VII. in a situation to undertake the re-conquest of his former colonies. By his proclamation to the Spaniards, the French generallissimo wished to insinuate that such were the views of his august uncle. Let us acknowledge the generous feeling of the British nation which impelled her to fly to the aid of the cause of reason, of justice, and of liberty-and to redeem the Americas from the evils and disasters of war, by the interposition of her trident. The debt of our gratitude is so much the more flattering, as the resolution of the cabinet of St. James rested on the unanimous approbation of the English, interested in all their relations for the triumph of American independence. A nation eminently industrious, in which politics and commerce turn on an axis, participates in the progress and stability of other nations, which possess the materials that luxury and habit have rendered necessary. An event of such importance has opened a door of communication between the two worlds-and Mexico, called by her happy location to play a conspicuous part in the new order of things, prides herself on the inexhaustible richness of her soil. Our agent in London enjoys, since that period, the diplomatic rank with which he was announced by our government. The charge d'affaires of his Britannic majesty resides in the capital of the republic, and, associated with Mr. Morier, who arrived at Vera Cruz on the 14th of the last month, will be employed very shortly in the conclusion of treaties, which, I confidently hope, will effect a reconciliation of the interests of both nations. The chambers, in fulfilment of the 13th power of the general

congress, will take into considera. tion this grave negotiation, which holds suspended the attention of Europe.

France has solemnly pronounced her anxious wishes to strengthen her mercantile relations with this and the other new republics of America, under guarantees emanating from her government. It is desirable, as well for the advantage of France as for that of the new continent, that the clamors of those Frenchmen should prevail in her cabinet, who have ever been animated with the love of glory, and who seek with earnestness a new and rich market for their abundant industry. However the real aspect of the original act may be consi dered in diplomacy, by which the independence of Hayti has been recognized, it has justified incontestibly the right of insurrection, and raised the principle of the expediency of the time being, above that other false principle which makes no distinction between communities of men and herds of cattle. With no fear of being in er ror, I consider this fact as a forward step on the part of France, which must lead her on gradually to imitate the glorious example of her dexterous rival. This opinion has been recently strengthened by the consent of the court of Versailles to send out to us a commercial agent, and to receive one appointed by the republic. It may not be improper to remark, that similar measures were taken by England before the final accomplishment of her intentions with regard to the new world. Although it may be the policy of France to postpone the moment of a definitive resolution, it is certain, and a source of gratification to the

friends of humanity, that her actual dispositions towards the republic are by no means alarming.

The king of the Netherlands, a descendant of the house of Orange, that illustrious supporter of liberty, who governs his people with equity and justice, has recognized a provisional consul for Mexico, who is now acting officially in that country, which the active and enterprising genius of its inhabitants have raised upon drained marshes. Mr. D'Quartel, commissioner from the king to this republic, expressed to me, in the name of his government, the adhesion which it professed to the philanthropic principles of our existence.

The president of the council of government of Prussia, has communicated the appointment of a commercial agent to the republic, who is now in the capital of this confederation. The progress of the commercial company of the Rhine has, without doubt, induced the cabinet of Berlin to open, for the advantage of their country, this path, hitherto unknown to the centre of Europe.

The foreign journals communicate satisfactory notices respecting the intentions of Sweden and Denmark. And although the government is not in possession of such official information as might enable them to assure the chambers of this fact, yet it is reasonable to suppose, that two maritime powers, not within the immediate reach of foreign influence, and which may supply some of the articles formerly derived from the commerce heretofore maintained by Spain, should hasten to form friendly relations with the American nations.

In the conduct of the emperor of the Russias, nothing is observa

ble hostile to the happy revolution of the Americas; and as Mexico is, of all the new states, the nearest to the Russian possessions, sooner or later communications will be established with the court of St. Petersburg. Our attention is fixed even now on the memorable ukase of the 28th of September, 1821, prohibiting all persons, not being Russians, from exercising any commerce, fishery, or industry whatever, on the islands or coasts of the northwest part of America, from the straits of Bhering, to the 51st degree of latitude, or on the Allention or Curile islands, or on the eastern coast of Siberia. The protests made by the United States of the north, have explained sufficiently how far this law affected the sovereignty of the seas.

