The Sun.
London, England, 1868-12-17 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, DEC EMBED 17, 1.68.

AID TO THE FREEDMEN.

General Howard has issued a circular announc-
ing that the Freedmen's Bureau will be discon-
tinued on December 31, 1868, when the military
officers will rejoin their regiments, and such agents
only be retained as are required in the depart-
ments of education, of collection, and the payment
of pensions and bounties. In this establishment
there will be an assistant commissioner and chief
superintendent of schools, a disbursing officer,
assistant superintendents of schools varying from
one to four, agents for the payment of pensions and
clerks. Orders relating to the Freedmen's hospitals
at New Orleans, Louisiana ; Vicksburg, Missis-
sippi; Richmond, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.,
will hereafter be published. The medical officers
and hospital attendants will be speedily reduced, so
that the hospitals may be closed at an early day,
all being discharged on the 31st December. Pro-
perty of every kind, not needed under the new
organization, is to be sold, and the proceeds paid in to
the Treasury. We have received a communication
from Mr. John Taylor, hon. sec. National Freedmen's
Aid Union, 12, Bishops.gate-street (Without), en-
closing extracts from a letter of General Howard,
and from the report of one of his subordinates.
The General thanks the association for the very
large sum contributed to the Freedmen through
them, and he calls their attention to the following
object :—" I have been desirous of establishing
on a permanent foundation several institutions
of learning of a grade above our common-school
system. The Howard University, iu Washington
city, has the broadest scope, embracing pre-
paratory, normal, and collegiate departments ;
and also departments of law, medicine, and agri-
culture." The Superintendent's Report speaks very
encouragingly of the past, and hopefully of the
future. The ability as well as the desire of the
Freedmen to learn has now gone beyond a question
for argument, being an established fact. The grand
total of the Freedmen's schools is thus given :
" Schools of all kinds, 3,084 ; teachers, 6,492;
pupils, 189,517. Of the whole number of schools
1,000 are sustained wholly or in part by the Freed-
men, and they own 364 of the buildings used for
school purposes; 2,948 teachers are white, and
3,544 coloured." On the other hand the report
states that " of the children and youth who are of
suitable school age, there are left 1,187,916 wholly
unprovided for ; enough to make 23,738 schools of
50 pupils each." One of the results, that of eco-
nomy and saving, is shown in the following ex-
tract :—" Education in thrift and economy is ef-
fected through the influence of the Freedmen's
Savings and Trust Company, chartered by Con-
gress, and placed under the protection of this bu-
reau. Twenty branches of this institution, located
in as many of the central cities and large towns of
the Southern States, are now in operation. Six of
these banks have at this time on deposit an average
of over po,oco each, the whole amount due to de-
positors at all the branches being 5585,770.17.
Four times this amount has been deposited for a
time, and then drawn out for use in important
purchases, homesteads, &c. Both the bubicess and
influence of the bank are rapidly increasing. Al-
though wise to force the Freedmen to a more gene-
ral reliance on themselves by abolishing that staff,
the Freedmen's Bureau, on which they might be-
come accustomed to lean too heavily, the philan-
thropic will see the necessity of making strenuous
efforts to keep up what Las already been accom-
plished by the bureau and to spur the African race into
still greater efforts on their onward progress in civili-
zation. The present is a critical period, for unless
the North tenders substantial assistance, helped
by England, there may be a tendency to retrograde,
and the North and that portion of England repre-
sented by Exeter Hail being in a measure respon-
sible for the position in which the negroes are now
placed are bound to do their utmost to aid them
in their perilous passage from Slavery to established
Liberty. Although this is an incumbent duty on
all who actively took part in the anti-slavery move-
ment, the negroes' position is one that may fairly
appeal to mankind. There never was a people who
less by their own act became placed in circum-
stances which calls forth more sympathy. They
were not the captives of war, where one nation
pitted its life against that of another; nor the in-
h tbitants of a conquered territory, nor even, as

