But the meaning of the protocol is plain. It is simply that the
nullification of this article was not intended to destroy valid,
legitimate titles to land which existed and were in full force
independently of the provisions and without the aid of this article.
Notwithstanding it has been expunged from the treaty, these grants were
to "preserve the legal value which they may possess." The refusal to
revive grants which had become extinct was not to invalidate those which
were in full force and vigor. That such was the clear understanding of
the Senate of the United States, and this in perfect accordance with the
protocol, is manifest from the fact that whilst they struck from the
treaty this unjust article, they at the same time sanctioned and
ratified the last paragraph of the eighth article of the treaty, which
declares that--
In the said territories property of every kind now belonging to Mexicans
not established there shall be inviolably respected. The present owners,
the heirs of these, and all Mexicans who may hereafter acquire said
property by contract shall enjoy with respect to it guaranties equally
ample as if the same belonged to citizens of the United States.
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