The Sun.
London, England, 1846-06-15 00:00:00

min

LONDON, MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1846.

We on Friday traced the proceedings to lie taken, in
•n.der to make the compulsory improvements a charge
upon the inheritance of the lands, which they become
when registered with the clerk of the peace : the
amount is limited to three years value of the land.

The next important part of the proposed measure is
the manner of arranging the compensation for such
improvements, to be paid to the outgoing tenant. In
this respect we think that the method contemplated
by the Bill is a considerable improvement on that sug-
gested by the Commissioners. They recommended
that if the tenant should be ejected, or his rent raised,
within thirty years, the landlord should be bound to
pay such a sum, not exceedingthe maximum fixed, as
the work should then be valued at ; in other words, the
whole cost of the improvements as registered with
the clerk of the peace, making allowance for the
diminution in value by the lapse of time. The prin-
cipal objection to this method would be, that it would
create a fertile source of dissension and litigation
between the landlord and out-going tenant.
Few would be prepared to agree on the
present value of improvements which had been
effected perhaps twenty years before, and in
the great 'majority of cases recourse would be
had to law for the purpose of deciding that value, and
the feelings of both parties n-ould be mutually em-
bittered. The Bill, on the other hand, greatly
simplifies this; there can be no dispute as to the
sum payable ; it takes the fair average of the
wear and tear of the improvements, and it ap-
portions the sum payable to the tenant accord-

.
mg to the time during which he has himself
been in the actual enjoyment thereof. Thus, if
removed during the first seven years, he shall receive
the entire sum he has expended; if at the end of four-
teen years, three-quarters ; at the end of twenty-one
years one-half, and at the end of 28 years one,-
quarter. A further option is affbrded to the landlord
with the view of inducinz, him to continue the tenant
in the occupation of the land, viz., that where the
period of the tenancy had expired antecedently to
the twenty- eightyears, and the landlord chose to con-
tinue him in possession until the expiration of the whole
twenty-eight years, the tenant should not be entitled
to any compensation. This is fair enough as afford-
ing a premium to the landlord not to disturb the pre-
sent occupant ; we, however, sincerely trust that long
before such a provision could come into operation,
the extension of the Ulster tenant right to the whole
of Ireland will have taken away the utility of such a
provision. The next point is one which will too
frequently be required in Ireland, arising from the
injurious system of middlemen. It is that when the
immediate landlord, who paid the tenant for the im-
provements, had himself but a terminable interest in
the lands, he should he repaid the sum advanced by
him by those who succeed him in the estate. This is
but equitable and just, and a carrying out of the prin-
ciple on which the measure is founded, viz , that
those benefiting by the improvements should
be bound to pay therefor, and should not be
exposed to the temptation of seeking to evict their
tenants• for the mere purpose of enjoying the im-
provements effected by them. The only remaining
provision is, that on the completion of the works by
mutual consent, the landlord should be at liberty to
pay the tenant the whole cost of the improvements,
and thereupon to obtain the allowance provided by
the Bill on the outlay. We think that this might
with great advantage be extended, and that the
landlord should at any time be at liberty to pay
the tenant the amount expended by him. It has
been considered on all sides most desirable that,
if practicable, the improvements should be effected
at the cost of the landlord, who, in the increased
value of his estate, and its freedom from change or
incumbrance of any kind, would find the most bene-
ficial result of his expenditure, while the entire capital
of the tenant would be devoted with the greatest utility
to its proper and legitimate object—the due and
proper stocking and cultivation of his farm. Such
is the first of the three measures introduced
for the improvement of the relationship of landlord
and tenant, and we do think that, in the words of
Lord DEVON'S report, no single measure can be better
calculated to allay discontent and to promote sub- i
stantial improvement throughout the country. Its
principal defects may be easily remedied in Corn-
mittee, Its benefits will, however, be principally
for the future generation. Unfortunately, there is
no compensation afforded to tenants for improvements
already effected. We had hoped that there would no
longer be a possibility of the recurrence of such a scene
at that which was recently enacted at Bird-bill, where a
tenant, who had within a few years expended his
entire capital in permanent and valuable improve-
ments, by which the value of his holding was ma-
terially increased, was driven out with his family on
the wide world to destitution and ruin, without one
farthing's allowance for his large outlay, which
amounted to at least six times the rent in arrear. We
cannot see any difficulty which there would be in
giving full effect to such a provision. Arbitrators
might be appointed in a similar manner to that
provided by the Bill, and they might adjudicate not
merely on the propriety of the improvements which
had taken place, but on the cost actually incurred
and the time when it was expended. The provisions
of the Bill might then be extended thereto, and a vast
boon would thus be conferred on a large portion of
the tenant-farmers of Ireland, and an immediate be-
nefit to the country. The friends of the Irish farmers
and they are numerous and intelligent in the House, will
doubtless, seek to insert a provision with such an
object at the proper stage. The other Bills, though
of less consequence than that of which we have
already spoken will still effect a material improve-
ment. The first is a Bill for the improvement
of the law with respect to distress and eject-
ment. This appears almost entirely founded on the
Commissioners' report. The right of distraining
growing crops is altogether taken away. This gets
rid of a most vexatious power, and one very
likely to be abused. The notice to the
tenant of the amount claimed,. and permitting
the distress only to be made by virtue of a warrant
' or order to distrain in writing, signed by the land-
lord or his agent, will be most valuable. The first
shows the tenant exactly the demand which he is
called on to liquidate, and the second takes the power
from a class of all others the last to which it could
properly be entrusted. We mean the bailiffs and
drivers, who were frequently guilty of the greatest
cruelty and oppression, in order to impress their em-
ployers with an idea of their own activity. It is
fitting that the responsibility attached to such a pro-
ceeding should be cast on the proper party, the
landlord or his agent.

