing some act of folly like that of Senator Quay. We will state for the information of Senator Quay that his resolu- tions, although consigned to a committee which will never report them, are calculated to rekindle a prejudice against Americans in this country which is now rapidly disappearing, and thereby injure their interests in Mexico. If the honorable Senator is such a very narrow-gauged man as not to care what befalls American interests in Mexico, we will give him the additional information that his thoughtless resolutions may be as disagreeable to some of his constituents who are interested* in Mexico as they are to the American residents of the country in general. The Washington Post, Washington, D. C., Feb. 20, 1892. OUR MEXICAN NEIGHBORS. The resolution introduced in the Senate on the i5th of December last, requesting the Committee on Foreign Relations to inquire whether " the acquisition of certain portions of the territory of the republic of Mexico is practicable," whatever may have been the motive for its introduction, had a mischievous look about it and failed to elicit any favorable response throughout the country. The general impression seemed to be that it was not in the line of sound public policy, and that no occasion existed for agitating a question which could not fail to be regarded in Mexico with grave suspicion and as in the nature of a menace to Mexican autonomy. It had that effect to some extent, and evoked strong condemnatory comment from the Two Republics and other papers of that country. The adverse report upon the resolution which was made to the Senate on Wednesday by Mr. Sherman, will doubtless allay all appre- hension on this delicate subject among our neighbors across the Rio Grande, and avert a feeling of suspicion that would speedily develop into irritation were such a measure to be seriously considered in the American Congress. On the same day that this adverse report was made the Senate passed a joint resolution authorizing the President to return to Mexico* the twenty-one battle flags now in the museum of the United States Military Academy at West Point, which were captured by the army of the United States during the Mexican war. This action, though largely based upon sentimental considerations, was nevertheless appropriate, and under the circumstances is to be taken as an additional earnest of the good faith of the Government and of its desire to maintain unbroken the amicable relations that exist between the two countries. In all probability it will be so accepted at the Mexican capital as an assurance that outside of possibly a few designing and uninfluential conspirators along the boundary and on both sides of it, the great bulk of the American people are friendly to Mexico and strenuously opposed to any movement in or out of Congress that may tend to disturb a friendship which is mutually advantageous, and on which great expecta- tions for the future may reasonably be placed. It may require considerable time and negotiation to bring about the commercial relations with Mexico which neighborly interests demand, but the high tariff walls that separate the countries of the Western continent must sooner or later come down, and a customs union organized on the principle of reciprocal concession take their place. Were it not for England, commercial union with Canada were already an accomplished fact. That it has not become so with Mexico is attributable to various causes, the chief of which is a lack of concerted effort to bring the conflicting tariffs of tne two countries into something like harmonious adjustment. There has been a good deal of loose legislation at both ends of the line, and a reference of the question to a joint commission ought to be of service in giving still greater stability and permanency to the bonds of brotherhood and trade that now unite the sister republics. COLORADO. The Republican, Denver, Feb. 25, 1892. ACQUIRING MEXICAN TERRITORY. On the i5th of last December a resolution was introduced in the Senate directing that inquiry be made as to whether any part of the territory of Mexico would be ceded by that country to the United States. Last Wednesday the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations reported against the resolution. Of course, in making this adverse report, the committee did right This is the almost unanimous sentiment of the people of the United States. A few speculators may desire to get hold of a little more Mexican land, but the people in general are opposed to any movement in that direction. If Mexico were to offer to sell us a part of its territory, it might be advisable to accept the offer, if the money con- sideration were satisfactory. It might be to the advantage of the United States to possess the peninsula of Lower California and to con- trol the mouth of the Colorado river. But to accept an offer of this sort from Mexico would be a very different thing from asking the Mexicans to sell. The introduction of the resolution referred to was unwise, for the reason that the United States should carefully avoid doing anything, which would cause the Mexicans to suspect that we had designs against any part of the republic. The people of Mexico are very sensitive on this point, and they have a lurking fear that some day the United States will attempt to again take away some of their territory. The policy of the American government should, therefore, be to convince them that there is no such intention or desire on the part of the people of the United States. As for the absorption of the entire republic of Mexico by the United United, it is a thing not to be thought of for a moment. The acquisition of Canada would be advantageous. The acquisition of Mexico would be injurious. The Mexicans differ from the Americans in blood and. language, and in many respects the civilizations of the two- countries differ. They would not unite. One government might be extended over both, but the two great sections would remain distinct. It would require hundreds of years to make the Mexicans and the Americans alike and to establish the English language in the place of the Spanish. It is doubtful if it could ever be done. These conditions- forbid all thought of union between Mexico and the United States, whether peaceably or by force. ILLINOIS. The Post, Chicago, Dec. 24, 1891. " No one in our section of the country knows the object or purpose ot Senator Matt Quay's Senate resolutions looking to the acquisition by the United States of a strip of territory off the northern Mexican States," said Henry Wulfert, of Galveston, Texas, at the Palmer House. " The ostensible reason for the resolution is that many Americans now reside in the northern tier of countries of those States and that the United States would be a more proper government for them than Mexico. That argument might have had some weight years ago, when Mexico was a hotbed of revolutions and neither property nor life was safe. Under the present Mexican Government a man and his goods are as. secure in Mexico as in Texas. Americans who have settled in Mexico have done so because they found it to their interest. They certainly 10 are not in favor of any change. I think Senator Quay's resolution was a bit of ' buncombe,' because he knows the policy of the United States since the Mexican war has been opposed to any acquisition of territory from Mexico." From tJie Chicago Journal, Jan. u, 1892. NO MORE MEXICAN GRABS. It is announced that Senator Quay intends to "make a fight on the floor of the Senate " for his Mexican annexation resolution. This is a .great mistake, and any serious action of the Senate in that direction would be a great misfortune. No public man nor party in Mexico would dare to favor the alienation of any of its territory, which is, in fact, absolutely prohibited by the Mexican constitution. We want to be on the best terms with Mexico, and should do nothing to .give offense. INDIANA. The Journal, Indianapolis, Dec. 31, 1891. The resolution of Senator Quay directing the Committee on Foreign Relations to inquire if the acquisition of a portion of Mexico is prac- ticable and for the interest of the United State?, is very generally denounced by the press. The fact is, very few people in this country want any of Mexico's territory, but a vast majority do desire to remain on terms of the closest friendship with the sister republic. IOWA. The Herald, Dubuque, Dec. 23, 1891. REACHING OUT FOR MORE TERRITORY. Senator Quay has introduced a resolution which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, instructing that committee to inquire whether the acquisition of those portions of the Mexican States of -Sonora., Chihuahua and Coahuila, that lie north of the twenty-ninth parallel is practicable, and for the interests of the Uuited States. This resolution appears to be in line with the administration's effort to do something to commend itself to the people. Its domestic policy has been a total failure, and it is now trying to redeem itself by a new departure in its foreign policy. Whatever favor the 'proposition to acquire Cuba may have with the people, there is not much likelihood of their favoring the scheme outlined by Mr. Quay's resolution. This Government has no money to spare for the purchase of any portion of Mexico, nor, in fact, in any 1 1 other land. Neither is there the least inclination to acquire any by conquest. We are not crowded for room in this country. Th territory enough here to keep millions of people busy for several Centuries developing and making proper use of it. Then again, such a proposition as introduced' by Senator Qn likely to alarm the small republics in the south of us : for it is only natural that they should suspect a strong pover like the United States of self aggrandizing designs on general principles, and especially because they have but a slight understanding of the institutions, the methods or the controlling force of this country. With them, as a rule, an election by ballot is the ordinary preliminary to an election by bullet ; and their ideas of a republic are determined by their home experiences. But, to sum the matter up, we do not want any fresh territory, and