Hearts would undoubtedly say: "Give them every one back; I want to see fitting justice done to these people."
For the benefit of those who have not looked into the causes of the Mexican war, especially for the younger generation who may not have had access to standard works on the subject, I will state that the bone of contention was the boundary line between Texas and Mexico, when the former was about to relinquish her claims as a republic and seek admission into the United States. The strip of country involved in the controversy was that lying between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande, about 300 miles long and with an average width of 7S miles, equal altogether to 22,500 square miles. The Mexicans claimed the Nueces as the boundary, while the Americans claimed the Rio Grande.
Several of the most distinguished men of Mexico have married American women. Among them is Señor Mariscal, who at Washington, in 1866, married Miss Clara Smith, a brilliant American beauty. They have four lovely daughters, and live in great elegance at the Mexican capital. Señor Mariscal has been secretary of the Mexican Legation in Washington; twice minister to the United States; once minister to England; twice minister of justice; twice minister of foreign affairs, and justice of the supreme court. At present he fills the office of Minister for Foreign Affairs. Señor Mariscal enjoys the unbounded esteem and confidence of all who know him, and in public affairs no man is considered more upright and honorable. His superior intelligence and intimate acquaintance with the affairs and history of other countries and peoples have enabled him to render that assistance to his own country that perhaps no other could give; while his conversational powers and social accomplishments make him a leading figure in society. He is a native of Oaxaca.
General Ramon Corona, one of the bravest and most faithful of Mexico's sons, was minister to Spain for eleven years, having returned home in March, 1885. He is a man of distinguished appearance, a true type of the gallant soldier, with a splendid physique, noble head, fine, open expression, and the polished manner and gentle courtesy