There is, unfortunately, no clause carrying out the
recommendation of the Commissioners, " that the
occupying tenant, under a middleman or mesne land- I
lord, should be protected by statute from the danger
of a double process of distress, to which he is at pre-
sent exposed." It appears that Lord LINCOLN wished
to have a provision on this subject introduced, but
that it had been struck out under the advice of
an eminent lawyer connected with Ireland : hi: Lord-
ship promises to be prepared with the grounds for
this course against the next discussion. We doubt if
they: will be found sufficiently cogent to set aside the
tpower.
have
expressed opinion of the Commissioners, we
locoupk;tonwgn 'soiree feianrftu.aletcarsueisn of hardship to the
Bill relates to ejectment
)eetheoaneti,:t•xiblasebaillri
Tehnetraeimiedainodne
remainder
him f
tbh3e-
the exigtenee of su'eh
meej3eteift,n,laemnotnhgasst
been retained ; it 1,2.
whether
the best informed persons
in favour of
thispower is beneficial to the tenant or otherwise.
Commissioners reported
It has certainly an advantage in its great cheapness,
compared with a similar proceeding in the superior
courts. The landlord will he bound
to serve a notice
itst continuance.erwise• The
on the tenant of the amount claimed, and an increased
facility is given to the tenant to re n
deern.behfore actua
possession is taken. We thinl: this ug t advantal -
geously be extended to the six months after
the execution of the habere, within which time
the tenant has power to redeem by filing
a bill in a court cf equity, the heavy
costs of which might easily be dispensed with. A
power might also be given (perhaps with advantage)
to enable an under-tenant :to pay the proportion of
rent fairly due for his particular holding., and thereby
to stay proceedings, so far 25 he was concerned. In
many cases he may at present, through the default of
others, be evicted, although able and willing to pay
the entire sum due in respect of his own tenement.
The most valuable provision, however, is that which
enables the middleman's interest to be evicted with-
out serving any notice on or disturbing the under-
precisely as before. Much
tenants, who will stand
difficulty will by this means be removed from the land-
lord, and it will prevent the recurrence of many of the
fearful and heartrending scenes which have recently

taken place in Ireland. The last is for the reduction of
the stamp duty on leases where the rental does not ex-
ceed 501. per annum. We have already stated the
benefit which will thereby be rendered not merely to
the people at large, but also to the revenue. Much
still remains to be done, but we gladly accept the
present measures as large and valuable instalments to
the tenants of Ireland. We hope the next instalment
will comprise the extension of the Ulster tenant
right, and the cultivation of the waste lands through-
out the kingdom.