never will until the people who occupy it shall have advanced to an understanding and a capacity of self government that would fit them to become law abiding citizens of this republic. That is a long way off, but, meantime, let us cultivate the acres we have. The Herald, Dubuque, Jan. 9, 1892. QUAY'S INTEREST IN THE ACQUISITION OF MKXh AN TERRITORY. When Senator Quay introduced his resolution relative to the acqui- sition by the United States of the Mexican States of Sonora, Chihuahua and Coahuila, there was every season to suspect there was something in it for Quay himself. And so there is. It appears that Mr. Quay and Mr. Cameron and some other friends purchased not long ago some mineral .rights in Mexico. The territory which Mr. Quay wants the United States Government to acquire is that wherein is located these mineral rights. Should our .Government be able to acquire that territory in any way, it would enormously enhance the value of the property, and thus put money in the pockets of the Quay-Cameron syndicate. But even the mere agitation of ne question enhances, in a speculative sense, the value of the property. Nothing is likely to come of the resolution, however, except perhaps a discussion of the question. The Government of Mexico could not sell the property even were it so inclined, which it certainly is not. The Mexican constitution forbids the disposal of any property owned by the Government. The property .is not for sale, and Uncle Sam has no desire to acquire it. The Gate City, Keokuk, fa., Jan. 13, 1892. It does not look well even to be trying to buy any States from our sister republic of Mexico. If the United States expressed a wish to buy three Mexican States, of course that Government, so much weaker than ourselves, w*mld feel under something of a compulsion to yield he 12 territory, which she would never willingly do. It would be an ungenerous thing to take advantage of our greater strength in any way whatever, so far as Mexico is concerned. We can turn her into our strongest ally on this continent by doing what we can in a neighborly way to help her and ourselves as well, increasing trade and with our capital aiding to develop her enormously rich resources. The time might possibly come when we would need just such a friend and ally as Mexico could be. We want none of her States. We want .to strengthen trade and amicable relations with her. That is far better than grabbing any of her territory from her even by alleged purchase. The Times, Dubuque, la., March 3, 1892. AN INSULTING RESOLUTION. A resolution was introduced the other day in the Senate that was nothing more or less than an insult to a neighboring and a friendly power. It was to the effect that a committee of inquiry, in other words a smelling committee, be appointed to see whether we could not induce Mexico to sell us some of her territory, in addition to what we robbed her of some forty odd years ago. Mexico is just getting over the anger excited by that great wrong done to her and is beginning to entertain more cordial feelings toward us. But such action on our part will not tend to further this friendly spirit. Fortunately the proposition did not go any further than the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. There it was killed as it should have been. The object of the resolution was the absorption of Lower Cali- fornia and one or two other States adjoining us. There is no reason to believe that the Mexicans wish to dispose of a single mile of their territory any more than we do. In fact if a recent report is true we now occupy territory that actually belongs to her. It is claimed that in settling the boundary lines in accordance with the treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo a mistake was made, and that we en- croached sixty miles on her territory beyond what the treaty gave us. Mexico asks that this territory be returned to her. If her claim is just it should be. The United States cannot afford to act unjustly toward her weaker neighbors. MASSACHUSETTS. The Republican, Springfield, Dec. 17, 1891. It is the fashion to ridicule the alliance Senators and Congressmen, particularly Peffer of Kansas, on account of the odd legislation they propose. But not even Peffer ever did anything so utterly indefensible as did Senator Quay in offering a resolution looking to the annexation 13 by the United States of a large territory in northern Mexico. The resolution, which, of course, is likely to be buried in the committee-room, at once occasioned a long communication from the Mexican minister to his home government. We doubt if Quay is sufficiently "up" on the history of his country to know that the annexation nightmare has afflicted our southern neighbor ever since Texas and California were torn from her. Quay's action gives the conservative party in Mexico an opportunity to raise the old hostile cry against this republic, and is mischievous in the extreme. The Post, Boston, Dec. 24, 1891. A STANDING THREAT. There is a resolution, introduced by Senator Quay on the first business day of this session and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, which is in effect a standing threat to our neighboring re- public of Mexico so long as it holds that position. This resolution instructs the committee to inquire " whether the acquisition of those portions of the Mexican States of Sonora, Chi- huahua and Coahuila that lie north of the twenty-ninth parallel is practicable and for the interest of the United States." Now, no one on this side of the line believes that the annexation of this slice of Mexican territory is for the interest of the United States. Exception may be made, perhaps, of a few American speculators or mine owners in that section. Otherwise, the opinion is unanimous. On the other hand, the jealousy with which Mexicans regard any possible alienation of their territory is well known, and it is a phase of patriotism which we ought to respect. It certainly cannot be to our advantage to offend this sentiment needlessly, Yet so long as this resolution lasts in the hands of the Foreign Affairs Committee, with the possibility of a favorable report at any time, it will be interpreted as a menace by our neighbors. The proper thing to do is to get the resolution, or a report upon it, out of the committee and kill the whole business forthwith. The Advertiser, Boston, Feb. 19, 1892. LET MEXICO ALONE. The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has acted very properly in reporting adversely on Senator Quay's measure for the acquisition of the northern States of Mexico. Such a resolution is unnecessary, and almost impudent to a republic which is now on the best of terms with the United States. That the Quay resolution has in any way affected the prospects of a " reciprocity " treaty with Mexico, however, may be doubted. Nearly a month ago the Advertiser announced that there was little reason to expect a new commercial treaty with that republic, 14 because our importations from Mexico were not, as a rule, of such a class as to afford any hope that customs concessions could be secured under the "reciprocity" clause of the McKinley act. If any com- mercial treaty is to be negotiated it probably must be of another character and one which will have to be submitted to Congress for ratification. Under the circumstances, considering the fact that presi- dential elections are impending in both countries, nothing in the nature of an agreement is likely to be reached before the next session of Congress. Apart from any questions of treaties, however, the proposal of Senator Quay has behind it neither good sense nor justi- fication. Mexico is no longer a semi-civilized republic, whatever it may have been in the past. 1 he people of Mexico are, as a rule, thoroughly loyal to their country and proud of its unity/ They have no desire to part with a single acre of territory, and the people of northern Mexico have no wish to become citizens of any other republic. So far from retro- grading or standing still, the republic of .Mexico has made advances of which all Americans have every reason to feel proud. Its railways, its mines and haciendas have all shown an .,, advance , in construction and equipment during the past few decades, and its wonderful resources entirely justify the belief that in the coming century Mexico will show an amazing development. In the light of these facts, any proposal of the nature of that submitted by Senator Quay would be construed as an unprovoked insult. As Secretary Elaine declared, not long ago, no Government in that country could stand if known to be seriously con- sidering such an offer. On the ground of good sens*e and public policy, therefore, if for no- other reason, it is to be hoped that this country will hear no more of the matter and that the'action of the Senate Committee will be taken as final. It surely can do no good to offend the sensitive national pride of the Mexican citizens, and it may do much .harm in creating an inter- national ill-feeling that years cannot obliterate. .No one, not entirely ignorant of the popular sentiment of the Mexican people, would .support the Quay proposal for a moment, and it is to be regretted that the resolution was ever introduced in Congress. The Times, Lowell, Jan. i, 1892. If we are going to ask Minister Romero of Mexico to settle up our troubles with other nations, would it not be more than decent to with- draw Quay's resolution insulting the Mexican Government by a propo- sition to annex a part of her territory ? That resolution is now pending in the United States Senate, and good taste would naturally, move 1 us to put it out of the way, before we ask Mexico to umpire our quarrels with other sister republics. '5 MICHIGAN. The Citizen, Jackson, Jan. 18, 1892. It does not look well even to be trying to buy any States from our sister republic of Mexico. If the United States expressed a wish to buy three Mexican States, of course that Government, so much weaker than ourselves, would feel under something of a compulsion to yield her territory; which she would never willingly do. It would be an ungenerous thing to take advantage of our greater strength in any