Israel in Egypt, nor as Israel scattered over the
face of the earth ; but the position is the result of
European traders' gree•l ; families systematically
torn from their native country, transferred to
slavery in another continent, their descendants be-
ing suddenly emancipated, and kit to face the pro-
bletn of existence iu the midst of a race to whom
their forced enfranchisement was hateful, and who
added to that bitterness a social prejudice which
has, perhaps, never been exceeded by any race for
another. The Freedmen's Aid Union ought now to
make strenuous efforts, for we feel confident that a
critical time has arrived for the negro, which, if he
can safely be carried through, will get him well
over the first great difficulty. We wish the excel•
lent society of which Mr. Taylor is secretary
every success in this most important object, whit(
we regret that it appears to receive so little:- aid
from the English press.—An glo- American 7inzes.

given of the Ku-Klux assassinations, murders, and
other outrages during the last three months.
Martial law has been proclaimed in several coun-
ties of the State, and troops have been sent there
to protect the loyal men, and punish the Ku-Klux.
The Governor intends to use the military until
peace, security, and obedience to the laws prevail
throughout the State. Ile recommends a fund-
ing of the State debt. The Legislature has passed
a law approving the Governor's declaration of mar-
tial law in the eleven counties alluded to in his
Message.
Lieut.-Governor Gleeson's (Florida) answer
to the Supreme Court is published, but is too long
for our columns. Attorney-General Meek moved
to strike out from the answer four points on grounds
of irrelevancy and impertinence. This motion was
discussed until the adjournment of the Court.
There was a meeting •of the coloured people of
Charleston, South Carolina, Nov. 16, to consider
the political excitement then prevailing when seve-
ral very excellent resolutions were passed. An ex-
traordinary marriage is mentioned by the Memphis
Avalanche (Tennessee) between Mr. Henry J.
Haight, of New York City, and Miss Mollie L.
Church, daughter of Captain and Mrs. C. B.
Church, of Memphis, the groom and the bride both
being mutes.
Colonel R. B. Keeler has been sent by General
Rousseau with his report to Washington, where he
arrived on the 24th Nov. He details his personal
observations, representing the hostility of the whites
of Louisiana to the State Government as intensely
bitter. The General found it impossible with his
inadequate means to maintain peace at all points.
Notwithstanding every effort to protect the people
in their right of voting, the Republican leaders
advised their followers not to go to the polls, as
they could not do so safely, in which General Rous-
seau concurred, though earnestly desirous to act
independent of party. He was in constant con-
sultation with Governor Warmouth and the other
State authorities during the disturbances, and his
course met their warm approval, as it does that of
others in New Orleans. Col. Keeler says that up to
the date of General Steedman's assuming charge of
the police that force was utterly worthless. It
was composed of 243 negroes and 130 whites. No
riots have occurred, and no city has been quieter
than New Orleans since that change. General
Rousseau courts the most searching investigation
of his management of Louisiana affairs during the
recent troubles. The Colonel says there is no good
foundation for the reports of organizations in New
Orleans to help the Cuban insurgents.
The Republican Governor and State officers, of
the State of Louisiana, alleging informality, have re-
fused to count the votes of twelve entire counties, em-
bracing the vote of New Orleans. By this they succeed
in electing one Republican to the next Congress to repre-
, sent New Orleans. A negro has also been elected front
New Orleans to the vacancy in the present Congress, so
that at the approaching session it will be decided whether
a negro is to be admitted to a seat in the house.

AMERICAN LI7'ERATURE.

(From the Anglo-American Times.)