Ireland continues to be the Parliamentary Sphynx,
and promises to continue yet awhile the inscrutable
problem, the solution of which has baffled the astute-
ness of so many statesmen. Eventful and extraordinary
as was the present session upon its commencement,
the position of the Commons and the Ministry at
this moment is, perhaps, altogether without a parallel.
There are simultaneously before that House two
legislative measures relating to our sister island—
both in!roduced by Government, and yet of an essen-
tially and diametrically opposite tendency—the one
coercive, the other conciliatory. Upon the Curfew
Bill the Irish representatives cannot pronounce an
opinion without giving utterance to the most acrid in-
vective, or without evincing the most resolute and
! unanimous antagonism to the Cabinet from which it
has proceeded. Their reception, on the contrary, of the
three Bills propounded by that same Cabinet, and the
explication of which was uttered on Thursday by Lord
LINCOLN, has been cordial and generous in the ex -
tretnest signification of those adjectives. On one
hand there are indications of resentment, ani-
mosity, and indignation ; on the other, of gratitude
and satisfaction. Those amongst our legislators
I who are desirous of benefiting Great Britain
I generally—independent of all conventional par-
tialities, and of all constituential predilections,
will assuredly never dream of ousting a Ministry pre-
cisely at the very moment when the greatest social
and commercial boon that ever fell to the lot of
Englichmen to possess is on the eve of being assured
to them for ever ! Assuredly they will not be pre-
posterously intermeddling enough to annihilate the
tree just as the pear is ripe, and quivering
over our mouths ! Assuredly they will not render
the whole of this prolonged and arduous session
null and ineffective at the identical instant when
our statesmen are preparing to garner up the harvest
of their labours ! They can preserve the liberties of
Irishmen intact, they can sustain their own in-
dividual consistency unsullied, and yet permit us to
obtain free trade. They can do this ! And again
we ask, assuredly will they not ? We are
not expecting from the Irish Members any
resignation of their rights to interfere
when the happiness of their countrymen and
constituents is in any way threatened by a measure—
it would be madness and cruelty to anticipate such a
concession. Nor do we desire the acquisition of
free trade, if it must be purchased with anything de-
rogatory to the comfort or convenience of any division
of the United Kingdoms. But we do anticipate,
and we do desire, that no superfluous am-
bition to be regarded as patriotic and unflinching
will induce any sections of our Legislative Assembly,
so to coalesce in the earnestness of their opposition
to the reading of a certain Bill as to abruptly circum-
vent the good intentions of the Ministry, and by so
doing wantonly retard the possession of a
glorious policy. Can they not recognise in
the assumed fervour of their temporary associates the
vindictiveness of personal pique to the Premier rather
than a spontaneous goodwill towards Ireland ? Can
they not perceive that the irrigation of Terra del
Fuego, or the assessment of local taxes upon the
hedgers and ditchers of Paramata, would just as
readily excite the eloquence and arouse the enthu-
siasm of their qua si-colleagues if such matters could
as fully tend to the destruction of the present
Government ? Do they not, in fine, perceive that the
whole affair, from beginning to end, is a ruse for
their entrapment, very artfully designed upon the
surface, but very shallow notwithstanding? San-
guine that they have discovered thus much, we
shall look anxiously for the consequences in-
dicative of that discovery. Upon the ba- 1
lance of votes upon the obnoxious measure
depends the final assurance of free trade to Great
Britain. Upon that balance of those votes does not
depend the final rejection of a feudal policy towards
Ireland. The preference, therefore, to employ a
homely comparison, is one of chalk and cheese. It
is the exemplification of .Esor's dog—dropping
the substantial meal to seize the shadow in
the water. Before any rash decision be arrived
at, let another matter be taken into conside-
ration. Let all those legislators who declare them-
selves
so explicitly as having the welfare of Ireland
at heart and who simultaneously evince so much
antagonism to the Ministry, let them, we say,
meditate seriously and dispassionately upon the
effect which must inevitably flow from the proposed
measures relating to landlord and tenant in that
country, such as those measures were shown to be by
Lord LINCOLN, and from such deductions let them
judge of the principles and sentiments by which the
present Cabinet is actuated—whether for good or
evil ? Before they drive matters to an issue, let them,
we repeat, scrutinize the commencement of the scheme
about to be introduced by the Noble Member for
Falkirk, and see if they cannot estimate its entire
dimensions as ex pede Herculem. A great responsi-
bility reposes in their hands ; the peoplt
will not allow their confidence to be
abused with impunity. Irrespective of locality
and personality—not con fining their notions
to a coercion Bill or to any separate infraction of
public freedom—without looking to the untaxed
quartern loaf or the more early retirement to the
pillow—our legislators must take a capacious and
comprehensive survey of the various questions now
awaiting their decision, or which have already received
their approbation; and, desiring only the general pros-
perity, and peace, and happiness of society, they must
act upon the dictates of their deductions. It is not
so much whether the Irishman consents to become
amenable to the laws, and to abstain from rioting, and
tumult, and murder, or that, like FALSTAFF,
he refuses his acquiescence "on compulsion r
But it is whether Parliament is to be dissolved, the
Ministry disbanded, the 'ground towards the acquisi-
tion of free trade retraced, and the protective system
thrown back into the teeth of the people, amidst the
excitement of a general election—these are the con-
sequences which must be taken into account ; and
earnestly do we commend their consideration to
English and Irish representatives indiscriminately.
They are considerations of infinite moment.

A letter from Lucerne, in the New Zurich Gazette,
states that the almost simultaneous presence of the
three Ministers of Austria, France, and Prussia, in
that capital, had for object to deter the POPE'S Nuncio
from publishing the interdict against Argau, which is
said to be in his hands.

Madrid letters and papers to the 6th have arrived.

