relations of friendship and trade, and its diplomatic agent was received in Mexico with every mark of respect, the Mexican minister in London having an equally friendly reception.[1]
Mr Canning's treaty instructions were given in a draught which was to serve for all the Spanish American republics. In the negotiations conducted by Alaman and Esteva on the part of Mexico they prevailed on the British commissioners to embody in the treaty certain clauses which were then repugnant to British policy, such as that the flag covered the merchandise. Moreover, the time the treaty was to be in operation was limited, and privileges were stipulated for Mexican and other Hispano-American vessels and merchandise. Mexico also reserved the right of conceding advantages to the Spanish flag whenever Spain should recognize her independence. The clause to allow Great Britain the same benefits as should at any future time be granted to the most favored nation was omitted. Such terms proved inadmissible in London, and the treaty was not approved. The English government next sent Mr Morrier, the historian of Persia, and a distinguished diplomate, to make a treaty according to the original draught. Morrier succeeded in having the negotiations transferred to London, though President Victoria was well satisfied with the course pursued by his negotiators. Sebastian Camacho was now intrusted with the business on the part of Mexico at the British court. A treaty was concluded establishing reciproc-
- ↑ José Mariano Michelena was appointed minister when he ceased to act for the executive. Vicente Rocafuerte, a native of Ecuador, became the secretary of the legation. Bustamante and several others objected to both appointments for good reasons, the chief against Michelena being that he would prove objectionable to the British government, as turned out to be the case. Rocafuerte cost the nation many thousands of dollars. The legation went to England on the British frigate Valorous, April 21, 1824. Michelena had orders to buy ships, arms, and clothing. Though neither he nor Rocafuerte showed the best judgment in their purchases and other money transactions, their integrity was not impeached. They both defended their conduct. Bustamante, Cuad. Hist., MS., viii. 231-2; Alaman, Hist. Méj., v. 783; Tornel, Breve Reseña Hist., 78; Michelena, Esplic., 8-9, 29, 133-5; Rocafuerte, Regalo, 8-13.