way whatever, so far as Mexico is concerned. We can turn her into our strongest ally on this continent by doing what we can in a neighborly way to help her and ourselves as well, increasing trade and with our capital aiding to develop her enormously rich resources. The time might possibly come when we would need just such a friend and ally as Mexico could be. We want none of her States. We want to strengthen trade and amicable relations with her. That is far better than grabbing any of her territory from her even by alleged purchase. MINNESOTA. The Journal, St. Paul, Dec. 29, 1891. That is a very foolish resolution sent to the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee looking to the acquisition of the northern States of Mexico. The proposition has been made before, and every time it has been mentioned the Mexicans fly into torrential rages and swear they will shed their last life blood to prevent it. The Mexican President who would propose such annexation would be shot down like a dog. It is unwise to stir these people to wrath and hatred by discussing annexation in Congress. There should be no hindrance to the effectuation of the proposed Mexican reciprocity treaty. MISSOURI. The 1'ost-Dispatch, St. Louis, Dec. 20, 1891. Senator Quay's resolution looking to the annexation of a large territory in northern Mexico is both ridiculous and vicious. It is ridiculous because it does not embody the sentiments of a dozen. American citizens, and vicious because it is sure to arouse the jealousy of our southern neighbor. The Mexican Minister at Washington has made it the subject of a message to his Government, which will be justified in taking it seriously. The cordiality with which the Spanish Club of this city was received by the Mexicans testifies abundantly to i6 the good will toward this country, and it is nothing short of outrageous that the good understanding should be wantonly distrusted by a reckless demagogue. The Journal, Kansas City, Mo., Feb. 24, 1892. Our Mexican neighbors no doubt feel better this morning, and every good citizen will be glad with them, because the bond of good neighborhood is stronger between the two republics than ever. The report, of Senator Sherman against the resolution directing inquiry as to whether $\e acquisition of more Mexican territory by the United States was desirable, settles a very needless and ill-advised resolution by emphatic rejection, and on the heels of that the passage of the joint resolution returning the flags captured in the Mexican war is one of those graceful courtesies which means that all feeling that regards them as trophies even has disappeared, and that we desire no reminder that could wound the sensibilities of our neighbor in any respect should remain. These two acts on the part of the United States cannot only have a lasting effect upon the Mexican government but upon the Mexican people, and result in closer and more intimate relations between the citizens of both. MONTANA. The Standard, Anaconda, Jan. n, 1892. MEXICAN ANNEXATION. The bill for the anexation of certain parts of Mexico would be receiving more respect and consideration had it been introduced by almost any other Senator than Quay. It is impossible to free people of the suspicion that Quay is fathering the enterprise as a means of making a pot of money out of it in some way for himself and his confederates, among whom the accomplished Secretary of War may be a leading spirit. Whether it is advisable for the United States to increase its territory by new acquisitions is an open question. If it be advisable, now may be as good a time as any to take in the three Mexican provinces of Coahuila, Sonoro and Chihuahua, which want to follow the example of Texas and join the United States. The case of these provinces is not parallel to that of Texas, which as a preliminary step went through the form of establishing its own independence and did, in fact, maintain a separate nationality seven or eight years before the United States granted its request to enter the union, which action brought on the Mexican war. But it is argued that the Mexican Government is now so weak that it would not have the power, even if it had the disposition, to offer I? formidable opposition to any reasonable scheme for the annexation of these provinces. It is said that in all probability, for a reasonable con- sideration, Diaz would be glad of an opportunity to get rid of them, since they are anything but loyal to his Government, making it a great deal of trouble and openly expressing a strong desire to renounce their allegiance to Mexico and become part and parcel of the United States. In further support of the annexation scheme, it is claimed that there are a great many Americans and much American capital in these provinces, and that, therefore, the new territory would quickly become assimilated, even as Texas lost its Mexican characteristics and thoroughly imbued itself with American ways and ideas. There may be some merit in the project despite Quay's connection with it, but under the circumstances Congress will look close before taking action. NEBRASKA. From the Bee, Omaha, Neb., Feb. 19, 1892. A BIG SCHEME THWARTED. Some time ago there was introduced in the United States Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations a resolution in- structing that committee to inquire as to the practicability of the acquisition by the United States of certain portions of Mexico namely, the States of Sonora, Chihuahua and Coahuila. It seemed ontheface of it an entirely innocent matter. True, there appeared to be no good reason why the United States should acquire these possessions of the neighbor- ing republic. There was no demand that anybody was aware of, on the ground of public policy, for extending our boundaries in that direction, and public opinion had not grown more favorable to the annexation of territory in any direction. Neither was there any information that Mexico desired to part with her northern States. It was generally thought to be merely a whim of the Senator who introduced the resolu- tion, and hence the matter received little attention. But it was not a whim. On the contrary the resolution had a very serious purpose behind it. The scheme involved in the seemingly innocent resolution was a huge land speculation that would have made the men who projected it millionaires if the scheme had carried. These men, it is stated on what appears to be good authority, own vast acres of fertile land in the Mexican States named which, if they were a part of the United States, would increase in value 500 to 1,000 per cent. There is a wealthy syndicate that has for several years been getting hold of all the land it was able to buy in those States, and it was this influence that induced Senator Quay to introduce the resolution which i8 the Mexican government might very properly and reasonably have re- garded as unfriendly in spirit, and which the Senate ought not to have permitted to go to a committee for consideration. The big scheme has failed. The Committee on Foreign Relations made an adverse report on the resolution and it was indefinitely post- poned. The syndicate must devise some other way to make itself rich. But what is to be thought of the Senator who in his public capacity made himself a party to the scheme ? NEW HAMPSHIRE. From the Union of Manchester ; JV. H., Feb. 24, 1892. THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO. About the second week of the present session of Congress somebody introduced a resolution in the Senate calling upon a committee to report whether it was practicable for the United States to acquire any territory of the republic of Mexico by purchase. The resolution is said to have caused not a little uneasiness at the Mexican capital, and seems to have been every way ill-considered and ill-timed. Last week, however, the committee reported that acquisition of territory from Mexico was not practicable, and it was to be hoped that this report would have ended the matter. But it has not. The rumor has now been started that the boundary line between tne two countries is wrong, and it is said that a corps of engineers will set about the work of correcting it during the coming season. If the stories now told are correct, a considerable tract of Arizona belongs to Mexico, including picturesque mountain scenery,, prosperous cities and irrigated plains. Mexico is entitled to all that belongs to her. She gave up enough as the penalty of a disastrous war. But on the other hand, the flourishing cities, mines and railroads in. the disputed area are the property of American citizens, who have invested their means and given their labor in developing the country under the laws of the United States, and who are entitled to protection from loss arising through a mistake of our government. At all events, the first thing is to find where the'line should be and then see if some agreement cannot be reached with Mexico, which shall leave the two republics even more friendly than before. ! 