Colonization was given a hitherto unparalleled prominence, both in projects and decrees. An immigration bureau was established,[1] with a most favorable decree for the appointment of agents, the grant of free lands, and other privileges.[2] All races were to be admitted, and a special-contract law was issued regulating the term of service and treatment of colored persons.[3] Arrangements were also made for French, United States, and German immigration into littoral and interior districts; but the leading project was the formation of colonies by refugees from the southern United States. Prominently connected with this plan was William M. Gwin, formerly United States senator from California, who proposed a semi-independent settlement in Sonora, and received such countenance from Napoleon as to lead to an outcry against a supposed absorption of that state by France. Even the United States intimated that the establishment of hostile southerners along the frontier would not be regarded with favor.[4] But the disturbed con-
- ↑ With the confederate general Magruder for chief, and the astronomer Maury for comisario. Decree of Oct. 7th.
- ↑ Decree Sept. 5, 1865. Colonists could become naturalized at once, and were exempt from taxes for the first year, and from military service for five years, although forming a militia for their own protection. Report on grants and their partial occupation, in Manero, Doc. Interes., 53-7.
- ↑ Branded by opponents as a renewal of slavery, Leg. Mex., Circ., ii. 202-6, although the opening clause declares all free. The term was limited to ten years; in case of the father's death, children remained under the care and in the service of the employer till attaining majority. The question of African and Chinese immigration was not well received by the public, which expressed a fear for a deterioration of race. Morales, supported by Baron Sauvage, proposed to introduce 100,000 negroes and Mongols, and a Portuguese received in Dec. the privilege for ten years to bring in Asiatics.
- ↑ Gwin had labored for his plan ever since the French entered Mexico. Hidalgo, Arrangoiz, and other ministers opposed it, chiefly on the ground that any littoral or frontier settlement by foreigners might lead to a repetition of the Texas segregation. Although Napoleon favored Gwin, Bazaine neither could nor would promote it. The Juarist minister protested at Washington against any alienation of Mexican territory. Méx., Col. Leyes, 1863-7, ii. 212-15. The U. S. government issued its warning to France, being likewise annoyed at the reception granted to confederate officers, several of whom Niox mentions. Expéd. du Mex., 502. Several editors at Mexico were fined and imprisoned by Bazaine for joining in the outcry. Lefévre, Doc. Maximiliano, ii. 139. For details on these points, see Leg. Mex., Circ., ii. 86 et seq.; Méx., Mem. Fomento, 1868, 66–76, 350-74; Méx., Mem. Hac., 1868, doc. 2; Arrangoiz, Méj., iii. 213, 279, 320, iv. 3, etc.; Zamacois, Hist. Méj., xvii. 966, etc.; U.S. Foreign Aff., 356 et seq., 39th Cong. 1st Sess.; Id., 266, 2d Sess.;
