has made to the demand for explanation which I hastened to send him. It is not my business to discuss the arguments which M. de Maintenant has brought forward; your majesty cannot be ignorant that my action in questions which specially concern financial matters is very limited. The instructions directing them emanate immediately from the French minister of finance.With the deepest respect, sire, &c.,
Bazaine.The same sort of scandal as that which had become public at the port of Vera Cruz was also the cause of violent measures being adopted at Mexico. The Mexican government refused to deliver up to certain merchants of the capital some merchandise which had arrived at the custom-house at Mexico, although these imported goods had already paid the duty at the port of landing. This state of things caused very great loss to commerce, especially on the eve of January 1, 1867. At the end of a meeting, in which the marshal, the French minister, General Castelnau, and the Inspector-General de Maintenant took a part, it was decided that willingly or unwillingly the goods detained should be given up to the parties interested. In spite of the opposition of M. de Pereda, under-secretary of state for foreign affairs, the affair was proceeded with, and an official notice was inserted in the 'New Era' to inform the merchants of the arrangements which had been made. These acts suggested to M. de Pereda the following solemn protest:—[1]
- ↑ As our Government showed itself so particular just at last, when the stoppage of these small sums would but little improve the fortunes of our countrymen and our treasury, why was it allowed that twelve millions should be paid Jecker, the Swiss, who had been naturalised as a Frenchman only yesterday as it were? Why was it allowed that this claim should take precedence over the interests of all our true countrymen?
