Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress
Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward
Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, the copy of a letter I received to-day from General Garcia, second in command of the eastern line of the Mexican republic, dated in Tlacotalpam, the 26th of February last, with an enclosed printed copy of some manifests passed by the towns within the limits of the said line, approving the prolongation of the term of the President of the republic. I enclose you the printed copy of said manifests, and the copy of a letter from General Garcia to the President of Mexico, of the same date and on the same subject.
I avail myself of the occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.
[Translation.]
Much Esteemed Friend: I have received your very welcome duplicate letter of the 12th of December last, containing one from President Juarez and documents, to be published here in relation to our affairs.
Our situation is about the same as it was when I, wrote you last; we still suffer for want of arms and war materials. I enclose you the printed manifests of my towns, approving of Señor Juarez’s continuance in power as President.
Your devoted friend,
Señor Don Matias Romero, Washington.
[Translation, ]
Very Dear Sir and Much Respected Friend: I yesterday received through Mr. Romero your welcome letter of the 10th of November last, relative to your decree prolonging the period of your functions as president of the republic, and appointment of General Diaz as general-in-chief in command of the, eastern line, and my appointment as second in command.
I informed you, in my letter of the 14th instant, that on the 1st, before I received your official decree, and other documents prolonging your term, I had sent out a circular to all the authorities within the lines to ascertain the will of the people.
I have received assurances from every quarter acknowledging your right to continue in the presidency of the republic till another constitutional election can be held.
I am now receiving the manifestoes, and am publishing them in the official bulletin, of which I send you copies. I also send some to Mr. Romero, for any good use he may make of them in the United States, and I will continue to do so by every opportunity. When complete, I will despatch them to. the department of government for due consideration.
I repeat what I said to you in my last; that is, though I cannot send you the acts now, you may rest assured that all the eastern line will vote in the same way.
Nothing new has occurred since my letter of the 14th.
I think General Diaz is in Tlajiaco, though I am not sure of it, for, in spite of all my efforts, I have not been able to communicate with him.
In the hope that you will continue to favor me with your welcome letters, I remain your friend and servant,
Senor Don Benito Juarez, President of the Mexican Republic.
[Translation.]
Manifestoes of towns mentioned, declaring their will on the question of the presidency of the republic.
[Circular.]
MEXICAN REPUBLIC—HEADQUARTERS OF THE EASTERN LINE
A serious question has arisen in the country and spread abroad.
On the 8th of November last, as you will see in the official bulletin No. 29, of these headquarters, which I send you, citizen Benito Juarez prolonged his office as constitutional President of the republic.
We are informed from other sources that citizen General Jesus Gonzales Ortega, while in the United States, protested against the decree, as president of the supreme court of justice, which citizen Juarez denied him, for reasons you will see in another decree of the 8th of November, also printed in the bulletin.
[Page 113]The peculiar circumstances of the nation, caused by the present foreign war, have prevented, and continued to prevent, the exercise of its principal act of sovereignty, the election of a chief magistrate, by the free votes of Mexican citizens, according to the constitution; and although we have formed an opinion on the subject in favor of the decree, believing that citizen Benito Juarez has by law and usage the right to continue as President of the republic, yet we wish to have the general opinion in the eastern line on a subject of so much importance. We therefore instruct you to take the votes of all Mexicans within your jurisdiction, in the manner you may think most proper, and report to me if it accords with our opinion or not, for my information and subsequent action.
Independence and liberty! Tlacotalpam, February 1, 1866.
ALEJANDRO GARCIA.
The Citizen Governor and Military Commander of the State of——.
Tlacotalpam, February 3, 1866.
A true copy:
[Translation.]
Manifesto of the city of Tlacotalpam.
I, Marcos Maria Castellanos, national notary public and secretary of the honorable council of this city, certify and attest that between pages 115 and 117 of the council register is recorded an act the tenor of which is as follows:
“In the city of Tlacotalpam, on the 11th of February, 1866, the heroic council convened in public extraordinary session, with presence of the justices of the peace, and citizen Miguel Arechavaleta, president of the council, who called the meeting to order and stated its object, namely, to publish a communication received from the military commander of the canton, containing a note of the 1st instant from the citizen general-in-chief of the eastern line, relative to the great question of prolonging the presidential term, by a decree issued at El Paso del Norte on the 8th of November last, sent to this district in order to get the opinion of its citizens on that subject, which he now submits to the consideration of the council.”