9 NEW YORK. The Herald, Rochester, Dec. 21, 1891. WHY SHOULD WE ANNEX THEM? The Philadelphia Record recently announced that Senator Quay has a scheme for having the United States annex the northern portions of the Mexican States of Sonora, Chihuahua and Coahuila, lying above the twenty-ninth parallel, and comprising more territory than all New England, or than the middle States. The Pennsylvania Senator has introduced a resolution directing the Committee on Foreign Relations to ascertain whether is is practicable and advisable. There is no reason to suppose that any practical results will follow this proposition, and one is led to wonder what reason Mr. Quay has for offering it, though there may be a local sentiment in its favor in the southwest. No doubt as our territory fills up with population the dis- position to annex adjoining countries will grow stronger, but at present the American State and territories lying next to those of Mexico named above Texas, New Mexico and Arizona are not so populous as to cause any crowding among their people. Texas, with all her vast area, has a population of only 2,232,220, while New Mexico has less than 150,000, and Arizona only about 60,000 people. Several millions more might be settled in that country without causing discomfort by reason of there being too many. If there is going to be any movement in favor of annexing addi- tional territory in this country it might better take .a northerly than a southerly direction. The Canadian province of Ontario, for example, would better serve the interests of this country than any tropical or " Greaser " acquisition from Mexico. The people of Ontario are a hardy and enlightened race, speaking the same language that we use, having a system of Government resembling our own, and common interests in many directions But there is no reason to suppose that either the Ontario people or the Mexicans of Sonora and the other contiguous States of Mexico want to join their fortunes with ours, and until they do we may better let them alone. The Courier, Buffalo, Dec. 21, 1891. Senator Quay is severely criticised, and with apparent justice, for introducing a resolution looking to the annexation of territory belonging to the friendly neighboring republic of Mexico. Annexation is a subject on which Mexico is very sensitive, as may well be the case, in view of the vast and rich territory an empire .in itself which it has been com- pelled in past years to yield to the United States. We can understand that Quay's resolution is a mere job an advertisement for mines in 20 which, no doubt, sundry other Republican politicians and jobbers are interested but it may well bear a different construction in Mexico, and may furnish the Conservative or anti-American party in that country injurious ammunition and stimulus. Quay is a leading man of the party in power in the United States ; how are the Mexicans to know that he represents no public opinion but that of partisan jobbers and speculators ? The Post, New York City, Dec. 22, 1891. In the rush of bills and resolutions which followed the opening of Congress, most people overlooked a resolution presented by Mr. Quay instructing the Committee on Foreign Relations to inquire " whether the acquisition of those portions of the Mexican States of Sonora, Chihuahua and Coahuila that lie north of the twenty-ninth parallel is practicable and for the interest of the United States." The resolution went to the Committee on Foreign Relations, and it is given out that it will probably be " hung up " there indefinitely. This would be a great mistake. There is absolutely no sentiment in this country in favor of annexing any Mexican territory, and this fact ought to be made plain at once by a rejection of the scheme. Delay will be interpreted by the Mexicans to indicate that the project may be pushed, and such an idea would embitter the relations between that country and the United States. The Sun, New York City, Dec. 26, 1891. THE SCHEME TO ANNEX NORTHERN MEXICO. It is hard to see what good can come of the resolution which has been referred to the Senate Foreign Committee, instructing that body to inquire whether it would be practicable and expedient for the United States to acquire those portions of Sonora, Chihuahua and Coahuila that lie north of the twenty-ninth parallel. On the other hand it is easy to understand how at this time the introduction of such a resolution might do mischief. Mexico's military forces on the right bank of the Rio Grande have for several months been engaged in watching the movements of Catarino Garza, and in righting bodies of his adherents, who are in arms against the Govern- ment. These raids have lately become 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 is fully shown by the busy movements of Gen. Stanley's cavalry in patrolling the river. Indeed only the other day a raid supposed to be directed against Camargo was checked by a skirmish in which a party of our troops suffered losses. But if in spite of these evidences of neighborly good faith, the United States Congress is found to be engaged in deliberating upon ways and means of getting 21 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 a memorial asking for negotiations with Mexico for the cession of a strip of land sufficient to give that territory a deep water port on the Gulf of California as an outlet to her products. The memorial went to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, whose Chairman, Mr. Sherman, asked Secretary Elaine what he thought of the project and received the following reply : I hold unhesitatingly that the Government of the United States is precluded by obligations of traditional good faith from approaching the Government of Mexico with a view to acquiring any part of Mexican territory ; and I equally believe that no Administration of Mexico could face the manifestation of national sentiment that would certainly attend any indication of a disposition to infringe the provisions of the Mexican Constitution, which withholds from the Government the power to cede Mexican soil. If this was true of the limited project then suggested, it must apply with even greater force to the one just proposed in Congress. The Arizona memorial looked only to the acquisition of a small corner of Mexican territory, lying east of the Colorado, although perhaps it might not be possibie to reach a deep-water port north of Libertad or Lobos, about 200 miles from the delta of that river. Indeed, the present Gulf outlet for Arizona is as far south as Guaymas, which is reached by the Sonora railway from Nogales. But the pending proposition to adopt the twenty-ninth parallel as the boundary would take a great slice 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 Eagle Pass, and thence continuing westward to the Gulf. It may be said that the proposition is a simple business matter, in which ample compensation would be offered for any land purchased, and that it should be regarded accordingly like any private real estate transaction, which is quietly declined if the owners do not wish to sell, without harm being done to anybody. But the experience of nations does not show such a view to be correct. When a nation is known to have no desire to part with any of its territory, is even forbidden by its Consf.itution to do so, it can hardly be considered a simple real estate transaction for a powerful neighbor to thrust upon i^ unwelcome offers of purchase. That harm may come of such annexation schemes is clearly indicated by the diplomatic correspondence which took place year before last between our country and Mexico. The alleged plot, having San Diego as its focus, for fomenting an insurrection at and around Ensenada, with a view to the annexation of that region to the United States, did not greatly trouble the authorities of Mexico. But when the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce petitioned Congress for the purchase of Lower California, and the governor of a Pacific coast 22 State advocated in a public interview the acquisition of Sonora and Sinaloa, Secretary Mariscal made a formal protest against any such propositions. In a despatch to Minister Romero, Mr. Mariscal asked him to say to Secretary Elaine that the administration of Gen. Diaz was devoted to strengthening the relations of the two countries; yet that if in spite of the prohibition against the alienation of territory contained in Mexico's constitution, and the unanimous sentiment of the Mexican people against such alienation, men high in authority, like Governor Waterman, should persist in discussing annexation, Mexico might have to protect herself by steps hitherto repugnant to her policy and her neighborly sentiment. Her government would be compelled to quiet the apprehen- sions of her people by taking active measures to resent such persistent proposals. "We should be constrained to afford satisfaction to the Mexican people, so sensitive in this matter. We should find ourselves under the stern necessity of adopting restrictive measures in regard to the acquisition by certain foreigners of real estate, concessions, &c., so far as the engagements already entered into and constituting vested rights may allow." It is therefore evident that the introduction into Congress of such resolutions as the one just presented may not be a harmless matter. Independently of exciting ill feeling in Mexico it may prompt retalia- tory legislation or obstruct concessions to American enterprise and capi- tal. Besides, the upshot of the diplomatic discussion two years ago ought to be conclusive upon such schemes. Mr. Romero then informed Mr. Mariscal that Mr. Elaine had assured him that the United States Government had never thought even remotely of acquiring any territory from Mexico; that he himself would favor no such scheme; that public opinion here would not sanction it. The following despatch of Mr. Elaine to Minister Morgan, written in 1881, was also referred to as an expression of our policy: "It needs no disclaimer on our part of the existence of even the faintest desire in the United States for territorial extension South of the Rio Grande. The boundaries of the the two republics have been long settled in conformity with the best interests of both The line of demarcation is not conventional merely. It is more than that. It separates a Spanish-American people from a Saxon-American people. It divides one great nation from another with distinct and natural finality." There is no reason whatever to suppose that any change has oc- curred in the policy of this Government since it was thus expounded by the statesman who again presides over its foreign affairs. Under these circumstances resolutions of inquiry like the one just introduced appear to be rather worse than useless. 