James Buchanan, Buchanan's administration on the eve of the rebellion

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[272] Juarez extended its authority and was acknowledged in all the important ports and throughout the sea-coasts and external territory of the Republic; whilst the power of Miramon was confined to the city of Mexico and the surrounding States.

The final triumph of Juarez became so probable, that President Buchanan deemed it his duty to inquire and ascertain whether, according to our constant usage in such cases, he might not recognize the Constitutional Government. For the purpose of obtaining reliable information on this point, he sent a confidential agent to Mexico to examine and report the actual condition and prospects of the belligerents. In consequence of his report, as well as of intelligence from other sources, he felt justified in appointing a new minister to the Mexican Republic. For this office Mr. Robert M. McLane, a distinguished citizen of Maryland, was selected. He proceeded on his mission on the 8th March, 1859, invested ‘with discretionary authority to recognize the Government of President Juarez, if on his arrival in Mexico he should find it entitled to such recognition, according to the established practice of the United States.’ In consequence, on the 7th of April Mr. McLane recognized the Constitutional Government by presenting his credentials to President Juarez, having no hesitation, as he said, ‘in pronouncing the Government of Juarez to be the only existing Government of the Republic.’ He was cordially received by the authorities at Vera Cruz, who have ever since manifested the most friendly disposition toward the United States.

Unhapily, however, the Constitutional Government, though supported by a large majority both of the people and of the several Mexican States, had not been able to expel Miramon from the capital. In the opinion of the President, it had now become the imperative duty of Congress to act without further delay, and to enforce redress from the Government of Miramon for the wrongs it had committed in violation of the faith of treaties against citizens of the United States.

Toward no other Government would we have manifested so long and so patient a forbearance. This arose from our warm sympathies for a neighboring Republic. The territory under