The holy father, uniting in himself the double investiture of sovereign of Rome and head of the catholic church, has high claims on the veneration and affection of the Mexicans, who anxiously aspire to connect themselves with the father of the faithful, in objects exclusively religious and ecclesiastical. The benevolent letter of the 29th July last, addressed to me by Senor Leon XII., is expressive of his ideas of justice, and induces a belief that our envoy, who arrived in Brussels in August of the last year, may be paternally received, and permitted to render homage to the legitimate successor of St. Peter.

And coming to the nations of the happy hemisphere of Columbus, justice and gratitude oblige us first to mention that which is the most ancient in America, and was the first of the civilized world which solemnly acknowledged our

rights, after it had preceded us in the heroic resolution of throwing off the yoke of the mother country. The United States of the north, models of political virtue and moral rectitude, are advancing under the system of confederated republics, whose adoption among us by the most spontaneous act on record, strengthening the most intimate union between the neighboring nations, places us on a level with the country of Washington. A minister plenipotentiary of that nation, residing near our government, is appointed to conclude treaties, which will soon be submitted to the deliberation of congress. The definitive settlement of the limits between both nations is very important, and the government is endeavoring to facilitate the conclusion of this business upon the unalterable bases of frankness and good faith.

The republic of Colombia, identifying with ours her principles in peace and in war, has concluded a treaty of union, league, and perpetual confederation, which, now solemnly ratified, is the inviolable pledge of harmony between two friendly countries allied by nature. The squadron of Colombia was prepared to sail for our coast, in fulfilment of one of the articles of the convention; but the recent success of our arms rendered, in the opinion of government, its arrival unnecessary.

The great victories of president Bolivar will hasten in Peru its anxiously desired organization. The independence of that province was acknowledged at the time of the protectorate of general San Martin, and since, no minister appointed by any of the various provisiona

ry governments of Peru has yet presented himself in Mexico.

The chief of the United Provinces of Rio de la Plata has professed the firmest and most cordial friendship of that nation towards Mexico.

The Chilian republic, not exempt from momentary changes, cannot delay to communicate with Mexico most intimately and most frequently.

During the past year, some correspondence has been held with the republic of the Centre, in order to preserve entire the state of the Chiapas, and the government, in conformity with the views of congress, will prefer measures of peace and friendship as long as they are sufficient to maintain the honor of the nation. A charge

d'affaires to Guatemala has been nominated, who will depart as soon as he obtains the constitutional consent of the chamber of senators.

The desired union of representatives from all the American nations will soon be realized in Panama, to consolidate the alliance, and the most sincere friendship of the great family, which, with repeated prodigies of valor and exertions of constancy, has thrown off forever the Spanish yoke. The plenipotentiaries of Mexico will sail during the course of the present month. I congratulate the chambers and the American continent on the near approach of an event which history will record as the most important which, perhaps, may occur in the nineteenth century.

And viewing the brilliant condition of the interior, new and important triumphs have heightened

the glory of the republic. The Spanish squadron in the Pacific, which encouraged the hopes of the government of Madrid, even after the campaign of Ayacucho, capitulated on the 1st of May, at Monterey, in the Californias-augmenting our naval forces with the ship of the line Asia, now the Mexican Congress, and the brig of war Constante. The importance of this fact is incalculable in politics, and morally presents considerations highly honorable to Mexico which was chosen among all the states which border on the great ocean, to the receive the last spoils of the dying power of Spain in the seas of America. The generosity of the republic, pledged to those unfortunate persons who adopted a new and better country, has paid them the dues of the Spanish government, which withholds from all its engagements, whilst it demands their sacrifices.

