Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/72

52, and leaving unlimited the time it was to be in force. Thus was Mexico placed at great disadvantage for the future development of a national marine, and maritime trade.

France sent to America in January 1823 two secret agents, Julien Schmaltz and Achille de la Motte, to procure information on the political state of Colombia and Mexico, and to work in favor of erecting therein thrones for members of the French reigning family; or if such a scheme should prove impracticable, to enter into treaties of commerce with the two countries. The agents' plans were not detected in Colombia, it seems, but in Mexico, where they presented themselves as tourists, they were arrested, their papers were seized, and though nothing was actually discovered that could be detrimental to Mexico, the government treated them harshly. The French could not be indifferent to England's superior influence in Mexico; and though closely allied with Spain by the interests of their reigning families, the needs of her commerce demanded some sort of communication with the new republic. In the endeavor to gain this point, the commander of the French naval forces stationed at Martinique was instructed to appoint a provisional commercial agent to reside in Mexico, which was done; but the Mexican government refused to recognize him, and in future paid no heed to credentials of such a nature. In fact, no proposition from any government would be entertained unless based upon an absolute recognition of Mexican independence. Finally the Mexican