No. 387.
Mr. Frelinghuysen to Mr. Morgan.
Department
of State,
Washington, February 15,
1883.
No. 369.]
Sir: Under date of 10th instant the Hon. G. G.
Dibrell, of the House of Representatives, referred to this Department, with
a request that the information sought be obtained, if possible, a letter
addressed to him by
[Page 625]
Mr. W. B.
Gibbs, of the 4th instant, expressing a desire to learn something in
relation to the existing laws of Mexico with reference to immigration
thereto. The several points upon which Mr. Gibbs would like information are
presented in his letter, copy of which I inclose herewith.
Since the attitude of Mexico has changed so within the last few years, a
succinct account of the present prospects of American immigration thither
would be of service to enable the Department to properly answer the numerous
inquiries of-this nature presented to it.
You will therefore give the matter your attention, and report hither
concerning it at your earliest convenience.
I am, &c.,
[Inclosure in No.
369.—Extract.]
Mr. W. B. Gibbs to.
Hon. G. G. Dibrell
Union
City, February 4,
1883.
Dear Sir:* * * Several parties here are anxious
to get information relative to the existing laws of Mexico in reference
to immigrants to that country, and on my own behalf, as well as for the
benefit of those here interested in knowing, I ask for—
- 1.
- Reliable information as to the desire of Mexico to have
immigrants.
- 2.
- How long does it require to become a naturalized citizen of
Mexico?
- 3.
- Are any inducements in the way of homesteads or land grants
offered by the Government to actual settlers who become
citizens; and, if so, what?
- 4.
- Are immigrants from the United States received without
prejudice, or are they regarded with suspicion by the Government
or the people?
- 5.
- At what prices can large grants of land suitable for
colonization be obtained in the provinces of Sinaloa, Durango,
or Chihuahua?
- 6.
- Of the high plains or elevated plateaus, what part is best
watered and most fertile, and what diseases are most prevalent?*
* *
I am, &c.,
