This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
22
MEXICO'S DILEMMA

that the Government of the United States, although it was 'accustomed to accept and recognise the results of a popular choice in Mexico,' would in this particular instance 'wait before recognising President Diaz as President of Mexico until it shall be assured that his election is approved by the Mexican people, and that his administration is possessed of stability to endure and of disposition to comply with the rules of international comity and the obligations of treaties.' The Diaz Government was officially recognised by Germany May 30, 1877, by Salvador and Guatemala June 7, by Spain June 16 and soon afterwards similar action was taken by Italy. These were all the powers then represented in Mexico, except the United States. In his annual message of December 3, 1877, President Hayes stated that it had been 'the custom of the United States when such (revolutionary) changes of government have heretofore occurred in Mexico, to recognise and enter into official relations with the de facto government as soon as it shall appear to have the approval of the Mexican people and should manifest a disposition to adhere to the obligations of treaties and international friendship,' but that 'in the present case such official recognition had been deferred by the occurrences on the Rio Grande border.'

"Official recognition was given in May, 1878, when a formal reception was tendered to a new minister from Mexico and the President formally