The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 20, July 1916 - April, 1917 Page: 77

British Correspondence Concerning Texas

that the tariffs of the United States and Mexico were both very
burdensome to British Commerce would naturally place a differ-
ent policy on the part of Texas in a strong and favourable light,
and speaking for myself, I did hope and believe that it would
be in the power of Her Majesty's Government, as I am sure it
would be at all events their wish, to meet such arrangements
on the part of Texas, in the most friendly and liberal spirit.
Mr. Smith had fully collected that impression from Your Lord-
ship's Conversations with him, and the President reposed im-
plicit Confidence in the just and kind feelings of Her Majesty's
Government.
Mr Smith made a brief summary of the points which he
wished to be drawn under Your Lordship's particular attention
as best conducive in his mind, to a safe and final adjustment
of this question, due regard being had to the certain renewal
of the subject in the United States by the Administration of
Mr Polk, the temper of the people of Texas, and the situation
of this Government.
1st That Mexico should at once propose the acknowledgment
of the complete Independence of Texas.
2nd That Texas upon her part would in that case stipulate
in the treaty never to annex herself, or to become subject to
any country whatever.
3rd. That the question of limits, and indemnity for any por-
tion of the territory should be the subject of Negotiation, and
if disputes or difficulties should arise in the Negotiations 1Mr
Smith thinks that there would be no objection on the part of
Texas to adjustment by the arbitration of umpires. He re-
marked with regard to indemnity for any portion of the terri-
tory that he certainly believed the people of Texas would con-
sent to pay it, but it was only just to admit that he saw no
means of making the payment within any period of time, that
it would be safe to indicate now. The liability, however, would
remain, and the Country would discharge it, as soon as they
could.
He pressed upon the point of limits that the people of Texas
would certainly strongly insist upon going, at least Coast wise,
as far as the Mouth of the Rio Grande; and he urged that it
was for the safety and convenience of Mexico to, consent to that,