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Soconusco, without thereby modifying the sentiments expressed in 1873. The present exposition will set forth the sum of the rights which Mexico considers beyond question, and which she is resolved to sustain in the just defense of those important parts of the national territory, worthy for a thousand reasons of the esteem of our citizens and of the efficacious protection of the government. . . .
It is consequently proved that there were no such abuses (as have been alleged by Guatemala) in the incorporation of Chiapas and Soconusco; but even admitting, without conceding, that there was any irregularity, what does it avail in view of the solemn ratification based upon the acquiescence of the people of Chiapas and Soconusco? During fifty-one years the former, and during thirty-three years the latter,[1] have not made a single protest, have not expressed a single complaint, or manifested any dissatisfaction on account of their union with Mexico. They have suffered, like other Mexicans, the evils of civil war and of foreign invasions, they have enjoyed the benefits of liberty and felt the tyranny of dictatorship, and, with their talents in council and their blood in battles, have contributed to the defense of national interests.
As a State of the Federal Republic, as a Department of the Central Republic, Chiapas has remained, during the long period of our checkered political life, the same province which spontaneously united itself to Mexico on the 3d of September, 1821. When, in 1847, the Federal Government was reduced to a few cities, without an army and obliged to yield to the terrible law of war, why did Chiapas not separate
- ↑ This was written in 1875. Now, in 1881, the possession by Mexico has lasted fifty-seven years in one case and thirty-nine years in the other