Having read the communication and decrees referred to, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
First. By virtue of the full powers vested in the executive of the republic by the national congress, on the 11th of December, 1861, and subsequently confirmed by the same sovereign congress, citizen Benito Juarez, President of the republic, has by right prolonged his functions in accordance with the constitution, till the condition of the present war will permit the election of another President according to the fundamental code.
Second. The representatives of this city, the justices of the peace, and other subscribing citizens, acknowledge citizen Benito Juarez as President of the republic and the legitimate representative of national sovereignty, and consequently grant him a just and deserved vote of thanks for the abnegation he has once more shown in saving the country from internal contentions.
With this the act ended, and was signed on the same day, month, and year.
Miguel Arechavaleta, alderman and president of the council.
[Translation.]
Manifesto of Acayucan.
MILITARY COMMANDANT OF ACAYUCAN AND MINATITLAN.
On the 6th of February, 1866, all the military and civil officials of the canton assembled in the military hall of the town of Acayucan, with many private individuals, and the circular and accompanying documents of the 1st instant, published in No, 29 of the bulletin having been read, a few speeches were made praising citizen Juarez for his abnegation [Page 114] valor and constancy, and the vote being taken, the vote to sustain the opinion at headquarters was unanimous to support citizen Benito Juarez, who has so bravely sustained the cause of independence and the dignity of Mexico. Therefore, believing that the opinion of the whole southern coast is the same as that of this assembly, we say freely and explicitly it is our desire that citizen licentiate Benito Juarez remain in charge of the presidency of the Mexican republic as long as the circumstances of the war demand it. And this act is closed with the signatures of the attendants.
[Translation.]
Manifesto of Minatitlan.
In the town of Minatitlan, on the 7th of February, 1866, the chiefs, officers, and troops of the Goatzacoalcos assembled in the barracks, and the chief of the cantons having read the circular of the 6th of February, published by the citizen general of the eastern line, the assembly unanimously declared as follows:
We recognize the decree of the 8th of November, 1865, issued by citizen Benito Juarez, as President of the Mexican republic, and whom we acknowledge as such till the nation can elect a substitute, and promise to defend the national honor and dignity of which he is the worthy representative. With this the present act closes, being signed by one person for each class in the garrison.
In the town of Minatitlan, on the 7th of February, 1866, the council and citizens undersigned assembled under the presidency of Juan N. Sevila, justice of the peace and accidental military commander, who having read the circular of the 1st of February, issued by the general-in-chief of the Oriental line, the assembly passed the following resolution:
We acknowledge the validity of the decree of the 8th of November, 1865, issued by citizen Benito Juarez, as President of the Mexican republic, in which capacity we continue to recognize him. Thus closes this present act, signed by the attendants at this meeting.
[Translation.]
On the 7th of February, 1866, in the town of San Juan Bautista de Oluta, the undersigned authorities and citizens assembled in the military commandancy by invitation of the citizen commandant, who read the circular asking the opinion of the municipality on the presidential question, whether the citizen licentiate Benito Juarez shall continue in the supreme command of the republic till the circumstances of the war allow a new election. The contents of the said circular having been considered, the meeting passed the following resolutions with unanimity:
Article 1. We, the undersigned, authorities and citizens of this town, recognize the citizen licentiate Benito Juarez as the sumpreme chief of the nation as long as the present war lasts and prevents a new election.
Article 2. The present act shall be made out in duplicate, one copy to be sent to the citizen military commander of the canton, and the other recorded in the archives of this commandancy for future reference.
Thus the act was completed by the signatures of the attendants at this meeting.
By the military commander:
[Translation.]
