statesman, President Santa Ana. The law declares that "after mature reflection and a most careful examination
1854, allowing acquisition of land and exemption from military service.
Decree of October, 1842, absence of a foreign owner does not cancel title.
Decree of June 16, 1856, vessels bringing immigrants for colonies in Vera Cruz not subject to tonnage duty.
Decree of May 10, 1856, establishment of certain colonies and tax exemptions therefor.
Decree of November 15, 1858. Though civil war was going on the government will not tolerate any act of violence against foreigners. They are to be held exempt from all military service and forced loans, "The honor and good name of the Republic and the preservation of its harmonious relations with foreign powers" demand that the rights of foreigners be scrupulously observed.
Decree of March 18, 1861. Exempting from taxation for five years foreigners who purchase lands for agricultural purposes or for any rural industry. Colonizing companies and members of the colonies granted tax exemption for ten years. Granting additional tax exemptions for five years to foreigners who employ Mexicans. Granting freedom from customs for importations of goods for foreign colonists under certain conditions.
Proclamation of the Governor of Sinaloa, January 2, 1862, devoting one-half of the vacant land and waters to encouragement of national and foreign immigration. Lands to be given freely to colonists who will survey and develop them. They are also to have freedom from military service.
Other citations are found in Recopilación de las leyes, decretos y proclamaciones de la union, quoted in Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1888, vol. 2. Among which is Circular of the Secretary of Improvement, Colonization, Industry and Commerce, August 25, 1877. It cites failure of former legislation to attract immigration and predicts that the tide will now turn toward Mexico. Peace established and the government "is resolved to make all kinds of sacrifices in order to attract honorable and industrious foreigners to our favored soil. . . ."
