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 from a nation so prostrated by misfortune? When, in 1865, the Federal Government was carried, by public misfortune, to Paso del Norte, why did not Chiapas, situated at the other extremity of the country, at a distance of eight hundred leagues, separate from a nation almost completely subjugated by a foreign power? These and other periods afforded extreme facilities for Chiapas, if, in her territory, there had existed any sentiment hostile to Mexico, to manifest it, or to indicate any desire to abandon the mother-country, which she freely adopted as her own, and to whose fortunes, prosperous or adverse, she has remained united with the most perfect liberty. If the state of Chiapas were situated in the center of the republic, it might be said, carrying suspicion beyond the limits of probability, that her hands were tied by her very position, since any movement on her part might be suppressed in a single day. But, being situated at the extremity of the country, and separated from the center by three hundred leagues of really difficult roads, her unshaken fidelity is not the effect of fear, but the worthy fruit of a sentiment as noble as it is spontaneous.

What reasons, said I in the note dated October 20, 1873, can be alleged in presence of so firm a will? What title can avail more than so constant a fidelity? What right more solid than that founded upon such a loyal and zealous patriotism? In fact, a simple doubt would be an offense, the more cruel when more undeserved, and this is one reason why the Government of Mexico can not admit any discussion upon the possession of Chiapas and Soconusco.