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Show THE WAR WITH MEXICO 277 went to Washington to present the constitution of New Mexico, ask for her admittance to the NEW MEXICO IS MADE A TERRITORY — Union, and claim his seat. UpCOMPROMISE BILL OF 1850 on his arrival he found that the compromise bill of September 9, 1850, in which was included the act organizing a territorial government for New Mexico, had just passed congress, which at once took precedence of the state organization. The new territorial government went into operation on March 3, 1851, James S. Calhoun having been appointed and sworn in as governor. The ‘‘state’’ government of New Mexico ‘‘so soon was done for that it wondered what it was begun for.’’ a In response he received ollows: ‘‘The President a letter has learned from C. M. Conrad, secretary of war, as with regret that any misunderstanding exist between a portion of the people of to the government of that country, and should New Mexico and yourself in relation hastens to relieve you from the em- barrassment in which that misunderstanding has placed you. ‘‘T have now the pleasure to inform you that congress has at length passed a law providing for the establishment of a territorial government in New Mexico, The President will proceed with the least possible delay to organize the government; and What is the proper anomalous state of all controversy as to as soon as it goes into operation, government of New Mexico must be at an end, and the things which now exists there will be determined. You will perceive, however, that the same act (a duly authenticated copy of which accompanies this communication) also fixes the boundary between New Mexico and Texas, and that until the is suspended its operation assent of Texas shall have been given to the boundary established by the act. _ ‘‘Although time must tions should there is little elapse before be given doubt that be it can for your such obtained, guidance assent will be it is proper given, yet as some that some instruc- in the interval. “Tt is at all times desirable that the civil and military departments of the government should be kept entirely distinct. occasionally arise which require that departure should cease with sity seems to exist at present for he country is represented to be Although circumstances may a temporary departure from this principle, the necessity which oceasioned it. No necesdeparting from it in regard to New Mexico. tranquil; and, although the inhabitants have authority of a Undertaken to establish a government for themselves without so Previous act of congress, nevertheless there is no reason to believe that in as and doing they intended to throw off their allegiance to the United States; the government they seek to establish is entirely consistent with the lawful the Territory and authority and dominion of the United States in and over to suppress it by “ inhabitants, the President does not consider himself bound Unless, therefore, it should become necessary to suppress reary force. ee, or resist actual hostilities against the United States (an event seis © apprehended), or unless the inhabitants or a portion of them shou protection which is guaranteed to them by the ninth mand article offrom the you treatythatof Guadalupe Hidalgo, you are directed to abstain from de - further interference in civil or political affairs of that country.’’ oe Correspondence, ete., 1850, Sen. Ex. Doc., 1, pp- 92-109. — New |
