tanists, discontented soldiers, and others. Clara's submission in May 1851 restored tranquillity for a time.[1]
This was greatly promoted by steps taken in connection with the Tehuantepec canal project. In 1850 a convention with the United States was projected, stipulating that the government should open the isthmus of Tehuantepec to interoceanic traffic, and protect those who might arrange with Mexico to construct there a canal or railroad.[2] A clause permitting the United States to send troops to guard the construction roused a cry of alarm, even from persons friendly to the executive; and led to the rejection of the convention, and to the annulment of a concession for such work made to Garay in 1842, and subsequently extended, and transferred successively to English and United States companies. This action, based on the assumed illegality of the governments conferring the grant, and its extension, a common feature of Mexican political instability, afforded a certain ground for complaint; and seeing a prospect for a handsome indemnity, the American grantees chose to make so loud a demonstration through the press and before the authorities at Washington that Mexico took alarm.[3] Showy preparations were even made
- ↑ Méx., Mem. Min. Guer., 1851, 5, 10; 1852, 8. Among sympathetic local movements were a Santanist rising at Cocula, and a militia meeting at Cuautla, in October 1850, based on land claims. The murder of Gen. Rea, at Ayutla, in the same month, ascribed partly to his Spanish origin, aroused great excitement. Monitor Rep., Jan. 4, 1851, etc.; Rivera, Hist. Jalapa, iv. 210.
- ↑ There are 13 articles. By the 3d and 4th the U. S. have the right to send troops for protecting the constructors, if required by Mexico, or in case of interrupted relations. Art. 8 stipulates that the toll and contributions on Americans are not to exceed those levied on Mexicans. Mexican products pay rates one fifth less. Méx., Legisl. Mej., 1850, 152-7. This was signed in June 1850 by the minister Pedraza and Letcher, and approved by the governments at Mexico and Washington, but rejected by an act of the Mexican congress in April 1852.
- ↑ For a history of the grant and its vicissitudes, see Tehuan., Account of, London, 1846, 1-128, with maps; Id., Observ. Communic. between Atlantic and Pacific, N. Y., 1848, 1-50, with several plans and maps; Ramirez, Mem. Diferenc., 109-230; Mex., Rept. Tehuan. Com., 1-12. Statements prepared by the grantees in Burwell, Mem., 1-36, with maps; Tehuan., Controversy, Review, 1-63. Mexican replies, Garay, Privilegio, Mem. Instruct., 1-39, translated in Garay, Privilege, Mem., 1-44; also Id., Statement, Mex., 1852,