The Spanish Government bad received dispatches
from Lisbon, dated the Ist. At that date, the PAI,
MELLA Ministry was in existence, and there appeared
to be every probability of its obtaining support.
Lisbon and Oporto both held out for the Govern-
ment, and several juntas had sent in their adhesion
to it. In relation to Portugal, the Herald() re-
affirms a rumour which it had mentioned on the
preceding day, viz., that a revolutionary junta had
been established at Coimbra, which was fully or-
, ge
iarricius
le calr in
declaringever h
every department,
atthey
would
andwachiocehpht
of th
had insosueidnga
short of perfect liberty for the people, a reduction in
the army, and the assemblage ofaconstituent Cortes.
'The excursion of the Queen of
SPAIN
Don
havingA IN
been deprailvnesd o
Bayonne,has bee n i
n countermanded.
consequenceof
Hxsayto the sea-side
atf
the services of Lieutenant VELARDE his aide-de
camp, who has been ordered by the' Minister of
Marine to return to Ferrol.
The Trapani marriage is, it is said, no longer
possible ; the Prince of Coburg it is now considered
rlvin be the successful candidate for her MAJESTY'S
hand.
It is reported that aiband of robbers have seized
General SERANO, near Costa del i!do; and that they
demand a large sum of money for his ransom.
MADRID BOLSA, JUNI, 6.—Tne Three per Cents.
were not quoted, but sev_ l
era priN ate transactions
for cash.
were concluded at 33i

We have received the Paris papers of Thursday.
The debate on Algeria had occupied the attention of
the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday, and had

been distinguished by two remarkable orations, one
by M. DE LAMARTINE attacking the Govern-
ment, and the other by M. GUIZOT in its defence.
These speeches are commented on in all the Paris
papers. M. DE LAMARTINE denounced the cruelties
perpetrated by BUGEAUD in Africa, and M. Guizor, in
reply, read a letter, not from Marshal BUGEAUD, but
from Gen. LA MORICIERE, stating that he had restrained
his men from taking summary vengeance on the Arabs.
With regard to the future, M. GUIZOT considers that
France should rule in Algiers as the Dutch rule in
Java. He admits that no assimilation of race can be
made between Arabs and Europeans, but he declared
emphatically that neither the extermination nor the
banishment of the natives should form part of his
policy. The general discussion closed on Wednesday,
and on Thursday several of the items of the Budget
were voted.

In the Chamber of Peers the Dijon and Mulhouse
Railway Bill was under discussion.

It is feared that of the three French Cardinals one
only will be able to attend the conclave for the elec-
tion of Pope. The Cardinal Archbishop of Aix is
seriously ill, and the Cardinal Archbishop of AREAS is
of so advanced an age that it is thought it will be im-
possible for him to undertake a journey to Rome.
The Cardinal Archbishop of LYONS will, it is feared,
be the only French Cardinal in the conclave.

The Three per Cents. closed on the Paris Bourse on Thursday at
82f. risc. ; the Five per Cents., at 1201. se. ; the Orleans Railroad
shares,ll,243f. 75c.; Rouen, I,olof ; Havre, 743 f.; Great Northern, 7351.;
Avignon, 8801. ; Vierzon, 630 f. ; Bordeaux, 5051. ; Troyes and Mon -
tercau, 3851.; Basle, 2201.; Farnpous, 412. f. 30c.; Dieppe, 4151. ; Paris
and Strasburg, 503 f. 73c. ; Tours and Nantes, 5151. ; Paris and
Lyons, 5371. 50c. .

The following are the quotations in the new lines :—Lyons and
Avignon, Definitives, 513 f. 75c. ; Bordeaux and tette, ditto, 505 f.
LYONS, JUNE 9.--Marseilles 'and Avignon, 890 f. ; Paris and Or-
leans, 1,247 f. 50e.; Rouen, 1,022 f. 50e.; Great Northern, 740 f.

BUSINESS DONE IN FOREIGN RAILWAYS AT THE
LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE, JUNE 12.
Boulogne and Amiens, 11—Callao, Lima, and Pacific Coast, 11
—Dutch Rhenish, 7U—East Indian, li—Louvain and Jernappc, 1
—"Namur and Liege, 3M —Northern of France Constituted, 141,4
Odeon s and Bordeaux, 1 o 7,6 —Paris and Lyons Constituted, 61,8—
Rouen and Havre, 28y, --West Flanders, 31i .

AMERICAN NEWS.
UNITED STATES AND MEXICO

DEFEAT AND ROUTE OF THE LATTER
IN TWO BATTLES-GEN. VIGA A PRISONER
AT NEW ORLEANS.
ARRIVAL OF THE BRITANNIA.
LIVERPOOL, SA T URDA Y.

