Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/431

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SECOND PROPOSITION.

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merly done those of other Mexican negotiators. At a conference held on the 2nd of September, Mr. Trist stated to the Mexican Commissioners, that if they would submit to him a proposition, — providing that the boundary line should follow the course of the Nueces to the Laguna de las Yuntas—thence running westward to the Rio Puerco — thence up that river to the parallel of latitude. six geographical miles north of the fort at El Pasa del Norte, on the Rio Grande^[1] — thence west along that parallel to the western boundary Of New Mexico — thence, following the line prescribed in his ﬁrst proposition, to the mouth of the Rio Gila—thence up or down that river to the thirty-third parallel of latitude—and thence along that parallel to the Pacific ocean; and that the territory between the Rio Grande and the Nueces should remain forever neutral, to be occupied by the citizens of neither republic, — he would transmit it to his government by express, and await its action.^[2]

The Mexican Commissioners were willing to submit this proposition, or rather they professed a willingness to submit it, but refused to grant the necessary time for

↑ This is, very nearly, the southern boundary of New Mexico; consequently, the proposed line Would have embraced almost the whole of that province.
↑ Senate Exec. Doc. 20, (p. 8,) 1st session, 30th Congress—The invitation of Mr. Trist to the Mexican Commissioners, to submit this proposition, was unauthorized by the President of the United States, and was promptly disapproved—Special Message of President Polk, February 2, 1848. Had not this novel idea, — of a boundary, to consist of a neutral strip of land, — been countenanced by many eminent states— men, it Would have very little to recommend it to favor. No government, and, least of all, one whose highest aim it ought to he, to avoid all causes of contention, should desire to be bounded by neutral territory, which must necessarily become, in spite of laws and regulations, the refuge and hiding—place of outlaws and bandits,— and the theatre of incessant broil; and strifes, in which, sooner or later, the contiguous governments would be involved.

[1] This is, very nearly, the southern boundary of New Mexico; consequently, the proposed line Would have embraced almost the whole of that province.

[2] Senate Exec. Doc. 20, (p. 8,) 1st session, 30th Congress—The invitation of Mr. Trist to the Mexican Commissioners, to submit this proposition, was unauthorized by the President of the United States, and was promptly disapproved—Special Message of President Polk, February 2, 1848. Had not this novel idea, — of a boundary, to consist of a neutral strip of land, — been countenanced by many eminent states— men, it Would have very little to recommend it to favor. No government, and, least of all, one whose highest aim it ought to he, to avoid all causes of contention, should desire to be bounded by neutral territory, which must necessarily become, in spite of laws and regulations, the refuge and hiding—place of outlaws and bandits,— and the theatre of incessant broil; and strifes, in which, sooner or later, the contiguous governments would be involved.

[1]

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