On the 8th of February, 1866, in the town of Oteapa, the military commander, the city authorities, justice of the peace, and citizens generally, assembled in the town hall to consider a circular issued from headquarters, and requesting the vote of the people on the presidential question. The following resolution was unanimously adopted: That it is the wish [Page 115] of this people to keep citizen Juarez in the presidency as long as the war continues, and that he be elected for another term after its close.
The present manifesto closes with the signatures of those in attendance at the meeting.
The military commander, José Francisco Perez; Juan Morales, secretary.
[Translation. ]
The citizen military commander and other officials of this place, together with the principal inhabitants, met in San Francisco Jaltipam, canton of Minatitlan, in the free and sovereign State of Vera Cruz, to consider the decree of the 8th of November, issued by the President of the republic, and the circular of the citizen colonel-in-chief of these cantons, promulgated on the 7th instant, for the purpose of determining the will of the people under his jurisdiction, in reference to the presidential question. The attendants at this meeting, under the presidency of the local authority, unanimously declare that they desire the citizen licentiate Benito Juarez to continue as President of the Mexican republic as long as necessary; and they are also in fear of prolonging the, powers of the person who is president of the supreme court of justice. And they make this present manifesto, which they sign with me, to be sent to the citizen colonel-in-chief of the cantons for the information of the supreme authority,
E. Vela, Manuel Camino.
[Translation.]
In the town of San Juan Evangelista, of the canton of Acayucam, in the free and sovereign State of Vera Cruz Llave, on the 8th of February, 1866, by invitation of citizen Francisco Garcia, justice of the peace, and temporary military commander of this municipality, the honorable council and other authorities, together with the most respectable citizens undersigned, assembled, and the circular of the citizen military commander of the canton relating to the decree of the 8th of November last having been read, it was asked if we were willing that citizen licentiate Benito Juarez should remain in office as President, till the circumstances of the war should allow a new election. And all having expressed their spontaneous will, unanimously, that citizen Juarez should continue to rule the nation as President, the present manifesto was drawn up and signed by all persons present, and the meeting adjourned; the document being signed in presence of my adjutant, who certifies it.
Before me:
[Translation.]
In the town of San Pedro Zoteapam, on the 7th of February, 1866, the patriotic municipality, justice of the peace, officials and private individuals signing this manifesto, met at the residence of the military commander; and that officer presiding, the canton commander’s circular was read, requesting the vote of the people on the presidential question. All present agreed upon the following, without the least dissent:
The people of San Pedro Zoteapam, with their officers, declare that they acknowledge citizen licentiate Benito Juarez as legitimate President, and will sustain him in the liberal institutions that now govern the country.
Act concluded and signed by every one present at the meeting..
[Translation.]
In the town of Santiago Mecayapam, on the 8th of February, 1866, the patriotic municipality, justice of the peace, officers and private individuals who sign this act, assembled in the town hall, elected the military commander to preside over the meeting, and read [Page 116] the circular in regard to the presidency. The following resolution was thereupon unanimously adopted:
The people of Santiago Mecayapam, and their authorities, declare that they recognize the well-deserving citizen licentiate Benito Juarez as the legitimate President of the Mexican republic, and will support him in the liberal institutions with which he now rules the country. And so this act ends with the signatures of all present.
[Translation.]
In the town of San Andres Sayultepec, canton of Acayucan, on the 9th of February, 1866, the military commander, the municipality, local judge, and notable citizens assembled together for the purpose of considering the presidential question. The supreme decree of the 8th November last, printed in the official bulletin of the 1st instant, declaring citizen licentiate Benito Juarez is still President of the Mexican republic, having been read, together with the circular of the chief military commander requesting the votes of this section, we unanimously declared that we assent to the decree, and promise to sustain it, at the sacrifice of life and fortune, if necessary, till the circumstances of the present war permit another election.
Thereupon this manifest was made out and signed as evidence of the fact to be preserved.
[Translation.]
