Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/466

446 This elicited a protest on the part of the Mexican agent at Washington, on the ground that such a step was contrary to treaty and international law, and Diaz instructed General Treviño to oppose by force any such invasion.

Matters at this time were still further complicated by the fact that the United States, opposed to revolutionary principles, did not recognize Diaz as the head of the government, while the question of annexation of the northern states was animatedly discussed. War in fact seemed imminent. There is little doubt that Foster would have fomented hostilities if he could, and President Hayes did not seem adverse to such a course. Nevertheless, the action of Diaz while maintaining the national dignity was energetic, and at the same time not marked by unfriendliness. An adequate force was sent to the frontier, with great effect in suppressing depredations; and the first and second [sic]instalments of the joint commission's awards were punctually paid. In view of this conciliatory line of action, and of the firm establishment of Diaz as executive, the government at Washington recognized him as president in April 1878; and though occasional encroachments were made on Mexican territory, leading to official correspondence, peaceful relations continued. On May 9th following Manuel María de Zamacona was appointed minister plenipotentiary to the United States.

In September 1880 the government at Washington asked for a formal permission on the part of Mexico