Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-01-15
FOREIGN.
MEXICO.
From The Freeman's Journal.l

We have received a letter from an
intelligent gentleman, now travelling
through Mexico, and extractsuch parts
as are worth the attention of our rea.
ders, as follows :-"The condition Of
this country is slowly and gradually
improving-the natives seem to be in
spired with more confidence in relation
to the stability of the present order Of
things, and appear to have lost their
hesitating, wavering manner, when
speaking of it. This is certainly one
evidence of the good prospects Of the
government, for confidence and reli.
ance in its strength by the subjects,
are absolutely necessary, in order to
enable it to act with firmness and vigor.
AS to the moral state of the people,
some very curious speculations might
be drawn.
The character of the Mexican ma.
tive is a strange mixture of generosity
and pride, good disposition and vicious
inclination. He is easily led away BY
temptation, but it soon ceases to have
influence over him, and though he is
ever flying from the path Of reotitude,
he is ever returning to it.
Even though he be Of the uneduca.
ted class-and unfortunately it is
numerous one-if he be in the CON-
mission of some folly, or even crime
talk of him of his family, Of his coun-
try, of his religion, and he will turn
serious ear to your discourse, and in
the end, will probably abandon his
pursuit. In the higher and better
instructed classes, there is more con-
sistency of mind and firmness OF con-
duct, than has generally been supposed
to belong to them-of course | speak
of their general character. Originally
the Mexicans differed very little from
the aboriginal North Americanlndians,
| in the qualities Of the mind.
The different tribes under the names
| of Tlascans, SC. from the first landing
of Cortez and his followers up, always
evinced the most determined bravery
and romantic courage in the execution
Of their plans, whether in attack or de-
fence amongst individuals or their
little armies. The European charac-
ter. however, has mingled its poison
with their virtues, and instead OF adding
any beauty to the native strength OF
their own, has rather debased ana
weakened it. Of late years, especially
the South American States have been
as SO many theatres for the efforts oil
| the .adventurer, who without name,
country, or family perhaps, grasps al
ALL unhesitatingly, by any means, De-
cause he risks nothing. Mexico has
particularly been field for men OF thus
character-no wonder then that the
natives have been taught arts and
tricks. which our people may desplse,
but do not wholly avoid. On the whole
| I think we'll of the Mexicans, and be-
lieve that they only require good ru'
lers, good laws, and something III 'ii1
shape Of example before them, to teach
them the dignity Of human nature IN
order that they may deserve respect
and act correctly.
| =
Unquestionably, our government. Is J,
pursuing most ridiculous and . iala'
policy, with regard to her best inter
ests with this republic. We acknow'
lodged the independence Of Mexico,
but there we stopped-that OF itsel'
can work nothing-why has not an IN
teIligent and business-doing man, N
the capacity Of minister, been sem ..
here? You will probably answer, taa a''
the Edwards affair prevented 1t; 0u =,
let me ask again, are the interests "
our citizens and government to pc nc :
elected and destroyed, on accoun. :
the stoppage Of some wheel IN our pS
litical machinery might say' c0''''
management? r.u.... Mac.
A revision Of the tariff will take place