23 The Morning Advertiser, New York City, Jan. 4, 1892. Senator Quay proposes to make a fight for his bill to absorb the upper end of Mexico. It may be stated in this connection that Mr. Quay would rather make a fight for his bill on the floor of the Senate than to join Garza and acquire these lands by force of arms. When it comes to "making a fight" the Senator is a man who is likely to pick out a nice, peaceful place in which to carry on the conflict. The Times, New York City, Jan. 9, 1892. If ever a measure introduced into Congress lacked timeliness and tact, the resolution of Senator Quay for "acquiring" the northern part of Mexico may claim that distinction. Since upon our soil, in violation of international obligations, a hostile movement against the lawful Gov- ernment of Mexico was recently set afoot, it is hardly the most pro- pitious moment for sending to the Senate Foreign Committee, as has been done, a resolution instructing that body to inquire whether it is practicable and expedient to obtain possession of all Mexican territory north of a specified parrallel of latitude. When in the last Congress a similar proposal, on a much smaller scale, was made, and when the Gov- ernor of California had an ''interview" about annexing certain States of Mexico, the Government of Gen. Diaz emphatically expressed its displeasure. It caused its Minister at Washington to notify our Department of State that if such overtures continued to be made by persons of official prominence, it would be obliged publicly to show its resentment, for the purpose of reassuring the Mexican people, by restricting the privileges and concessions granted to Americans. So it appears that the current resolution, introduced in spite of this warning, is mischievous as well as untimely. It is fortunate that, as some offset, the conduct of our troops along the Rio Grande in the present Garza disturbances has secured the warm approval of the Mexican Govern- ment. The Press, New York City, Jan. 12, 1892. In Mexico, under President Diaz, hundreds of priests are imprisoned on suspicion of conspiracy against the Government. In Brazil President Peixotto and his advisers are said to be threatened with excommunica- tion unless they take steps to restore the former relations of Church and State, and in Chili, it is admitted that the Clericals were largely influential in bringing, about the overthrow of Baimaceda and the triumph of Montt. While state and clergy are thus in turmoil among the countries south of us, here in the United States the clergy of every faith are getting along quietly, and religion flourishes more than in any other part of the world. The resolution introduced in the Senate by Senator Quay, looking to the acquisition by the United States of a large portion of northern 24 Mexico, should be promptly, effectively and everlastingly squelched. The United States does not need and does not want more territory to the southward. The friendly republic of Mexico should be let alone. The Telegram, Plattsburg, Jan. 18, 1892. It does not look well even to be trying to buy any States from our sister republic of Mexico. If the United States expressed a wish to buy three Mexican States, of course that Government, so much weaker than ourselves, would feel under something of a compulsion to yield her territory, which she would never willingly do. It would be an un- generous thing to take advantage of our greater strength in any way whatever, so far as Mexico is concerned. We can turn her into our strongest ally on this continent by doing what we can in a neighborly way to help her and ourselves as well, increasing trade and with our capital aiding to develop her enormously rich resources. The time might possibly come when we would need just such a friend and ally as Mexi- co could be. We want none of her States. We want to strengthen trade and amicable relations with her. That is far better than grabbing any of her territory from her even by alleged purchase. The Sun, New York City, Feb. 19, GOOD WILL TOWARDS MEXICO. The United States Senate has just performed two acts of con- spicuous courtesy toward the republic beyond the Rio Grande. By a unanimous vote it has adopted a resolution requesting the President to return to the Mexican Government twenty-one battle flags, captured by our troops in the war of 1846 and 1847, and now preserved at West Point. The act of 1814 provides that "the Secretary of War shall from time to time cause to be collected and transmitted to him at the seat of government all such flags, standards, and colors as are taken by the army from the enemies of the United States." But the sub- sequent disposition of these trophies is in the hands of Congress and the Senate's resolution in regard to the Mexican flags, which have long been stored on exhibition at the Military Academy, is a generous courtesy to a friendly neighbor. The other act was the adoption of an adverse report from the Com- mittee on Foreign Relations upon a resolution requesting it to inquire whether it was practicable to enter into negotiations with Mexico for acquiring a certain portion of her territory. The Foreign Affairs Com- mittee did not pigeonhole this resolution, allowing it to become inopera- tive through neglect. It took the wiser course of reporting against the proposal, and thereupon the Senate indefinitely postponed it. This course is in accordance with the act of the Senate two years ago, when the Legislature of Arizona requested similar negotiations for 2 5 the much more limited purpose of securing a deep-water port upon the Gulf of California, the advantage of a Pacific outlet for the products of Ari/.ona being evident. But Mr. Elaine, on being applied to by Senator Sherman for his opinion upon this subject, declared that he " held unhesitatingly that the Government of the United States is precluded by obligations of traditional good faith from approaching the Government of Mexico with a view to acquiring any part of the Mexi- can territory." Thereupon the committee asked the Senate to discharge it from any further consideration of the memorial. The Government and people of Mexico will appreciate the feeling which has caused this decision to be repeated in the present Congress. What the Senate has done is not to discuss whether it is expedient to ask the southern republic if it has any territory to sell, but to declare that the subject is not one for the Foreign Affairs Committee to con- sider. This is a recognition of the respect due to the Mexican Constitu- tion, which forbids the cession of Mexican soil. The vote of the Senate on these two resolutions comes at a good time, since Catarino Garza's organization of raiding parties on our soil, for operations in Mexico, has given rise to various rumors of his having backers in this country. The vigor with which Gen. Stanley has hunted for the outlaw and his followers on our side of the Rio Grande shows the determination of the Government not to permit our neutrality laws to be violated through any negligence on our part to the detriment of Mexico. PENNSYLVANIA. The Bulletin, Philadelphia, Dec. 6, 1891. Among a number of bills which Senator Quay laid before the Senate yesterday was one that will be likely to attract the attention of the country and may become the subject of some discussion. It instructs the Committee on Foreign Relations to inquire whether it is practicable for the United States to take measures for the acquisition of those portions of three States of Mexico Sonora, Chihuahua and Coahuila which lie north of the twenty-ninth parallel of latitude. The northern boundaries of these Mexican States are contiguous to Texas,. New Mexico, Arizona and California, and the territory embraced with- in the scope of Quay's proposition stretches, on a rough estimate, about 1,000 miles from east to west and, on an average, about two hundred miles from north to south. In other words, it comprises a region nearly as large as the whole of New England, New York and Pennsylvania. American interests have grown up in these Mexican States, and many of our people on the border line have looked with covetous eyes on this 26 territory; but since the days of slavery, when one of the ultimate objects of Southern statesmanship was to acquire this region, as it had already acquired Texas and Lower California by war, there has been nothing like a general movement in this direction. A few years ago Mr. Elaine, when a member of the Senate, entered an emphatic protest against the acquisition of any more Mexican territory on the ground that it was inspired simply by the desire of the South to redress the balance of power and to neutralize the political effects of the growth of the northwest. In fact, since the time the southern Democrats con- trolled the Government at Washington there has been no serious thought, except as a remote suggestion, of making further encroach- ments on Mexico. Nor is there any movement on foot now that the people of this country are aware of that contemplates any immediate enlargement of our southwestern boundaries, and especially for so huge a gobble of Mexican soil as what is proposed in Mr. Quay's bill. The Mexican Minister at Washington has,, it is reported, sent his Govern- ment a large cablegram about Mr. Quay's remarkable proposition; but there does not seem to be any occasion why he should take alarm. Mr. Quay says that he wants the country to think the matter over, but until he himself gives some reasons for his new departure in statesmanship, the country is not likely to look on it very seriously for a good many years to come, at least. The Dispatch, Pittsburg, Dec, 20, 1891. QUAY'S DESIGNS ON MEXICAN STATES. I wonder what Senator Quay intends to do with Chihuahua, Coahuila and Sonora, the Mexican States for whose purchase he last week introduced a bill in Congress ? Can it be mineral wealth, agricul ture or cattle farming he has in view, or does he entertain the idea of offering them to Pittsburg for poor farm purposes ? All three are rich in mineral resources, and Coahuila has already estab- lished a reputation as a farming district and Sonora ditto as to cattle raising. The question is: What has Mexico to do with the case? Will that country consent to the sale of these territories? If she will, I am of the opinion that that part of the matter was considered before Senator Quay put the proposition before the United States Senate. If this be the case, Mexico must-be in sore financial trouble or she would not want to part with these valuable possessions. Should she do so, it means the transfer of many square miles of exceedingly rich territory, together with a population of nearly 400,000. Besides, many American interests will be benefited, among them a large number belonging to Pittsburgers. I do not know of any district on this continent where so much Smoky City capital is invested in mining territory as in the province named. 