The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-10-29


ter and position OF our foreign Consus, and the a,-
pointments OF some descanted upon pretty freely:
but with how much justice, am not prepared to say
Stlli, this should not be party question as every
one who has been absent from Inc country feels
now insignificant our party squabhes are, compared
to the honor and dignity Of the nation to which he
belongs. He does not, abroad, recognise in the
Consul the representative OF party, but the repe-
sentative OF his country, and such, relies on his
advice and counsel in all cases of emergency where
Tue dignity of his country or the rights of its citi
zens are involved. But how mortIfying IS it TO
man OF true American feeling, should he have occa-
sion Tor the services OF that functlonary, in TO-
reign country, to find him native Of that country,
ana devoted to ITS interests, and perhaps imbued
with all the peudlces which naturally arise from an
ardent attachment TO his country, and of accessIty
Ignorant OF the sim pes duties appertainlng to his
Office Circumstances OF this character have wit
Messed ne more than once, where was satisfied that
the evil might be remedisd by little attention on
the part OF government. II is not my intention to
point out individuals at this time, but merely 10 re-
late some circumstances In connection with our
consular system IN Mexico, which will serve as an
illustration to the many abuses in other parts so re-
cently made public Having been more or less in
Mexico tor the last ten years, have necessarily
come In contact with many of our Consuls most
Oh whom are very worthy men some, however,
have no definite idea of their duties or responsible
ties, being natives OF that country; and an eminent
merchant OF Yucatan informed me that Mexican az
erosion on our commerce was more owing to this
defect, than any thing else recollect vessel be-
ing selzed at Ssa, and confiscated, for slight in
iormaty In her papers; the Consul there was a
Mexican; another was sacrificed at Campeachy on
bottomry bond the Consul there was also Mex
lean. During this time, an English brig was seized
on the coast of Yucatan for smuggling, and the
cearest proof exhibited. Mark the difference
The British Consul lnterfered and she war lbera-
ted although clearly forfeited by laws OF all civil
ized nations il Is true, we are now Cor were) get
ing tardy remuneration, IN the shape OF install
ments, tor these spoliatons but would it not be
better 10 remove the cause of the evil and adopt
m rfa ufuoeu Ia nj
this character? But, says the government, Ameri-
cans, IN many instances, cannot be found to bill
these offices. Very well; American interests are
much better sustained without Consul under such
circumstances; as in of necessity, the captain
OF vessel has il in his power to chose upright mcr
chants for his counsel which, in the present wretch
ed system, he cannot do. em not one OF those
who wish to charge upon the Government every
evil of this kind ii in no doubt imposed upon by
false pretenscs, In many instances, where 1t seeks
10 remedy the evil; as have known persons bear.
ING the name OF Americans, supersede others, and
the evil aggravated tenfod Sill, a little more cir
cumspectlon on the part OF the Government would
no doubt lessen the abuse; for nothing is more NOR
tifyng TO man who possesses some national PRIDE
than 10 md an gnoramus the representative OF his
country, where he hoped to find Intelligence and
virtue, and TO hear the sarcastic remarks from his
foreign associates, you have got an American Con-
sui now! and what would be thought II should
pursue this picture still further, and say that had
seen Consul, three months after his arrival nj his
port OF destinations arrested and brought before the
Alcade for petty debit but what would be the s,,r-
prise if | should add, that Tor the same cause had
seen him brought before the AlcaIde three times in
three weeksl and yet this is literally true This man
had resided IN this country something over five
years previous TO his appointment, which is every
way worthy Of Tyler's sagacity. / hope my readers
will not understand me adopting the narrow
views Of nativesm"-no, far from it; all wish 10
uaderstood is, that | do not think man coming
from China or any other part, and destitute OF edu.
cation and intelligence, is proper person TO repre-
sent US abroad, even if he should learn TO write his
name during hIs five years residence amonpst US
This is but mere outline Of the disaareeabIe CIR.
cumstances connected with this system, az I have
by no means presented the worst features in the
case, which will be quite apparent, should deem Il
advisable 10 pursue the subject lnllhsl
Az AGsAoAs.