Mexico, anxious to preserve the peace, not only proposed to refer the claims to arbitration, but once more accredited a minister at Washington,[1] who arrived there in October 1837, but did not announce the proposal for arbitration till the 22d of December.[2] This was a sore disappointment to the enemies of Mexico; for it would postpone the object so dear to their hearts, namely, the annexation of Texas and other portions of Mexican territory. Secretary Forsyth dryly acknowledged the receipt of the proposition, and several times afterward pressed upon the Mexican minister, Francisco Pizarro Martinez, new demands without signifying his acceptance of it.[3] He did so at last on the 21st of April, 1838, saying that the president was "anxious to avoid proceeding to extremities." The negotiations following resulted in a convention concluded on the 10th of September, 1838, by which it was agreed that all claims against Mexico should be referred to a mixed commission composed of two members appointed by each government, and for cases in which they could not agree the king of Prussia was requested to name an umpire.[4] Owing to delay in obtaining the consent of
- ↑ It was authorized by the act of the Mcxican congress of May 20, 1837. The minister was appointed May 23d. Dublan and Lozano, Leg. Mex., iii, 392; Arrillaga, Recop., 1837, 399; Niles' Reg., lii. 309, 354. .
- ↑ Owing, it seems, to a misapprehension on his part that the proposal had been at an earlier date made to the U. S. cabinet.
- ↑ Four months were allowed to elapse. When the public heard of the Mexican offer, petitions came from all quarters to congress to accept.
- ↑ The board was to meet at Washington three months after the exchange of ratifications, and to sit not over 18 months. It was left to the option of
between the two governments;' and that nothing 'should be left undone which may contribute to the speediest and most equitable termination of the subjects which have so seriously engaged the attention of the United States;' that the 'Mexican government would adopt, as the only guides for its conduct, the plainest principles of public right, the sacred obligations imposed by international law, and the religious faith of treaties;' and that 'whatever reason and justice may dictate respecting each case will be done.' The American government was further assured that the decision in each case would be communicated to it by the Mexican legation at Washington. U. S. Govt, Cong. 25, Ses. 2, vol. viii. passim; Mayer's Hist. War Mex., i. 29-30. The president in his message of Dec. 8, 1846, referring to the steps taken in July 1837, said that Mexico gave solemn assurances, and yet again delayed, and the moderation of the United States only complicated the difficulties. U. S. Govt Doc., Cong. 29, Ses. 2,. . Doc. 4,. 3-8.