My Diary in Mexico. By Prince Salm-Salm.
The Prince is so prejudiced against the French,
that we put aside all his criticisms on their conduct
as coming from a biassed source, and adhere to the
narrative of the fall of Queretaro and the last days
of Maximilian. But we cannot dismiss the French
in Mexico without recording our opinion that the
policy of the Emperor Napoleon is but little under-
stood, and that iu his futile attempt to establish a
Latin counterpoise to the Anglo-Saxon race, he
reaped the reward of those who are a good deal in
advance of their times, and who must trust to
history for justice. Failure was involved in the
failure of the Confederacy, and with the success of
the United States the Emperor knew. that every
chance was gone. It is a pity that Maximilian did
not see this, and allowed his better judgment to be
overruled by Marquez, Miramon, his confessor, and
others of the Church party, resisting every effort of
those who represented the Emperor, to induce him
to recognize an uncontrollable fate, for his throne
had been stricken down before Richmond, and fell
with Lee's army. The task Prince Salm under-
takes is one of love, for the gallant officer is of a
generous nature, and the circumstances under
which he became separated from his sovereign,
whose bravery, chivalry, and kindly nature he so
I ardently admired, were such as to make a lasting
impression on his heart, where the name of Maxi-
milian is engraved. By will, he was requested
jointly with Don Fern ltamerez to prepare au
historical account of Maximilian's three years
sojourn in Mexico, aided by documents sent for
safe keeping to Europe with the Empress Char-
lotte, and supposed to be in England, Rome, and
Miramar. To these papers Maximilian attached
a value so high that hearing of Charlotte's illness he
if necessary,
tre-
became deeply anxious for their safety, and desired
vthoel vePrincehand.The
torecover
Prince's arrival on the scene, having declined a com-
mission in the regular army of the United States
bookthem,
e n even,ers abruptly with the
on the cessation of the war, where he had served in
command of a brigade, and he joined Maximilian,
urged by an enterprising disposition and a love of
active service. He came in time to see the French
withdraw, and almost immediately after the Em-
peror set out on his ill-fated march to Queretaro.
This city, with less than 50,000 inhabitants, de-
rives its name from the State. It is picturesquely
situated in a valley, with wooded declines, having a
stream flowing on Gne side and a succession of gar-
dens and villas on the other. Its form is not quite
a regular quadrangle, of 2,400 metres in length and
exactly half that in width. The fertile countey
around, and the many churches, chapels, and cone
vents give it a pleasing and even imposing appear-
ance ; but as a defensible place it is singularly de-
ficient, the heights on either side being within easy
gun-shot of the town.
Little life-like sketches are here and there given
of the leading men who either shared or became
connected with the Emperor's fate, and first among
these pictures is the following :_c; With General
Marquez was also Colonel Don Miguel Lopez, who
went to Queretaro to resume the command of his
regiment of the Empress, which had been trans-
ferred to that city. Lopez, who by his black trea-
son haigiven his infamous name to the pillory for
all time, is a tall, portly man, of some thirty years
of age, who does not look like a Mexican. His
round head is covered with fair hair, rather thin in
the middle, and arranged so as to cover deficiencies
by the aid of long side hair ; his moustaches and
short royal are also fair. He looked very well in
his red Hussar jacket, trimmed with black, and the
more so as his manners were gentlemanly and ele-
gant. Besides wearing several Mexican orders, he
was decorated with the officer's cross of the Legioc
of Honour. He was always extremely well mounted
with American horses, and his whole appearance
made a favourable impression." The Prince writes
bitterly of Marquez, stigmatizing him as a double-
dyed traitor, and whom he thus describes :
" During these hours passed by the side of
the Emperor (en route to Queretaro) I had a good
opportunity of observing Marquez, who generally
rode alone absorbed in thought, which could not
have been of a very pleasant or innocent character,
as his face wore a rather sinister expression.
When the Emperor wanted to speak to him Mar-
quez generally heard only at the second or third
call, and was then like one awakened from a dream.
His face ehanged at once to a disagreeable, exagge-
rated friendliness, and he approached the Emperor
like a fawning dog." On entering Queretaro,
where Maximilian was warmly received, Don
Miguel Miramon was the most important figure.
" As I have said before he -had been one of the
most prominent chiefs of the Church party, and
even President of the Republic in his twenty-
fifth year. Ile was now a handsome man of about
thirty-four, of middling height, elegant in figure
and manner, and with dark hair, moustache, and
royal. He was a man of great intellect, extremely
ambitious, very brave and daring, but no scientific
General, and rather an indifferent strategist."
Miramon's first operations, however, seemed as if
dictated by genius, for by a quick and skilful
move he surprised and routed the Liberal Army,
nearly capturing Juarez ; and here we desire to
add that Maximilian had written to Miramon in