The Royal Mail steam-ship Britannia, Captain
Hewett, has just arrived, (eleven o'clock), bringing
the semi-monthly mails, and ninety-one passengers, after
an excellent run of 12i days, from Boston, in-
cluding her call and detention at Halifax.
By this arrival we have received our usual files of
New York, Washington, New Orleans, Philadelphia,
Boston, and Canada papers.
Those from the United States are thirteen days later
than those brought by the Yorkshire. The steam-ship
Great Britain had reached New York on the 29th ult.,
after a passage of twenty days. The causo assigned
for this lengthened voyage was owing to some de-
rangement of her machinery. The packet-ship Henry
Clay, which had been wrecked on Square Beach, had
been got off, and was refitted. She was to sail for Li-
verpool, from New York on the 6th instant.
The only important news by this arrival is that which
relates to the position of affairs between tho United
States and Mexico. Two battles have been fought
between the contending armies, the United States
being the victors, having cut the Mexicans to pieces,
seized their cannon and ammunition, and taken their
General prisoner. Great has been the excitement, and
unbounded the joy which the news of these battles caused
on being known throughout the States. It has really re-
primed the courage of Jonathan, who begins to think
that he will be able to meet a victorious army at the
point of tke bayonet, should the Oregon dispute con-
tinue unsettled. Several of the New York papers are
embellished with drawings and illustrations of the plan
of the battles. Never did the Pictorial Times, or its
1 senior colleague the Londoa Illustrated, blazon forth the
representation of battles in such an imposing style as
appears in the New York Sun of May 24, making as
much of the paltry skirmish that took place on the 7th
of May as if it were like Waterloo, or our recent
campaign on the Sutlej. The following is an outline
of the news by this arrival:—On the 25th ult. news was
received at New York of General Taylor's progress,
from Point Isabel to his camp opposite the city,
on their position, neither having yielded. The Mexicans
are said to have retreated during the night, leaving 200
dead or wounded on the field. The Americans estimate
their loss at 79 killed or wounded. General Taylor
continued his march on the following day, May 8, and
came up with the enemy, who were posted to cut off his
road to the camp. A second engagement took place ;
the Mexicans were defeated, Lind lost 500 men, while
the Americans estimate their loss at 120 as killed or
wounded. Reports were iu circulation that General
Parades was advancing towards Matamoras at the head
of 15,000 men. The report proved unfounded, although
believed for a time. According to the late accounts the
Mexicans were dispersing rapidly, and the United
States army had no enemy in view. The latest news
from the seat of war is to the 19th ult., brought by
the steam-ship Alabama to New Orleans from Brason de
Santiago, on the 22d ult. By her arrival we find that
official intelligence had reached Point Isabel of the
capture of the Mexican town of Burita, without oppo-
sition, by Colonel Wilson, with four companies of
regulars and three companies of Alabama and Louisiana
volunteers.
It appears that General Taylor was to cross the Rio
Grande on Monday, the 18th instant, and invest
Matamoras.
Two thousand Mexican troops had been seen to march
nut of that city, and as no canonading had been heard at
Point Isabel, it was supposed that the Mexicans had
evacuated the place, and allowed General Taylor to take
quiet possession of the houses and squares.
It is said that General Smith and his troops had com-
menced their march to the Island of Boca Cbica, to cross
the Rio Grande at its mouth, and thence advance up the
river on the Mexican side, to forma junction probably
with General Taylor's forces as they cross opposite
Matamoras.
It is the report of Capt. Windle, that the Mexicans
are in a starving condition.
The Sea, with volunteers, had arrived at Point Isabel,
and the commands of Cols. O'Neils, Marks, and Waltons,
were therefore complete. Officers and men were all well
and in excellent spirits.
The officers and men wounded in the recent battles
were doing well.
It was rumoured that the American squadron would
bombard Vera Cruz. The New York Herald, of the
31st ultimo, in commenting on the war, has the follow-
ing article:—
THE WAR—WHAT NEXT ?
el
d army
resisted a bombardment of have gained two bril-
liant The war against Mexico makes a rapid and brilliant
prog
victoriesr e
[6O hours, crossed the Rio Grande, planted the Ame-
rican standard in Burita, and, probably at this time,
the " stars and stripes" float over Matamoras itself.
ss.
T h
ien Americant
he field,
The intelligence of the capture of Burita was received
by telegraph yesterday in this city, our dates being to
the 19th, from Point Isabel. It was conjectured, also,
on the strongest possibilities, that General Taylor had
crossed the Rio Grande, and had taken possession of
Matamoras without any opposition, the belief being that
the Mexican army evacuated that place in a panic, and
retreated to the interior; probably for the purpose of
getting provisions, or creating a new revolution in that
miserable and distracted country.
The brilliancy of this campaign, thus far, has sur-
passed that of many other countries, and certainly equals
that of any campaign in the history of the Anglo-Saxon
race, throughout the world, in proportion to the num-
bers engaged. The bravery, valour, skill, and energy of
the American General, and his troops, have created a
spirit throughout this great rcpublic, of perfect unity
and undivided enthusiasm. The only miserable ex-
ception to this general spirit exists in the c)ntemptile
organs and sections of the abolitionists—traitors to their
country and to their race as they are. Nothing now can
prevent the further progress of the American arms to-
wards the capital of Mexico itself, if that should be deemed
the best policy and the wisest course of action to pursue by
our own Government, or should Mexico still further re-
sist.

