Outrage upon the person of our Commissioner to Mexico.
We have additional evidence of
Mexican hostility to our Government in the following, taken from the
Mexican Extraordinary, of November 27, a paper published in the city of
Mexico:
‘
This gentleman, who is the diplomatic agent of the Southern Confederacy near the
Government of
Mexico, was put under arrest some three weeks since on the charge of having committed an assault on the person of a citizen of the
Unite States.
Colonel Pickett was taken to the Leputation, but, on making known his character, was permitted to return to his room to await further proceedings.
A few days later he was called before a criminal judge, and again pleaded his official character, and was permitted to return to his rooms.
On the night of the 15th, at ten o'clock, he was suddenly seized by the police, while preparing to retire to bed, and was carried off to the Deputation, where he was placed in a small and uncomfortable guard-room.
There he was forced to remain, in company with three others, during the night.
Room was scarcely to be found to extend himself on the cold floor, and he consequently spent a sleepless night.
All the next day he remained in this miserable apartment, but, in the evening, he was transferred to the house of a friend of the judge, as a special favor, on bail.
’
These proceedings have drawn forth lengthened comments from the press, and there remains no doubt of the well-known official character of
Col. Pickett as confidential agent of the Southern Confederacy.
The native press generally insinuate that, as the
Government of the Southern Confederacy has not been recognized by
Mexico,
Colonel Pickett is not entitled to the rights and immunities of a diplomatic character.
Now the facts of the case are about these: Shortly after the arrival of
Col. Pickett in this capital he presented his credentials to the
Minister for Foreign Affairs, who received them, and not only wrote an answer to the
Secretary of State of the Southern Confederacy, but has since had relations with
Col. Pickett as the agent of that Government.
A public reception did not take place, nor has the
Mexican Government formally recognize that of the Southern Confederacy, although it has thus formally treated with it. Had, however, the
Mexican Government refused to treat with
Col. Pickett as the agent of the Southern Confederacy, his rights as agent of the
Government of that country would not have been diminished.
His rights came from his Government, and cannot be impaired by
Mexico, and the laws of civilized nations exact that while he be in this republic, in his official capacity, he shall enjoy exterritorial rights, and therefore be exempted from molestation by the local authorities of the country.
The recognition by
England of the belligerent rights of the Southern Confederacy secures to the agents of that country the same respect that is due to the agents of the most powerful nation on the face of the globe.
Even the ancient
Mexicans well understood this principle of courteous intercourse, and the agents and messengers from hostile tribes or nations were always treated with the most distinguished consideration, and any infringement of this law was considered an unpardonable offence.
The usages of modern civilized nations have placed the matter beyond dispute, as to the rights of a person in
Col. Pickett's position.
We fear bad friends of the
Government have urged on the proceedings which have taken place against
Col. Pickett from motives of personal revenge, or with the view of increasing the calamities of this unfortunate country.
We are the more induced to believe this from the fact that the person upon whom the assault was committed has declared that he has no feeling of animosity against
Col. Pickett, and has even proposed to withdraw his action.
It is therefore clear that he has not, of his own will, been instrumental in causing these proceedings.
