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20 the republican system is to pass safely through all ordeals and prove a permanent success in our own country, and so to be recommended to adoption by all other nations.

"But he thinks, also, that the system everywhere has to make its way painfully through difficulties and embarrassments which result from the action of antagonistical elements which are a legacy of former times and very different institutions.

"The President is hopeful of the ultimate triumph of this system over all obstacles, as well in regard to Mexico as in regard to every other American State; but he feels that those States are nevertheless justly entitled to a greater forbearance and more generous sympathies from the Government and people of the United States than they are likely to receive in any other quarter. . ..

"The President trusts that your mission, manifesting these sentiments, will reassure the Government of Mexico of his best disposition to favour their commerce and their internal improvements.

"I find the archives here full of complaints against the Mexican Government for violation of contracts and spoliation and cruelties practiced against American citizens. It is not the President's intention to send forward such claims at the present moment. He willingly defers the performance of a duty, which at any time would