Contrary to general expectation, the 16th, which is the anniversary of
Mexican independence, passed off without any disturbance; the new cabinet
officers have quietly entered upon the discharge of their duties, and
everything is peaceful about the capital.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
President Lerdo’s address on the opening of
Congress, September 16, 1876.
[From the “Two Republics.”]
Citizen Deputies and Senators: In compliance
with a constitutional precept to-day, the anniversary of our
independence, you inaugurate the third term of your ordinary
sessions.
This event, which under all circumstances has a special significance, is
at present of greater importance, because it reveals the power of our
institutions over armed rebellion, strengthening the conviction that the
nation will know how to surmount all obstacles that may be opposed to
her progress and well-being, without doubts for the present and without
fears for the future.
Our relations with the friendly foreign powers have continued in the
greatest harmony, it being a source of satisfaction that they are
maintained and each day strengthened, cultivated as they are in a spirit
of justice and cordial good-will.
On the termination in January of this year of the labors of the mixed
commission, created in Washington by the convention of the 4th of July,
1868, numerous claims remained pending, which, on account of the
disagreement of the commissioners, were remitted to the arbiter for his
decision. As the stipulated time for the latter was relatively short, it
was indispensable to agree to a prolongation, which was adjusted in
April and will terminate next November.
Although as yet it is impossible to know the full result of the decisions
of the commission
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mission and
the arbiter, it can be stated that of the enormous sum of $550,000,000
claimed of Mexico, the hundredth part will not be recognized.
It is pleasing to be able to manifest to Congress that our modest
representation in the Exposition of Philadelphia has been duly
appreciated, surpassing what might have been expected owing to the
difficulties of our situation. If Mexico has not sent to the Exposition
all that we might have desired, nor that which under ordinary
circumstances could have been sent, at least there have been presented
in it a few of the evidences of our social advancement, of our industry,
and of our valuable natural products, thus stimulating the greater
development of our export commerce, of our agriculture, and of our
national industry.
The inability to state on this important occasion, as in former epochs,
that peace is assured throughout the whole extent of the republic is to
be regretted. Nevertheless, some consolation for so great a calamity is
found in being able to inform Congress that all guarantees have been
respected, that the most absolute liberty has existed in every sense
without limit, and that the repressive laws, notwithstanding the dangers
of the situation, have not been practically applied, except in very rare
cases and with full justice.
The disastrous consequences of civil war, so sad for society, the forces
of which are completely enervated, and so injurious to the public
administration, whose elements and resources, at all times insufficient,
are diminished in a great measure by the disturbance of order at the
same time that its necessities are multiplied, are to be deplored.
The financial question has at all times been one of those which has most
seriously occupied the attention of the administration. Although it was
far from being resolved in former years, by a series of administrative
measures and with the aid of Congress, a positive advance leading to the
important object of regulating the expenses of the administration,
equalizing the receipts and disbursements, had been secured.
These hopes have been postponed by the rebellion, as has been the
accomplishment of many internal improvements. Nevertheless, the efforts
of the executive to preserve some works of public utility, and to
continue as far as possible others, are well known. The telegraph-lines
that extend over the territory of the republic, and which are as useful
for the administrative service as necessary to commerce and all social
relations, have been under constant repair in some places, and
completely replaced in others.
During the times of trial for the Mexican nation is when the qualities of
her sons are elevated. Acknowledgment is due to the valor, discipline,
and civic virtues of the army, that with abnegation and patriotism,
struggling with discomforts of the season, and at times without the
necessary elements, has loyally complied with its duty, holding high the
banner of our republican institutions, and making a true religion of the
respect which all of us owe to the law. It has been seconded in this
noble task by the corps of the rural police, with a constancy, activity,
and valor indeed laudable.
Our revenue-cutters, although insufficient on account of their limited
number, have commenced to render efficient service. Small, indeed, is
the sum invested in them, considering the frequent and serious damages
that revolts usually cause in some of our ports, and which those vessels
have contributed to prevent; having been also employed in the
transportation of troops and elements of war, as well as in several
military operations, which, by their co-operation, have been crowned
with success.
The present rebellion is the same that has been combated and conquered in
former years. The foreign intervention having been defeated and the
republic restored, our institutions remained assured, with all the
principles established with them. Since then the cause of the disturbers
has been simply that of satisfying personal ambitions; at times without
mask, and at others disguised in the garments of the constitution, they
have been for eight years trying to destroy it, breaking every social
tie, trampling upon all legitimate interests, and perpetrating offenses
that can never be justified in the eyes of the civilized world, not even
by the necessities of the time.
Fortunately the nation, that loves the institutions she has created, and
that relies on them to assure her future, will know how to preserve them
without a stain. The present rebellion has been successfully combated—it
being impossible to doubt its termination—by the general good
disposition of the people, who condemn it. The executive being guided by
these sentiments, and relying on the co-operation of all good Mexicans,
will continue to make every effort to insure a solid and permanent
peace.
It is very satisfactory that you again unite, citizen deputies and
senators, for the purpose of resolving upon, with your patriotic zeal
and enlightened legislation, whatever may be necessary for the welfare
and prosperity of the republic.