27 The Truth, Scranton, Dec. 26, 1891. PICTURESQUE STATESMANSHIP Senator Quay seems to have become aroused to the necessity of proving that he has ideas in statesmanship. Conjointly with the defec- tion in his party lines and the apparition of Dalzell as a competitor, the junior Senator figures in the Senate as the originator of a measure for the acquisition of an imposing tract of Mexican territory. His bill bears an imposing title, providing merely for broaching of the question to the Mexican republic. The territory involved embraces all the rich northern provinces of our Latin neighbor and the ostensible plea that Americans form the main part of the population. Obviously, however, this would not be regarded as a persuasive reason in relinquishing territory by States of independent resources. Large numbers of Ameri- cans inhabit Paris, London Canada, Cuba, Brazil and other countries, but no statesman would venture to suggest the acquisition of these terri- tories. It is not surprising, therefore, that the Mexican Minister at Washing- ton displays some restiveness and a good deal of alarm. He probably is familiar with Senator Quay and his persuasive influence in the politics of this republic. A man who is credited with the election of President Harrison, who owns the predominant party in the second State in the Union, is not to be disregarded by a wary diplomatist, like Romero, when he boldly announces his purpose of acquiring a strip of Mexi- can territory three times as great in extent as New England, as pro- lific in resources as California and the gold-bearing lands extorted from Mexico fifty years ago. Our later school of public men have confined "State stealing" to partisan ends so exclusively that the new ambition may well alarm the diplomatists when they reflect on the success achieved in the practice. The man who "carried" New York and Indiana in i8t v 8 is not to be despised when he avows his purpose to enter the larger domain of statesmanship. No statesman has ever been proof against the alluring game of territorial acquisition. Seward's proudest achievement was the Alaska purchase. Should Quay set in motion the measure by which all the Mexican States were brought into the Union, he would emerge from the clouds that have thus far obscured his career, and would have to be counted with as a constructive factor in our politics, instead of a mere partisan leader. The Post, Pittsburg, Dec. 30, 1891. When Senator Quay occasionally aspires to higher flights of states- manship he is unfortunate. The Philadelphia Bulletin, not unfriendly to the Senator, observes of a recent splurge : 28 Senator Quay's resolution looking toward the acquisition of the northern States of Mexico by the United States, is being sharply criticised in some quarters, and not entirely without foundation. The people of the United States may understand that such a resolution is intended only for political or mining stock advertising purposes, but the people of Mexico, who are especially sensitive on the preservation of their territory, may not take it in that way. It is further said the resolution will interfere with reciprocal com- mercial negotiations with Mexico, should the Mexicans hear of it. But mark the admission that the " resolution is intended only for political or mining stock advertising purposes." The Senate is part of the treaty- making power of the Government, yet our Pennsylvania statesman, on the 'admission of a friendiy paper, is using its privileges for jobbing purposes, to the extent of endangering existing cordial relations with a friendly power. The Dispatch^ Pittsburg, Jan. 5, 1892. DISINTEGRATION OF MEXICO. Among new legislative projects is one for the annexation of part of Mexico, which Senator Quay is urging. The general feeling of the United States is that we have about enough territory as the situation stands. There is certainly no hurry to undertake new acquisitions. At the same time, something is to be said for this Mexican idea. It is true that there are a great many Americans and much American capital in the Mexican provinces adjacent to Texas, and it is also true that Mexican Government in those provinces is utterly insecure and in- efficient. This is now instanced by the exploits of the outlaw, Garza. The condition is indeed very similar to that which existed in the 3o's, when the Texans, with General Sam Houston at their head, were obliged for safety of life and property to cut loose from the old Mexican confederation and declare themselves an independent republic. But even after that had been done the Texans were obliged to maintain their independent nationality for seven or eight years before the United States would consider the petition of Texas to enter our union. Even then the war with Mexico was brought on by the ultimate acceptance of Texas as one of the United States. The provinces of Coahuila, Sonora and Chihuahua, which now want to follow the example of Texas and join the United States, have not won their independence as Texas did, and any arrangement for their acquisition would necessarily have to meet the approval of the Mexican Government. But, upon the other hand, the Mexican Government is so weak as to be hardly able to do more than hold together. It might be glad to be relieved of a territory from which it experiences much trouble. Assuredly, Diaz would not be so hard to deal with as Santa Anna. It is possible something may come of the resolution looking to the annexation of these provinces, which Senator Quay has introduced in 29 Congress, as there are special arguments applying to them which do not exist in relation to any annexation project so far broached. The Press, Philadelphia, Jan. 5, 1892. QUAY'S MEXICAN MOVE. NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT HE MEANS BY IT. SOME ONE SAID TO HE PREPARING HIS SPEECH COMPLICATING THE ADMINISTRATION'S WORK MINISTER ROMERO ASKED TO EXPLAIN IT. Special Despatch to the Press. WASHINGTON, Jan. 4. There has been a good deal of speculation at the capital as to what could have been Senator Quay's object in introducing a resolution in the Senate, directing the Foreign Relations Committee to report upon the advisability of the United States acquiring portions of the States of Sonora, Chihuahua and Coahuila, in Mexico. The introduction of the resolution seems to have caused considerable ill-feeling in Mexico, and the papers of that country have commented very unfavorably upon it. Minister Romero was called upon by the Mexican Government to explain the resolution, which he has done at considerable length, both by mail and telegraph, to the effect that it amounts to nothing, and does not represent the views of any person of influence in our Government. Secretary Elaine has felt it obligatory upon himself to give Minister Romero something which he could transmit to his Government showing that the administration has no sympathy with the Quay resolution. Owing to the unsettled state of affairs along the Mexican border, and the use of United States territory by the so-called revolutionists, there is unusual sensitiveness in Mexico at this time in regard to the matter. Mr. Quay could not have introduced his resolution at a more inopportune time, and many persons believe that his object was to embarrass the administration in the pending negotiations with Mexico. The Mexican constitution prohibits the Government of that country from even considering a proposition to part with any of its territory. The talk some months ago of a revolutionary attempt to capture the peninsula of Lower California from Mexico, and make it into an inde- pendent country, with a view of transferring it to the United States, caused a good deal of ill-feeling in Mexico, because the whole scheme originated in this country. That feeling had hardly died out when Senator Quay caused its renewal by his mischievous resolution con- cerning the proposed acquisition of the northern part of Mexico. The two Governments have nearly completed the negotiations of a reciprocity treaty, and it will have to be approved by the Mexican Con- gress. Hence Mr. Quay's resolution seems calculated to prevent the 30 approval of the treaty by creating ill-feeling in Mexico. At least such would be the effect if our Government had not promptly disavowed any sympathy with his absurd and ill-timed proposition. The Foreign Affairs Committee will never give the resolution a moment's con- sideration, but Senator Quay is said to be preparing to make the matter worse by a threat to read a speech on the subject, which some- one is said to be preparing for him. He has never taken any interest in foreign affairs, and this is his first attempt in that direction, and it is the universal opinion of his fellow-Senators that he could not have made a worse entrance to that field. Everybody is puzzled to know what in the world he is trying to get at, unless it be a mere childish attempt to injure the administration in the pending negotiations. But, as it is not probable that Senator Quay would lend himself to so unpatriotic a purpose, there is a good deal of curiosity to know what he will have to say in the forthcoming speech, which he will read to explain his position. The Tribune, Altoona, Jan, 6, 18,92. The proposition to take steps toward the annexation of three provinces of Mexico bordering on the United States, which is now being agitated by Senator Quay, is a distinctly unfriendly act toward a sister republic and should not be encouraged by the national Senate or by the people. We have all the territory we need. If Americans have settled in those Mexican States and are dissatisfied with the Government they can leave. Nobody asked them to go there and nobody is doing any- thing to keep them there. The Government of Mexico during recent years has been a reasonably stable one, and it is probable that recent disturbances on the border have been engineered by those who are favorable to the annexation scheme. \ The Republican, Scranton, Jan. 7, 1892. It is said that before