In the town of San Miguel de Tesispec, on the 8th of February, 1866, the military commander, justice of the peace, the council and chief citizens of the place assembled in the town hall, and the circular note of the military commander of the cantons of Acayucan and Minatitlan, of the 6th instant, having been read, requesting the adoption of the decree of the 8th of November last in regard to the presidency, we unanimously declare that we desire citizen Benito Juarez to continue President of the republic, under the auspices of the constitution of 1857, as he has bravely defended the rights of the nation, till the circumstances of the war may allow a new election; and thus the present act closes.
[Translation.]
In the town of Cosolecaque, on the 8th of February, 1866, the local commander, patriotic counsel, justice of the peace, and many citizens, assembled in the town hall to consider the presidential question, by order of a circular from headquarters of the. eastern line, resolve as follows:
That it is our unanimous wish for citizen licentiate Benito Juarez to continue in office as President of this republic till the circumstances of the war allow a new election; moreover, that he continue in office for another term, so as to regulate the affairs of the nation completely. They desire duplicates of this act, one for the book of record, and one to be sent immediately to the citizen commander of the cantons for his information.
[Translation.]
In the town of Izhuatlan, on the 9th of February, 1866, the honorable council and other Citizens assembled in the town hall, according to the circular of the 7th instant, and the meeting being presided over by me, the military commander and justice of the peace, I read to them articles 78, 79, 80, and 82 of the federal constitution, which puts an end to the presidency of citizen licentiate Benito Juarez; and having informed them of the desire from headquarters to know if they voted for C. Benito Juarez to continue in supreme command, they all answered unanimously, that, trusting to his honesty and firmness in defence of the national cause, C. Benito Juarez seemed worthy and deserving of the high place he now fills, and wish him to continue in it; and we promise to aid him as we have always done, and wish him success in the glorious cause upon which our well-being depends, and we therefore sign the present.
[Translation.]
In the town of San Isidro de Zaragoza, on the 10th of February, 1866, all the authorities and citizens of this place assembled in the town hall, and the circular of the 6th instant from the military commander of these cantons, wishing to know if the people here desired that citizen licenciado Benito Juarez continue in the presidency, having been read, all present pronounced him President again by acclamation, shouting: Viva el C. Licenciado Benito Juarez, Presidente de la republica Mexicana! Viva el Presidente leal de nuestra republica! y con ella sus may fieles servidores. And thus the act concluded and was signed by all present.
Commandant Francisco Carlos, in the name of the citizens and for myself, Pablo Perez, secretary; for the citizens of the illustrious municipality, justice of the peace, and citizens who cannot sign their names, and for myself, Nicholas Martin, secretary.
[Translation.]
In the town of Soconusco, on the 10th of February, 1866, the municipality, justice of the peace, military commander, and citizens of the place having assembled in the town hall, the circular from headquarters on the presidential question having been read by the military commander of the canton presiding, a few speeches from citizens eulogized citizen Juarez for his civic virtues, and his firmness and constancy in upholding the dignity and independence of Mexico; and all present voted that citizen Benito Juarez continue in command of the nation as President of the republic till the circumstances of the war allow a new election. And thus the present act closed, with the signatures of all present.
[Translation.]
In the town of Hidalgotitlan, on the 11th of February, 1866, before me, the military commander, appeared the honorable council, justice of the peace, and other citizens, and having read the decree issued by our worthy and well-deserving President, citizen Benito Juarez, at El Paso del Norte, on the 8th of November last, prolonging the presidential period till the circumstances of the war allow a new election, all answered unanimously that they wish the President to continue in power, as he has decreed by ample faculties vested in him; and the present act closed, being signed for me and the honorable council by my secretary, Manuel Candiani; C. Garcia Crux, Julian Cruz, for citizens.
[Translation.]
In the town of Minzapan, on the 11th of February, 1866, the local commander, justice of the peace, and other civil authorities and citizens of the place, having assembled in the town hall, the circular from the headquarters of the eastern line was read, desiring to know if the people are willing that citizen Benito Juarez should continue as President of the republic. All voted unanimously that the well deserving citizen Benito Juarez continue in office as President as long as the present war lasts, or till a new election can take place. And so this act concluded, with directions to have a copy sent to headquarters.
Juan G. Hernandez, military commander; Geronimo Martin, justice of the peace.