REVIEW OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO, AND OF THE CLAIMS OF CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST MEXICO. BY RICHARD S. COXE. IBRARY OF THE UNIVER OF CALIFORNIA NEW YORK: WILSON & CO., 15 SPRUCE STREET, 1846. IRSITY PORNIA TEXAS. INTRODUCTION. In presenting the following papers to the public in their present shape, it seemed proper to accompany them with a brief exposition of the circumstances in which they originated, and of the reasons to which they owe their existence. They have already appeared in the columns of a newspaper-the first series in the Richmond Enquirer, and the residue in the Union. The parties at whose instance they were prepared, have judged it expedient to republish them; while others have concurred in this design, under the impression that they embodied, in a condensed form, much valuable information upon topics of general importance. The present aspect of the relations between the United States and Mexico is full of interest. Whether or not there will be a formal declaration of war, seems yet to be a matter of uncertainty; but whether that event should or should not occur, the affairs of the two governments have reached a point, and assumed a character, which imperatively demand that the subjects of controversy, which have so long existed, should be brought to a definite settlement. /The causes of complaint have been of long standing, and of an irritating nature. The amicable feelings which once bound the two nations together, have been obliterated. Mutual estrangement has succeeded, and terms of recrimination have been exchanged, rousing on either side the angry passions of the respective parties. It is not possible much longer to postpone the adjustment of these controveries. They must be terminated through the instrumentality of war, or by amicable arrangement The number and character of the reclamations of the parties seem to preclude the possibility of a pacific settlement. The claims of citizens of the United States, for remuneration for alleged infractions of their rights of person and property, cannot be estimated at a smaller amount than ten millions of dollars. The character of the outrages in which these claims originated has imposed upon the government the imperative obligation to demand, and, if necessary, to enforce, their liquidation. Every day swells the amount of compensation to which the parties are entitled, and increases the incapacity of Mexico to provide for their payment. They must either be adjusted and paid, or tamely relinquished. The latter alternative, involving a renunciation of every national duty, and the violation of the most positive national pledges, cannot, for a moment be anticipated. It inay be assumed |