such event to treat him in the most friendly
manner, and to send him to Mexico. Miramon, on

his return, however, met with a severe disister. 111
was attacked in rear and on both flanks by Escobeclo,

and only a few officers got away who were well

mounted, the General's brother being captured and
brutally executed. "At San Jacinto 123 French-
men were taken also, amongst them those gendarmes
who had insulted the bust of Juarez. They had
been kept for several days in a place where they
had much liberty, and the light-hearted Frenchmen
had no foreboding of the awful doom which awaited
them. One day spirits were distributed amongst
them, and they were told that they were to be taken
to some other place, but, as they had to pass through
the Liberal Army, their eyes were to he bandaged.
As this is frequently done, they suspected nothing,

and marched blindfolded for half an hour, when
they were permitted to take away the bands. They
then found themselves in an interior yard of the
Nacienda, San Jacinto, opposite two battalions
of infantry, and were informe 1 that they
were to die by the order of the Supreme
Government. It was an awful, heartrending
scene. Ten prisoners were always shot together,
the rest looking on. The bodies frequently still
quivering, were thrown into a waggon, and, with the
blood dripping from it, was driven past the poor
condemned out of the Nacienda, to return imme-
diately for a fresh load. This horrible butchery
lasted longer than an hour, as it was interrupted by
an incident which illustrated still more than even
this blooly execution, the unfeeling cruelty of the
Mexicans. The soldiers did not aim well, and it
happened that one out of a lot of ten—llippolite
Rolin was his name—was left unharmed by the
first volley. He jumped away, but was captured
and added to the next lot. This time he was only
slightly wounded, and escaped. Ile was caught
again, his feet were tied, and he was shot at the
shortest distance !" Continuing his sketches
of persons, the Prince says Don Thomas
Mejia was a little, ugly Indian, remarkably yellow,
of about forty-five, with an enormous mouth, and
over it a few black bristles, representing a mous-
tache. Ile was a thoroughly honest, reliable man,
devoted to the Emperor, a very good general of
cavalry, and well known for his personal bravery.
Before an attack it was his habit to take a lance from
one of his soldiers and rush with it amongst the
first on the line of the enemy. Some years pgo he
took Queretaro from the Liberals. On his entering
the city its last defenders fled to the first story of
the Town h ail. Mejia appeared in front of it at
the head of his cavalry. Lance in hand he rode up
the steps, and in the large hall made the Liberals
prisoners, and then rode to the balcony, welcoming
with his hurrah his victorious troops."