long Senator Quay will make a speech in the United States Senate in support and explanation of the rather remark- able and mysterious resolution, instructing the Foreign Relations Com- mittee of the Senate to report upon the advisability of the United States acquiring portions of the Mexican States of Sonora, Chihuahua and Coahuila. It appears that the introduction of this resolution has led the Government of Mexico to acquire of the Mexican Minister at Washington information as to what is the meaning of it. It is also said that Secretary Elaine has felt constrained in order to allay misappre- hension in Mexico, to inform Minister Romero that the administration has not inspired the Quay resolution and that the subject has never been introduced nor discussed at a cabinet meeting. The country would certainly like to hear from Senator Quay on the subject. No 3' one supposes for a moment that Mexico would part with a single acre of her territory, and it is equally certain that this country has no idea of acquiring Mexican territory by conquest. It may even be doubted if the people of the United States would vote in favor of accepting Mexican territory as a gift. The Post, Pittsburg, Jan. 8, 1892. A very serious charge is brought by the leading Republican paper of the State ag-ainst Senator Quay. The Philadelphia Press in its Washington correspondence says of his foolish resolution looking to the acquisition of a part of Mexico that Mr. Quay "purchased not long ago some mineral rights in Mexico. The territory which Mr. Quay wants the United States Government to acquire is that wherein is located these mineral rights. Should our Government be able to acquire that territory in any way, it would enormously enhance the value of the property, and thus put money in the pockets of the Quay- Cameron syndicate. But even the mere agitation of the question enhances, in a speculative sense, the value of the property." It is added by the Press correspondent : This is the patriotic use Mr. Quay makes of the trust the State of Pennsyl- vania has given him to represent it in the United States Senate. The question of embarrassing the administration in the negotiation of a reciprocity treaty for the benefit of all the people of the country is not to be considered by Mr Quay in contrast with the interest of his pocketbook, and that is why he introduced his inopportune and preposterous resolution directing the Government to proceed to acquire in some unheard of way property that is not for sale, and cannot be offered for sale under the constitution of Mexico. So there are more ways than one of booming mining shares. The Press, Easton, Jan. n, 1892. There may be nothing personal in Senator Quay's resolution offered last week, looking to the acquisition of a portion of Mexican territory by the United States, but the many reports and statements connecting this resolution with the conduct of Garza and his following, and with the fact that ex-Boss Shepherd, now in Mexico, is with residents of this country, largely interested in land speculation in the district proposed to be purchased, all tend to make the public look upon this Quay resolution with suspicion. But it is hardly probable that a man of Quay's shrewdness would attempt anything so easily discerned and which, if true, would forever destroy him politically. When the bill comes up for consideration it will attract a good deal of attention. 32 The Press, Philadelphia, Jan. n, 1892. MUCH UNFAVORABLE CRITICISM AROUSED BY SENATOR QUAY'S MEXICAN RESOLUTION. MEXICO MUCH DISSATISFIED. BOSS SHEPHERD AND OTHER AMERICANS ARE REPORTED TO BE BACK OF THE SCHEME TO HAVE SEVERAL MEXICAN STATES ANNEXED BY THIS COUNTRY. Special Despatch to the Press. WASHINGTON, Jan. 10. Senator Quay's resolution, looking to the acquisition by the United States of a part of Mexico, is being illuminated from various headquarters. The Washington Post has an editorial on the subject to-day, and the Chicago Globe recently published a special despatch from Laredo, Tex., on the Mexican border, which seems to throw a great deal of light on the subject. According to this despatch ex-Boss Shepherd, of this city, who went to Mexico after his troubles here, is connected with the scheme Quay's resolution seems to be an outgrowth of. " BOSS " SHEPHERD IN THE SCHEME. The Washington Post, speaking to-day of the subject, says : " What purports to be a special from Laredo, Tex., to the Chicago Globe magnifies the Garza forays into a first-class conspiracy, with a number of prominent Americans residing or having large property interests in northern Mexico at the bottom of it, the object being to develop the conspiracy into a local revolution and ultimately effect the annexation of certain Mexican States to the United States. " Among the Americans who, with others, are said to have a hand in the scheme is Mr. Alexander H. Shepherd, known more familiarly to the country as * Boss ' Shepherd, a man of wonderful abilities as an organizer and executive leader. Mr. Shepherd is supposed to have recouped his fortune by successful investments in Chihuahua, and nothing would so largely tend to enhance his interests as the incor- poration of Chihuahua within* the limits of the American Union. The same is true of others having large real estate and mining holdings in that part of Mexico. " The story, though likely to be dismissed on first perusal as wholly sensational, is not without its element of plausibility. Coupled with the recent introduction by Mr. Quay in the United States Senate, of reso- lutions looking to the acquisition of Mexican territory, it is at least significant. That the disturbances along the Rio Grande should be so nearly contemporaneous with the presentation of a feeler to the American Congress on the subject of Mexican annexation, looks too much like a coincidence to be altogether an accident." 33 ..| \Y II } \\'\ AIN 1 I'. It appears further, from tin- Texas papers, that tip mtic scheme at the bottom of the (iur/a movement, and many persons be! that the plan is to get the northern States of Mexico to revolt and establish their independence, with a view of annexing them to the t"ntted States, thus making millionaires out of the promoters of the scheme, who have either bought up large quantities of land in Mexico or have obtained options upon it. That a Senator from the great State of Pennsylvania should be openly charged with being connected in any way with a scheme of this kind, and thus threatening to embroil two countries in war, is hardly creditable to the State. Mr. Quay has not yet offered an explanation of his extraordinary resolution, and it has been very freely criticised by members of Con- gress. But what is worse, it has caused a great deal of trouble already to the State Department and to the Mexican Minister, and until M r. Quay offers some explanation which will quiet the apprehensions of the Mexican Government as to the object in view, there is likely to be continued dissatisfaction on the part of Mexico over the matter. The Herald, Erie, /an. 15, 1892. AN UNWISE SCHEME. The res >lution introduced by Senator Quay looking to the acqui- sition by -the United States of the northern part of Mexico has not been received with favor, so far as heard from, -by a single newspaper, and it appears to have no support in either branch of Congress. The general opinion is that the only effect of his resolution would be to disturb the amicable relations now existing between this country and Mexico. The latter will not sell any of her territory ; the only way we could get it would be by a war of conquest, and such an enterprise is not to be thought of. The irritation likely to be caused in Mexico by Quay's resolution may be judged from the fact that when in the last Congress a similar proposal, on a much smaller scale, was made, and when also the Governor of California had an "interview" about annexing certain States of Mexico, the Government of Gen. Diaz emphatically expressed its displeasure. It caused its Minister at Washington to notify our Department of State that if such overtures continued to be made by persons of official prominence it would be obliged publicly to show its resentment, for the sake of reassuring the Mexican people, by restrict- ing the privileges and concessions granted to Americans. So it appears that the Quay resolution, introduced in spite of this warning, is mischievous as well as untimely. It is supposed that the resolution was introduced in the interest of certain capitalists of Pittsburg, who have invested money in a Mexican tin-mine, which it is alleged is being 34 profitably worked. These capitalists will be pretty badly victimized should the McKinley tax of four cents per pound on pi^-tin be per- mitted to go into effect a year and a half hence (July i, 1893), according to the terms of the act. Annexation of the northern States of Mexico would bring the mine into the United States. But there are two ways by which an entirely unnecessary injustice to American capitalists and the industries which use their product can be prevented, without doing anything to disturb the friendly relations between the two countries. One way, and the best way, would be to repeal that part of the McKinley law which puts a tax on pig-tin ; the next best thing to do would be to negotiate a reciprocity treaty with Mexico. The Press, Philadelphia, Jan. 28, 1892. MEXICANS DO NOT LIKE IT. We publish elsewhere some comments from a Mexican paper, the Two Republics, on Senator Quay's resolution proposing the purchase by the United States of the northern section of the Mexican republic. If Mexico were in a mood to make such a sale there would be much to be said in its support. The population of the territory which it is proposed to annex is scant and it is rich chiefly in mines and undeveloped prospects, which American capital is already reaching after and would seek more courageously if the region were brought under the protection of the American flag. But Mexico has exhibited an extreme degree of irritation at this proposition to curtail her domains. The pride of her citizens in their country is genuine and deep. They have always been sensitive to anything that looked like dismemberment under whatever shape it presented itself. Mr. Quay's proposition has filled them with wrath and not a voice iu raised in Mexico in its favor, while from every quarter comes a storm of protest. Whatever may be the motive for its introduction, the result is wholly mischievous in creating a feeling of irritation and hostility in the minds of the Mexico people at a time when it is desirable that this country should have their cordial good-will. The Two Republics takes a sensible view of the subject, and the assurance that it gives the Mexicans of the harmlessness of the reso- lution is perfectly sound. It will never be heard of again unless made the occasion by Mr. Quay for reading a speech on Mexican annexation, and that is very unlikely. It will sleep in the custody of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. There is no demand for Mexican territory on the part of any considerable portion of the American people that they would think o< urging in the face of Mexican dissent. So the patriots below the Rio Grande may possess their souls in peace. They will not ever be asked to sell a slice of the territory if the proposition is likely to be unpalatable and to arouse ill-feeling. 