Mr. Seward to Mr. Plumb.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of the 2d of October, No. 198, in which paper you call my attention to a provision contained in a recent act of the congress of Mexico, which excludes foreign engineers from employment on a highway which it is proposed to build from the city of Durango to the city of Mazatlan. The exclusion, like all laws which are in the nature of monopolies, is probably as unwise for the interest of Mexico as it is inhospitable. Nevertheless, it may be regarded as the expression of a sentiment which is popular at the present moment in Mexico. I am sure that after the experience of foreign intervention which that country has had, no one can think the sentiment unnatural, when it is regarded in that light. It is much to be desired that foreigners sojourning in Mexico, and seeking employment there, should contribute to the welfare and prosperity of their adopted country, and so lay claim to its gratitude, instead of increasing its domestic embarrassments.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Edward L. Plumb, Esq., &c., &c., &c.