Decree concerning closing of ports not recognizing President Diaz, and the payment of customs, &c., thereat, December 12, 1876

Decree concerning closing of ports not recognizing President Diaz, and the payment of customs, &c., thereat

a decree.

Gen. Juan N. Mendez, second in command of the national constitutional army, to the inhabitants of the republic makes known:

That in use of the ample faculties conceded to the executive of the nation by the “plan” of Tuxtepec, amended in Palo Blanco, it being necessary to put in practice all the measures that may contribute to the pacification of the republic, I have decreed the following:

• Article 1. All the ports of the republic, whose authorities have not recognized the supreme government established in the capital of the republic, are closed to the commerce of the high seas and to coasting trade.
• Art. 2. Those persons who may pay any amount pertaining to the federal treasury to employés or functionaries who have not recognized the supreme government, are subject to a second payment, which payment can only be made in offices and to employés who have expressly adhered to the movement regenerating the republic.
• Art. 3. The employés and authorities spoken of in this decree will be held personally and pecuniarily responsible for the application of the funds they may receive or distribute without express authority from the government of this capital.

Which I command to be printed, published, circulated, and duly complied with.