35 The Post, 7V//.S-/V//-, /'/: 10, i The Two Republic of the City of Mexico, an organ <>t \mrri Republics adds : We will state for the information of Senator Quay that his resolutions, although consigned to a committee which will never report them, are calculated to rekindle a prejudice against Americans in this country which is now rapidly disappearing, and thereby injure their interests in Mexico. If the honorable Senator is such a very narrow-gauged man as not to care what befalls American interests in Mexico, we will give him the additional information that his thoughtless resolutions may be as disagreeable to some of his constituents who are interested in Mexico as they are to the American residents of the country in general. But what matters this to the tarpon statesman ? The resolutions were in the interest of speculation in mining stocks. The Post, Pittslwg, Feb. 18, 1892. The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has made a summary and appropriate disposition of Senator Quay's ill-advised resolution looking to the acquisition of the northern States of Mexico by reporting it adversely, and the Senate then clinched the matter by indefinitely postponing the resolutions.. In the same line of maintaining friendly relations with Mexico the Senate passed a resolution yesterday request- ing the President to return to the republic of Mexico twenty-one battle flags, now in the Museum of the Military Academy at West Point, captured by the army of the United States during the war of 1848. This is all right, but it suggests what an amount of froth and fustian there was in the partisan and Grand Army uproar a few years ago when it was suggested Confederate battle flags should be returned to the Southern States. Is not an act of generous courtesy like this to our own citizens, soldiers of our next war, fully as important as the return of flags captured from a foreign nation. RHODE ISLAND. The Observer, Newport, Jan. 14, 1892. It does not look well even to be trying to buy any States from our sister republic of Mexico. If the United States expressed a wish to buy three Mexican States, of course that Government, so much weaker than ourselves, would feel under something of a compulsion to yield her territory, which she would never willingly do. It would be an ungenerous thing to lake 36 advantage of our greater strength in any way whatever, so far as Mexico is concerned. We can turn her into our strongest ally on this con. tinent by doing what we can in a neighborly way to help her and our- selves as well, increasing trade and with our capital aiding to develop her enormously rich resources. The time might possibly come when we would need just such a friend and ally as Mexico could be. We want none of her States. We want to strengthen trade and amicable rela- tions with her. That is far better than grabbing any of her territory from her even by alleged purchase. SOUTH DAKOTA. TJie Capital, Pierre, Feb. 2, 1892. It does not look well even to be trying to buy any States from our sister republic of Mexico. If the United States expressed a wish to buy three Mexican States, of course that Government, so much weaker than ourselves, would feel under something of a compulsion to yield her territory, which she would never willingly do. It would be an un- generous thing to take advantage of our greater strength in any way whatever, so far as Mexico is concerned. We can turn her into our strongest ally on this continent by doing what we can in a neighborly way to help her and ourselves as well, increasing trade and with our capital aiding to develop her enormously rich resources. The time might possibly come when we would need just such a* friend and ally as Mexico could be. We want none of her States. We want to strengthen trade and amicable relations with her. That is far better than grabbing any of her territory from her even by alleged purchase. VERMONT. The Fi'ce Press, Burlington, Jan. 7, 1892. COMPLICATIONS WITH MEXICO POSSIBLE. The Mexican revolution gains new significance for the people of this country from the fact that Senator Quay has introduced a resolu- tion in the Senate directing the P'oreign Relations Committee to report upon the advisability of the United States acquiring portions of the States of Sonora, Chihuahua, and Coahuila in Mexico. The introduc- tion of this resolution just at this time was unfortunate, for its natural effect would be to lead the Mexican Government to suspect that this country was hostile to it, and owing to the unsettled condition of affairs along the boundary and the use of United States territory by the Garza revolutionists great sensitiveness on the part of the Mexican Government would be natural. 37 The revolution is not only liable to involve our own Government in Complications with Mexico, but its effect will be almost certain to interrupt the negotiations which arc about completed for a reciprocity treaty be- tween the two ( iovernments. Secretary Blaine has hastened to inform the Mexican Minister that our Government has no sympathy with the absurd and ill-timed proposition, and Minister Romero has promptly notified his Government that the resolution amounts to nothing, representing as it does the views of no person having influence with the administration at Washington. It will be a difficult matter, however, to counteract the ill-feeling which has been engendered in Mexico through the presenta- tion of the resolution, and it will be a fortunate thing if no serious com- plications result. INDKX. PAGES. Introduction. 3 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. Dec. 28, 1891 "The Washington Post" Mr. Quay's Mexcian Bill ' 5 Jan. 3, 1892 "The Church News" of Washington A Scheme to Dismember Mexico 5 Feb. 8, 1892" The Washington Post " Mexican Annexation 6 Feb. 20, 1892 "The Washington Post" Our Mexican Neighbors 7 COLORADO. Feb. 25, 1892 "The Republican" of Denver Acquiring Mexican Territory. 8 ILLINOIS. Dec. 24, 1891 " The Post " of Chicago 9 Jan. ii, 1892 " The Chicago Journal "No More Mexican Grabs 10 INDIANA. Dec. 31, 1891 " The Journal " of Indianapolis ... 10 IOWA. Dec. 23, 1891 "The Herald " of Dubuque Reaching Out for More Territory 10 Jan. 9, 1892 "The Herald" of Dubuque Quay's Interest in the Acquisition of Mexican Territory 1 1 Jan. 13,1892 "The Gate City" of Keokuk .* u* March 3,1892 "The Times" of Dubuque An Insulting Resolution 12 MASSACHUSETTS. Dec. 17, 1891 " The Republican" of Springfield 12 Dec. 24, 1891 " The Post" of Boston A Standing Threat 13 Feb. 19, 1892 " The Advertiser" of Boston Let Mexico Alone 13 Jan. i, 1892 " The Times" of Lowell 14 MICHIGAN. Jan. 18, 1892 "The Citizen" of Jackson , jg MINNESOTA. . Dec. 29, 1891 "The Journal" ; . I5 MISSOURI. Dec. 20, 1891 " The Post-Dispatch" of St. Louis 15 Feb. 24, 1892 " The Journal" of Kansas City 16 MONTANA. Jan. 11,1892 "The Standard" of Anaconda Mexican Annexation 16 39 NEBRASKA. Feb. 19, 1892 "The Bee" of Omaha A Big Scheme Thwarted 17 NEW HAMPSHIRE. Feb. 24, 1892 "The Union" of Manchester The United States and Mexico. 18 NEW YORK. Dec. 21, 1891 "The Herald" of Rochester Why Should We Annex Them? 19 Dec. 21, 1891" The Courier" of Buffalo 19 Dec. 22, 1891 "The Post" of New York City 20 Dec. 26. 1891 "The Sun" of New York City The Scheme to Annex Northern Mexico 20 Jan. 4, 1892 " The Morning Advertiser " of New York City 23 Jan. 9, 1892 "The Times" of New York City 23 Jan. 12, 1892" The Press" of New York City 23 Jan. 18, 1892" The Telegram " of Plattsburg 24 Feb. 19, 1892" The Sun " of New York City Good Will Towards Mexico. 24 PENNSYLVANIA. Dec. 6, 1891" The Bulletin " of Philadelphia 25 Dec. 20, 1891 "The Dispatch" of Pittsburg Quay's Design on Mexican States 26 Dec. 26, 1891 "The Truth" of Scranton Picturesque Statesmanship 27 Dec. 30, 1891" The Post " of Pittsburg 27 Jan. 5, 1892 "The Dispatch" of Pittsburg Disintegration of Mexico... 28 Jan. 5,1892 "The Press" of Philadelphia- Quay's Mexican Move No one seems to know what he means by it Some one said to be preparing his speech Complicating the Administration's work Minister Romero asked to explain it 29 Jan. 6, 1892 " The Tribune " of Altoona 3 Jan. 7, 1892 "The Republican" of Scranton 3 Jan. 8, 1892 "The Post" of Pittsburg 3* Jan. 1 1, 1892 ' ' The Press " of Easton 31 Jan. ii, 1892 "The Press" of Philadelphia Much unfavorable criticism aroused by Senator Quay's Mexican Resolution Mexico much dissatisfied Boss Shepherd and other Americans are reported to be back of the scheme to have several Mexican States annexed by this country 32 Jan. 15, 1892 " The Herald " of Erie An Unwise Scheme 33 Jan. 28. 1892 " The Press " of Philadelphia Mexicans Do Not Like It 34 Feb. 10, 1892" The Post " of Pittsburg 35 Feb. 18, 1892 "The Post" of Pittsburg 35 RHODE ISLAND. Jan. 14, 1892 "The Observer " of Newport 35 SOUTH DAKOTA. Feb. 2, 1892 "The Capital" of Pierre 36 VERMONT. Jan. 7, 1892. " The Free Press" of Burlington Complications with Mexico Possible 36