Escobedo had once been Mejia's prisoner, and
when condemned to be shot by court-martial
Mejia not only assisted him to escape, but furnished
him with money. " Escobedo is a man of about
forty, of middle height, dark hair and beard, and
very dark complexion. He wears spectacles, and
has remarkably large ears, which stand off on both
sides. He is very friendly after the Mexican
fashion, but his face has a treacherous expression. .
He had been formerly a muleteer, then studied the
law superficially and joined the Liberal party, for
which he organized some bands. He had the good
luck to surprise an Austrian column which was
escorting a large sum of money at San Gertrudis,
and got some political influence. He is no soldier,
and careful not to expose his person to fire." In-
deed the Prince does not scruple plainly to call
Escobedo a blood-thirsty coward, and he tells how
A.liratnon, who knew his weakness, played him a
practical joke during the siege. The head-quarter
camp had been pitched within range, but no guns
covered the spot. After allowing Escobedo to rest
there in fancied security, Miramon for the fun of
the thing moved a battery, and all at once opened
on Escobedo, who he knew was present. No sooner
did the balls begin to hop in than a stamped
took place, to the intense delight of Miramon.
We cannot follow the author in his account of the
siege, which is graphically and, we doubt not,
truthfully told. Nor can we do more, without re-
turning to the subject, which we purpose doing,
than to follow the Prince in his account of Maxi-
milian. " The Elnperor was about six feet high
and of a slender figure. His movements, his gait,
and especially his greeting, were graceful and light.
Ile hod fair hair, not very thick, which lie wore
carefully p -ate] in the middle. His beard was also
fair and very long, and he nursed it with great care
he wore it parte I in the middle, and his hand was
frequently occupied in its arrangement. hiscom-
plexion was pure and clear, his eyes were blue, his
mouth had the unmistakeable stamp of the Austrian
Imperial House, the historical underlip, but not so
much pronounced as to be disfiguring. lie was
generally in citizen's dress, but in Queretaro, where
he headed the army, he wore the uniform of a Gene-
ral of Division. When he promenaded he had his
hands behind his back like a captain pacing the
deck of a ship. Another naval habit was always
carrying in his hand his perspective glass. The ex-
' pression of his face was almost always kind and
friendly. One could not
_look on him without lov-
ing him ; his friendliness never showed itself in a
familiar manner, even with his most intimate friends
he always preserved his dignity. Notwithstanding
this he abandoned himself without restraint to his
good humour when in congenial company, and could
be very witty and even sarcastic." He was a good
listener. Though he had been much over the world
his heart was too noble and pure for a profitable
knowledge of mankind. Not having a conception
of wickedness he did not believe in its existence in
others, and thus he became the prey of untruthful
and designing men. Salm-Salm estimates the mon-
, gra breed of Mexico at a low figure, and even those
about the Emperor's person, and most frankly and
implicitly trusted by him, he regarded to be either as
treacherous, such as Marquez, double dealers, or
seeking alone their selfish ambition, as Miramon, or
treble-dyed traitors, as Lopez, a man the Emperor
liked, and frankly confided in. It was fatal for a
man of Maximilian's nature to have to deal with
such a class, and their pernicious influence led him
step by step to his death. But there was a point in
his own constitution which sealed his doom once
entangled in the meshes ; he was so devoted to his
friends he thought more of them than of himself.
He could not endure to leave his followers in Mexico
to the mercy of the Liberals; nor could he bear to
leave the sick and wounded in Queretaro when every
inducement urged him to abandon the town. He
forgave easily, not with his lips only, but with his
heart ; and the Prince exclaims, " Of all men I ever
met with in life, the Emperor Maximilian was the
noblest, best, and most amiable ; his faults even
being virtues, his kindness bordering on weakness."
His heart was so large that although he loved in-
dividuals strongly it embraced humanity, and the
advancement and the progress of the world
were his highest ambition. It is strange to
find one of such genuine liberality of senti-
ment reared in the traditions of such a house
as that of Austria; but that he should shake
off the prejudices inculcated in his youth and
take views so just, so wise, and generous, show a
large capacity of brain as well as of heart. It was
impossible for him, so constituted, and with his
political notions, to find suitable employment in his
own country, which he ardently loved. The author's
is no fanciful sketch, for he saw him in every
moment of an ordeal few men are called on to en-
dure, and from the beginning to the end his doings
were those of a hero. His whole career iu Mexico
was forgiving and giving ; and his last act was to
put into the hands of the firing party detailed for
his execution a liberal donation, to speak soothing
and kindly words to the people who stood weeping by,
and to pray for the prosperity of the country whose
victim he was, and for those who had brought him
to so cruel an extremity. It is seldom when the
curtain of poetry or romance which enshrouds the
career of its heroes is withdrawn, that they can
bear the scrutiny. Nearly always they come out
the clay idols of poor humanity ; but Maximilian
has furnished the poetry and drama of the future
with a story so sterling and pure as to bear the
fierce light of present publicity, ending in a tragedy
so touching as to mellow into the richest tale of
grief—certainly of the century—and of that quality
which will gain by age, his execution being an