No. 463.
Mr. Blaine
to Mr. Morgan.
Department
of State,
Washington, July 27,
1881.
No. 156.]
Sir: I forward herewith for your information a copy
of a petition addressed to the Hon. S. B. Maxey, a Senator of the United
States from [Page 779] Texas, by whom it has
been referred to this Department, in which the petitioners, American
citizens residents of that State, set forth that certain persons living in
the United States and Mexico are exerting what influence they possess to
have the “zona libre” of Mexico extended so as to embrace within its limits
El Paso, Mexico.
The petitioners clearly indicate the injuries which are naturally to be
apprehended in case of the extension of the “zona libre,” and which point to
interests of national, state, and private importance, likely to be seriously
affected thereby.
You will, therefore, take such steps as you properly can, in bringing these
facts to the knowledge of the Mexican Government, as will prevent, if
possible, the extension feared. Your proceedings in this regard should be
discreet, however, and you are requested to report your action to the
Department for its information.
I am, &c.,
[Inclosure in No. 156.]
Citizens of Texas to
Senator Maxey.
Paris,
Texas, July 19,
1881.
Honorable Sir: Having been credibly informed
that certain persons engaged in merchandising and trading on this
frontier, some living in the United States and some living in Mexico,
are using every effort and influence they can command to have the “zona
libre” of Mexico extended so as to include El Paso, Mexico, therefore
we, citizens of the United States and Texas, respectfully petition your
excellency to use your influence and authority in the name of the State,
to prevent El Paso, Mexico, being made a point in the said “zona libre”
for the following reasons:
- First. It would cause, if not compel, merchants doing business
at El Paso, Texas, to remove all their goods, wares, and
merchandise from El Paso, Texas, to El Paso, Mexico, which would
decrease the taxable personal property now in Texas to nothing
comparatively; would destroy the values of real estate in El
Paso, Texas, and would also injure the town of El Paso, Texas,
as a railroad, commercial, and business center, dwarf our
commerce, and well-nigh ruin our merchants, if they chose to
remain after the said “zona libre” had been established at El
Paso, Mexico.
- Secondly. It would increase smuggling from Mexico into the
United States, particularly of cattle, cigars, tobacco, and
liquors, and other articles of commerce, of exchange, and trade,
thus injuring, if not almost destroying, the business of
merchandising and trading at El Paso, Texas.
- Thirdly. It is hostile in interest to the United States and
Texas.
We therefore respectfully request your excellency to take such steps to
prevent this extension of the “zona libre” proposed, as will save us
from loss and unjust discrimination.
With great respect, your most obedient servants,
- J. F. HARRISON.
- M. S. HILLS,
Agent Cambell’s
Addition to El Paso, Tex.
- C. Q. STANTON.
- J. R. CURRIE.
- C. R. MUSHER,
President State
National Bank.
- A. BLACKEE,
Representative. 79
th District State
Legislature.
- NOAH F. FLOOD,
Attorney at Law, El
Paso, Tex.
- J. A. BUCKLER,
Attorney at
Law.
- JOHN BAILEY,
Attorney.
- T. A. FALNEY,
Judge Twentieth
Judicial District of Texas.
- JOSEPH MAGOFFIN,
Acting Mayor El
Paso, Tex.
