Page:Difficulties Between Mexico and Guatemala.djvu/11

 in a desperate domestic struggle, was freely lent to avert the danger with which a foreign empire threatened the national life of the Mexican Republic, afford a gratifying proof of the purity of motives and benevolence of disposition with which the United States regard all that concerns the welfare and existence of its sister republics of the continent.

It is alleged, on behalf of Guatemala, that diplomatic efforts to come to a better understanding with Mexico have proved unavailing; that under a partial and preliminary accord, looking to the ascertainment of the limits in dispute, the Guatemalan surveying parties sent out to study the land, with a view to proposing a basis of definitive settlement, have been imprisoned by the Mexican authorities; that Guatemalan agents for the taking of a census of the inhabitants of the territory in question have been dealt with in like summary manner; and, in fine, that the Government of Mexico has, slowly but steadily, encroached upon the bordering country heretofore held by Guatemala, substituting the local authorities of Mexico for those already in possession, and so widening the area in contention.

It is not the present province of the Government of the United States to express an opinion as to the extent of either the Guatemalan or the Mexican claim to this region.

It is not a self-constituted arbitrator of the destinies of either country, or of both, in this matter.

It is simply the impartial friend of both, ready to tender frank and earnest counsel touching anything which may menace the peace and prosperity of its neighbors. It is, above all, anxious to do any and everything which will tend to make stronger the