The chambers participate, at this moment, in the joy which transports me, remembering that at the end of four years of exertions and useless toils to effect the surrender of the famous castle of San Juan de Ulloa, that the flag is lowered which Cortes hoisted in the Mexican waters. By reason of the organized plans of the government, of a vigorous siege by sea and land, and the daring movement of our marine upon that of the enemy, which a skilful hand directed, our troops took possession, on the 21st of November, of that post which is named the Gibraltar of America, which may be called the Key of Mexico, and which protected the sworn enemies of independence at the gates of the republic. An event of such magnitude, and which has been an object of the

most ardent wishes of patriots, indemnifies the losses the nation has suffered by long years of contest, and is flattering to the congress and government at the success of their efforts exerted for the pros. perity of the Mexican states. The republic has attained the highest character, which repeated testimonials daily testify, and has impressed the last seal to the triumph of the great cause of the liberty of America, radically identified with the fate of Mexico. The government, which views the national congress seated on the throne of justice, asks of its august munificence that recompense to the va liant soldiers of the country which they deserve.

The treasury, which in all countries is the barometer of their riches and aggrandizement, is about to experience the most advantageous increase to its receipts. The creation of public funds has inspired our creditors with that confidence which constitutes the magic of our resources. The national credit in foreign markets rises proportionably with the scrupulous observance of our engagements to the houses who have loaned us. That of Barclay, Richards & Co. of London, negotiated advantageously the loan which it was authorised to do by the republic. Happily, very little of it has been paid for ordinary expenses: the purchase of vessels, armament, clothing, and equipment for the army, the collection of valuable and productive crops of tobacco, the funding a very respectable portion of the loan contracted in 1823, with the English house of B. A. Goldsmith & Co., and the most punctual payment of the dividends of the interest and ordinary liquidation, have been the objects of

its investment, and with what advantage is seen in the army, in the augmentation of our marine in the acquisition of Ulua, in the interior and exterior security which we enjoy, and in other improvements. The half of the products of the maritime customs, and in Mexico sufficing, by consent of government, very strict orders have been given that the half of those, that is, the fourth part of their whole value, be deposited in Vera Cruz, Alvarado, Pueblo Viego de Tampico, Tampico de las Tamaulipas, Soto la Marina, and Refugio, to be religiously employed in the complete and prompt payment of dividends and ordinary liquidation without the necessity of having recourse to the remainder of the last loan, which is in London at the disposal of government.

The regulation of a tariff, so very urgent, will give to commerce that impulse, of which, perhaps, it stands in need; and the future estimate will show advantages which, compared with that of 1824, and even with that of 1825, will be more general and perfect. The maritime custom-houses have, for some months, been progressing towards a complete organization, which they will, no doubt, attain, on the plan designated for the purpose. The states of the Chiapas, Queretaro, Puebla, Tabasco, and Yucatan, have received that assistance, in money, which their resources, at this moment, do not supply. They will become productive, and remittances to them will cease. The allowances to Bejar, Cohahuila, Chihuahua, and Tejas, have been opportunely attended to. To the Californias succours of every, kind have been sent. The public stores of the capital are furnished

with abundance of clothing and equipment for the army, which ensures its permanent respectability.

Commerce, the channel of communication between consumption and production, is advancing, beyond all calculation, upon the shores of Mexico; and neither monopoly nor rivalry have been able to affect the markets. Yet the prosperity of commerce demands a short and convenient internal circulation, which the chambers will perfect, in considering, during its present session, the project of roads. There is scarcely a subject on which the general opinion is so decisively expressed.

The system of the treasury, adopted by the sovereignty of the nation, has been prosecuted with care and effect, by the executive. Through the exertion of constant efforts, and as the height of our good fortune, I can anticipate the chambers in the agreeable intelligence that it is probable the exigencies of the present year may be sup plied by the natural productions of our soil. Let the alarm, then, of the pusilanimous be quieted, who distrusted the immense resources of the nature, of the genius, and of the industry, of our truly fortunate country.

The army has re-established its moral character, the principle of its existence; and discipline has advanced, in one year, beyond all calculation, as well in the troops of the line as in the active militia. The brilliancy of their equipments, the excellence of their arms, contribute in great measure to render our army comparable with the best of the world. More than half of the numerous armament preured in Europe, has arrived in the republic, and we are gradually receiving the