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Show 210 LEADING FACTS OF NEW MEXICAN THE HISTORY Immediately after Kearny had concluded his address, a response was made by Don Juan Bautista Vigil y Alarid, which is fairly expressive of the opinions entertained by a large number of the representative citizens of the territory. Mr. Vigil said: ‘‘General: The address which you have just delivered, in which you announce that you have taken possession of this great country in the name of the United States of America, gives us some idea of the wonderful future that awaits us. It is not for us to determine the boundaries of nations. The cabinets of Mexico and Washington will arrange these differences. It is for us to obey and respect the established authorities, no matter what may be our private opinions. The inhabitants of this department humbly and honorably present their loyalty and allegiance to the government of North America. No one in this world can successfully resist the power of him who is stronger. ‘Do not find it strange if there has been no manifestation of joy and enthusiasm in seeing this city occupied by your military forces. To us the power of the Mexican republic is dead. No matter what her condition, she was our mother. What child will not shed abundant tears at the tomb of his parents? I might indicate some of the causes for her misfortunes, but domestic troubles should not be made public. It is sufficient to say that civil war is the cursed source of Mexico, which we do in the name of the government of the United States. We have come with peaceable intentions and kind feelings toward you all. We come as republic friends, to of the United better States. your We condition mean make you a not to murder and you or rob you of part of the your property. Your families shall be free from molestation; your women secure from violence. My soldiers shall take nothing from you but what they pay for. In taking possession of New Mexico, we do not mean to take away from you your religion. Religion and government have no connection in our country. There, all religions are equal; one has no preference over the other ; the Catholic and the Protestant are esteemed alike. Every man has 4 right to serve God according to his heart. When a man dies he must render to God an account of his acts here on earth, whether they be good or bad. In our government, all men are equal. We esteem the most peaceable man, the best man. I advise you to attend to your domestic pursuits, cultivate industry, be peaceable and obedient to the laws. Do not resort to violent means to correct abuses. I do hereby proclaim that being in possession of Santa Fé, I am therefore virtually in possession of all New Mexico. Armijo is no longer your governor. His power is departed; but he will return and be a8 one 0 you. When he shall return you are not to molest him. You are no longer Mexican subjects; you are now become American citizens, subject only to the laws of the United States. Mexico and you no A change of government has taken place in New longer owe hereby proclaim my intention ment, on tention, a republican basis, also, to continue allegiance to establish similar in office those except the governor, and such other vested i virtue of the authority to me for protection?» in me. to the Mexican government. in this department to those by persons of our whom as own you I shall states. have I do a civil goveti It is my iD been appoint r* to governed, office by th look I am your governor — hencefor WAR WITH MEXICO 21] that deadly poison which has spread over one of the grandest and greatest countries that has ever been created. To-day we belong to a great and powerful nation. Its flag, with its stars and stripes, covers the horizon of New Mexico, and its brilliant light shell grow like good seed well cultivated. We are cognizant of your kindness, of your courtesy and that of your accommodating officers and of the strict discipline of your troops; we know that we belong to the republic that owes its origin to the immortal Washington, whom all civilized nations admire and respect. How different would be our situation had we been invaded by European nations! We are aware of the unfortunate condition of the Poles. ‘“In the name then, of the entire Department, I swear obedience to the Northern Republic and I render my respect to its laws and authority. “JUAN BAUTISTA VIGIL y ALARID (Rubric) ‘¢ Governor. ‘‘Santa Fé, August 19, 1846.’ 747 Three days after the conclusion of these ceremonies General Kearny published an official proclamation which is given in the notes.148 New Mexico Historical Society, Santa Fé. 147 Vigil Papers, Ms. As by the act ‘¢‘Proclamation! 148 Tbid., New Mexico Historical Society: of the Republic of Mexico, a state of war exists between that government and troops, on the his of the United States; and as the undersigned, at the head 18th instant, took possession of Santa Fé, the capital of the department of New Mexico, he now announces his intention to hold the department, with its original boundaries (on both sides of the Del Norte) as a part of the United a States, under the name of the Territory of New Mexico. ‘‘The undersigned has come to New Mexico with a strong military force, He has more troops and an equally strong one is following him in the rear. than is necessary to put down any opposition that can possibly be brought for any dissatismadness or folly against him, and therefore it would be but fied or discontented persons to think of resisting him. ‘<The undersigned has instructions from his government to respect the religious institutions of New Mexico, to protect the property of the Church, to cause the worship of those belonging to it to be undisturbed, and their rethe ligious rights in the amplest manner preserved to them; also to protect persons and property of all quiet and peaceable inhabitants within its boundaries against their enemies the Eutaws, the Navajés and others; and when he assures all that it will be his pleasure, as well as his duty, to comply with those instructions, he calls upon them to exert themselves in preserving order, in promoting concord, and in maintaining the authority and efficacy of the And he requires of those who have left their homes and taken up arms laws. against the troops of the United States, to return forthwith to them, or else they will be considered as enemies and traitors, subjecting their persons to punishment and their property to seizure and confiscation for the benefit of the public treasury. ‘¢Tt is the wish and the intention of the United States to provide for New Mexico a free government, with the least possible delay, similar to those in the United States; and the people of New Mexico will then be called on to |