in the present position, therefore, of our affairs on
the Grande, and in the relations of the United.
States with Mexico, it becomes an important question of
inquiry to pause, and to ask, what is the next step ?
IVill the American Government procure a peace by the
occupation of Matamoras and the country around it, on
the other side of the Rio Grande, and invite negotiations
on the part of Mexico ?—or, will the American army
remain there until the plan for the general invasion of
Mexico be completed, and then, let that republic bein-
vaded at all points, by sea and by land, let the conse-
quences be what they may ?
It is difficult to ascertain the sentiments of our Govern-
ment, in the present crisis of our relations with Mexico.
The action of Mr. Polk and his cabinet has, heretofore,
been very slow and dilatory, in assuming the responsibility
of beginning brilliant and masterly achievements, either
of diplomacy or war. We hear it stated on very good
authority, that Mr. Slidell remains at Washington,
waiting daily for any slight overtures coming from the
Mexican Government, in order to return to his post in
Mexico, and to re-open negotiations on the footing for-
merly proposed. It is possible, however, that the defeat
of the Mexican army, and their total route, with the occu-
pation of Matamoros, may produce another revolution
in that country? By the last accounts, it was said that
two thousand Mexicans had left Matamoros immediately
on perceiving General Taylor's intention to cross the
Rio Grande ; and who knows but Arista may now be
on his route towards Mexico, for the purpose of effecting
another revolution against Paredes. It is hardly possi-
ble, however, for our Government to open any negotia-
tion with Paredes, the present military dictator of that
republic, with any hopes of success or permanency, for

the re-establishment of peace. It is difficult to believe
that any Government coming into power as that military
dictator has, can be ever treated with at all.
In the meantime, while the American Government
may be devising plans for negotiation, they are also pre-
pared with plans and projects for the re-establishment of
the Mexican republic, on such a plan, and in the same
form which we ourselves have put in practice. The
army of volunteers authorised by Congress, amounting
to fifty thousand men, is preparing. The Governments
of the various States, on the requisition of the general
Government, are forming them, and mustering them as
rapidly as possible. In less than six months, an army
of fifty thousand men will be on the Mexican frontier,
ready to proceed to the city of Mexico. An expedition,
it is said, is also preparing at St. Louis, to go to Santa
Fe, for the purpose of taking that place. Dispatches
have been sent to the American squadron in the Pacific,
to take Monterey and San Francisco ; to blockade
Mazatlan, San Blas, and other ports on the Pacific.
Some difficulties in these plans and preparations have
been encountered at Washington, in consequence of a
difference of opinion between the War Department and
General Scott, relative to the command of the army of
invasion. The old, ridiculous, technical disputes about
rank, have been revived—such as was recently seen in
the case of Colonel Worth at the Rio Grande. The
American people will not tolerate any such captious
difficulties between the civil and military officers of the
Government. There must be union—harmony—concilia-
tion—kindness, in all branches of the Government, in
order to carry this vlar to a successful and
rapid termination. If obstacles prevent any ne-
gotiation, we hope that the invasion of Mexico
will take place by fifty or sixty thousand
troops—that a proclamation will be issued by
the American General, declaring that the wishes
of the Government is not to war upon the people
of Mexico, but make the rulers respect treaties, and
abstain from insult. The whole country on the Rio
Grande, and all Upper California, will probably be occu-
pied by American troops, and never will be given up
either to Mexico or any other power, until all the ex-
penses of the war are paid. Some think that France
and England have been called upon to interfere, and
that the Government of Paredes has invited those
powers to come, into the field of diplomacy or war.
The interference of any European power would only
protract the war ; and if the American people only look
to their own interest, they will carry on the war in such
a way as to command the respect of the whole world.
We want nothing from the Mexican people, only that
they may have the same rights and privileges, which we,
ourselves, have enjoyed for years.

OFFICIAL DISPATCHES TO THE WAR AND
NAVY DEPARTMENTS.

Head-quarters Army of Occupation,
Point Isabel, Texas, May 7, 1846.
Sir,--I respectfully report that I shall march this day
with the main body of the army, to open a communica-
tion with Major Brown, and throw forward supplies of
ordnonte and provisions. If the enemy oppose my
march, in whatever force, I shall fight him. Occasional
guns are heard in the direction of Matamoras, showing
that everything is right in that quartet.
Yesterday the recruits under Lieutenant M'Phail ar-
rived here. After filling up the companies of the per-
manent garrison (A Ist artillery and G 4th artillery),
the remainder of the detachment, with its officers, was
placed under Major Munroe's orders to assist in the de-
fence of the depot. The men are yet too raw to take the
field, though efficient for garrison defence. They will
be permanently assigned as soon as practicable.
The four companies of the first infantry are hourly
expected, and will be a seasonable reinforcement. The
first shipment of volunteers from New Orleans may also
soon be looked for. Their arrival will enable me to open
the river and free our communications.

Z. TAYLOR,
Brevet Brigadier General U. S. A. Commanding.
The Adjutant• General of the Army, Washington D.C.
Head Quarters Army of Occupation,
Camp at Palo Alto, Texas, May 9, 1846.
Sir,—l have the honour to report that I wits net,
near this place yesterday, on my march from Point
Isabel, by the Mexican forces, and after an action of
about five hours, dislodged them from their position, and
encamped upon the field. Our artillery, consisting of
two 18-pounders and two light batteries, was the arm
chiefly engaged, and to the excellent manner in which
it was manoeuvred and served, is our success mainly due.
The strength of the enemy is believed to have been
about six thousand men, with seven pieces of artillery
and eight hundred cavalry. His loss is probably at least
one hundred killed. Our strength did not exceed all
told twenty-three hundred, while our loss was compara-
tively trifling—four men killed, three officers and thirty-
seven wounded, seven of the latter mortally. I regret
to say that Major Ringgold, 3d artillery, and Capt. Page,
4th infantry, are severely wounded. Lieut. Luther, 2d
artillery, slightly so.
The enemy has fallen back, and it is believed has re-
passed the river. I have advanced parties now thrown
forward in his direction, and shall move the main body
immediately.
In the haste of this first report, I can only say that
the officers and men behaved in the most admirable man-
ner throughout the action. I shall have the pleasure of
making a more detailed report when those of the different
commanders shall be received.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR,
_ .

Brevet Brigadier General U. S. A., commanding.
The Adjutant General, U. S. Army, Washington, D.C.
Head-quarters, Army of Occupation,
Camp at Itesaca de la Palma, three miles from
Matamoras, 10 o'clock, p.m., May 9, 1846.
Sir,—l have the honour to report that I marched
with the main body of the army at two o'clock to-day,
having previously thrown forward a body of light in-
fantry into the forest, which covers the Metamoras road.
When near the spot where I am now encamped, my ad-
vance discovered that a ravine crossing the road had
been occupied by the enemy with artillery. I imme-
diately ordered a battery of field artillery to sweep the
position, flanking and sustaining it by the 3d, 4th, and
sth regiments, deployed as skirmishers to the right and
left. A heavy fire of artillery and of musketry was
kept up for some time, until finally the enemy's batteries
were carrjed in succession by a squadron of dragoons
and the regiments of infantry that were on the ground.
He was soon driven from his position, and pursued by
a squadron of dragoons, battalion of artillery, third in-
fantry, and a light battery to the river. Our victory has
been complete. Eight pieces of artillery, with a great
quantity of ammunition, three standards, and some one
hundred prisoners have been taken ; among the latter
Gen. La Vega, and several other officers. One general
is understood to have been killed. The enemy has re-
crossed the river, and I am sure will not again molest us
on this bank.

The loss of the enemy in killed has been most severe.
Our own has been very heavy, and I deeply regret to
report that Lieut. Inge, 2d dragoons, Lieut. Cochrane,
4th infantry, and Lieut. Chadbourne, Bth infantry, were
killed on the field. Lieut. Col. Payne, 4th artillery,
Lieut. Col. Mclntosh, Lieut. Dobbins, 3d infantry, Capt.
Hooe, and Lieut. Fowler, sth infantry, and Capt. Mont-
gomery, Lieuts. Gates, Selden, McClay, Burbank, and
Jordan, Bth infantry, were wounded. The extent of our
loss in killed and wounded is not yet ascertained, and is
reserved for a more detailed report.
The affair of to-day may be regarded as a proper sup-
plement to the cannonade of yesterday ; and the two
taken together, exhibit the coolness and gallantry of eur
officers and men in the most favourable light. All have
done their duty, and done it nobly. It will be my pride
in a more circumstantial report of both actions, to dwell
upon parti -ular instances of individual distinction.
It affords me peculiar pleasure to report that the field
work opposite Matamoros has sustained itself hand-
somely during a cannonade and bombardment of 160
hours. But the pleasure is alloyed with profound regret
at the loss of its heroic and indomitable commander,
Major Brown, who died to-day from the effect of a shell.
His loss would be a severe one to the service at any
time, but to the army under my orders it is indeed irre-
parable. One officer and one non-commissioned officer
killed, and ten men wounded, comprise all the casualties
incident to this severe bombardment.
I inadvertently omitted to mention the capture of a
large number of pack mules left in the Mexican camp.
I am, Sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR, Bt. Brigadier-
General United States army, Commanding.
The Adjutant-General of the army, Washington, D.C.
Head-quarters Army of Occupation,
Resaca de la Palma, May 11, 1846.
(Orders No. 59.)
1. The Commanding General congratulates the army
under his command upon the signal success which has
crowned its recent operations against the enemy. The
coolness and steadiness of the troops during the action
of the Bth, and the brilliant impetuosity with which the
enemy's position and artillery were carried on the 9th,
have displayed the best qualities of the American sol-
dier. To every officer and soldier of his command, the
General publicly returns his thanks for the noble manner
in which they have sustained the honour of the service
and of the country. While the main body of the army
has been thus actively employed, the garrison left oppo
site Matamoras has rendered no less distinguished ser-
vice by sustaining a severe cannonade and bombardment
for many successive days. The army and the country,
while justly rejoicing in this triumph of our arms, will
deplore the loss of many brave officers and men who
fell gallantly in the hour of combat.
2. It being necessary for the Commanding-General to
visit Point Isabel, on public business, Colonel Twiggy
will assume command of the corps of the army near
Matamoras, including the garrison of the field work.
He will occupy the former lines of the army, making
such dispositions for defence and for the comfort of his
command as he may deem advisable. He will hold him-
self strictly on the defensive until the return of the
Commander-General.

By order of Brigadier-General Taylor,
W. W. J. BLISS, Acting Adjutant-General.
Head-Quarters Army of Occupation,
Point Isabel (Texas), May 12, 1846.
Sire—l am making a hasty visit to this place, for the
purpose of having an interview with Commodore Conner,
whose squadron is now at anchor off the harbour, and
arranging with him a combined movement up the river.
I avail myself of the brief time at my command to re-
port that the main body of the army is now occupying
its former position opposite Matamoras. The Mexican
forces are almost disorganised, and I shall lose no time
in investing Matamoras, and opening the navigation of
the river.
I regret to report that Major Ringgold died in the
morning of the 11th instant of the severe wounds re-
ceived in the action of Palo Alto. With the exception
of Captain Page, whose wound is dangerous, the other
well. In my report of the
wounded officers are doing
second engagement, I accidentally omitted the name of
Lieutenant Dobbins, 3d infantry, am
slightly wounded, and desire thatthe omission the officers
may be
asue,popliseitdyinoftrhepoedristpinagtch..itself.. I am under the painful
Mat Lleutenaut Blake, . t opogra.

phical engineer, after rendering distinguished service in
my staff during the affair of the Bth instant, accidentally
shot himself with a pistol on the following day, and ex-
pired before night.
It has been quite impossible as yet to furnish detailed
worts of our engagements with the enemy, or even ac-
curate returns of the killed and wounded. Our loss is
not far from three officers and 40 men killed, and 13
officers and 100 men wounded ; while that of the enemy
has, in all probability, exceeded 300 killed ; more than
200 have been buried by us on the two fields of battle.
I have exchanged a sufficient number of prisoners to
recover the command of Captain Thornton. The wounded
prisoners have been sent to Matamoras—the wounded
officers on their parole. General La Vega, and a few
other offioers have been seat to New Orleans, having de-
clined a parole, and will be reported to Maj. Gen. Gaines.
I am not conversant with the usages of war in such cases,
and beg that such provision may be made for these pri-
soners as may be authorised by law. Our own prisoners
have been treated with great kindness by the Mexican
officers.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedi, nt servant,
Z. TAY.LCIZ,
Bt. Brtg. Gen. U. S. A., com'dg.
The Adjutant General of the army, Washington, D.C.
Head-quarters Army of Occupation,
Fort Poll: Texas, May 12, 1846.

[Orders No. 60.]
As a mark of respect to the chief magistrate of the re-
public, the work constructed at this place, to cover the
main depot of the army, will be known as " Fort Polk.'
The commanding general takes this occasion to express
his satisfaction with the disposition made for the defence
and protection of this point, so vitally important to the
efficiency arid security of the army. To Major Munroe,
the commanding officer, Captain Sanders of the engi-
neers, Majors Thomas and Mc Ree, and Captains Sibley
and Hill of the Quartermaster's department, Captain
Ramsey of the Ordnance, and Lieutenant Montgomery
of the subsistence department, credit is especially due
for their zeal and activity. The General returns his
thanks to the numerous citizens who volunteered their
services in the defence of the depot. Their assistance
added materially to its strength and to his confidence in
its ability to resist an attack. The reinforcement from
the brig Lawrence, under Lieutenant Renshaw, and the
large force of seamen and marines so promptly fur
nished by the squadron on its arrival, require a special
acknowledgement to Commodore Conner a n'i Commander
Mercy of the navy. The army is deeply grateful
for this support and co-operation from a kindred branch
of the public service.
__

By order of Brigadier-General Taylor.
W. W. J. BLISS,
Acting Adjutant-General.
Heal-Quarters Army of Occupation,
Pint Isab 1, Texas, May 12, 1846.