The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-01

Important from Washington.

WASHINGTON, Nov. %, 1876.
Late Merican Intelligence Capture of Tampieo-
Dissolution of the Gopernment-Departure of
Al'nonte for Engta~d-IMovements Of Santa
An"a-Ihe Rumored Expedition against Ecua-
dor-Polsey OF our Gorernment in Relation fhevs-
to-Ihe Coming Session Of Comgress- Preside~t's
Message-Slarry-Ihe Tariff, &c. &c.
The recent news from Mexico has taken tho
Cabinet by surprise. Dispatches announcing the
departure of the squadron for Tampico, with a
view to an attack that city, had no sooner
come to hand, than others were received an
nouncing the bloodless occupation of the city,
which surrendered directly on the receipt of q
summons to that effect These last advices were
still followed up by others Che receip, of which
communicated yesterday, giving intelligence Of
the dissolution of the new administration, the &C
tual intended departure of Almonte for Eng
lane, and of Santa Anna having been compelled
to refund the two millions Of dollars lately taken
by him from conducta, and upon the use
which he had relied for the prosecution OF the
war.
The result of events so unlocked for, and OF
such importance, it is difficult to speculate upon.
Santa Anna is a man of courage, fertile in expo
dients AMI not easily daunted by adverse circum-
stances. But these occurrences will unquestion-
ably derange his plans, if not lead to their abso-
lutte defeat. The dissolution Of an administration
friendly to his views-the departure of Almonte,
his confidential friend and adviser-and the loss
of funds upon which he had depended for the pay
Of his soldiers, and the purchase of supplies, are
msfortunes ofno ordinary magnitude.
The peaceable surrender of Tampico seems to
have had nc connection with either OF those
events Santa Anna had ordered the town to be
abandoned by its garrison; which was command
ed, after evacuating the city, to repair to head
quarters at San Luis Potsi. The general had is
sued this order with the double purpose Of
strengthening himself with the acquisition Of the
garrison and at the same time of weakening the
force of Gen. Taylor, detachment from which,
he calculated, would be sent to occupy Tampico.
The conviction that the town could not Withstand
the assault OF the squadron, and that the lives lost
in defending it would be bootless waste of
strength, doubtless contributed, in no small mea-
fure; to Santa Annals determination on its volun-
garrisoned by one hundred and fifty sailors and
marines from the squadron, who are by this time
relieved By six hundred soldiers detached from
Gen. Patterson's command.
The same mail that brought advces OF the sur
render of Tampco, brought intelligence that &c
neral Valencia was setting out from Guansiuato,
on his march to San Luis Potosi, at the head Of
SIX thousand troops. This fact, taken in connec-
I
pco, argues determination on the part OF Santa
Anna, to risk every thing on an engagement at
San Luis Potosi How the more recent, and to
him disastrous, events which have mentioned,
may modify this resolAe, remains to be seen.
The rumored crusade Of Gen. Flores against
Ecuador, is, l learn, regarded by the ad-
m n.9ls5 as an empty bubble. They
tenance and support. They believe the
French monarch to be too prudent to lend his
not having the same degree OF confidence in the
| wisdom of the Queen-mother, they nevertheless
/ look upon the statement that she has supplied
this quixotc adventurer with funds, and permits
sion to make drafts on the Spanish army las high
| ly exaggerated. Should this expedition prove TO
be more than mere rumor, the policy of our go
vernment will be direct, immediate, and if ne
cessary, forciblc interpositon. The United States
will look with regret, but nevertheless without
interference, except such as consists in
friendly mediation, on the intestine dissen-
sions Of any of our sister republics on this con-
tinent; but in accordance with the doctrine enun-
ciated by Mr.. Monroe in 1929 and since recog-
nized as the sovereign will of the people of tho
United States, our government would feel COM
PEELED to resist an armed invasion of any of the
South American repubcs,by an expedition fitted
out under the direction and by the countcnance
OF any European power, more especially when
the ulterior design Of such invasion would be to
erect any of the republics so invaded into mo-
narchy.
But, as have said, our government does not
apprehend any Immediate occasion for the prac-
teal enforcement of this doctrine. The French
government is 700 heartily ashamed and tired Of
the ridiculous affair of La Plata, to exhibit rea
diness to rush into any other similar absurdity;
more especially as by the adoption OF such u
course they would come in direct collision with
the United States, and thus endanger, il not de-
/ stroy the amicable rela: now happily existing
! between the two countries
| week from tomorrow Congress will COM
mence one OF the most exciting and busy sessions
|
Presidents message will embrace variety OF i'm
| portant subjects The Mexican war will be the
chief feature. The President will point to the results
already accomplished, in the achievement Of three
brilliant victories, the capture oil number oftewns
and the occupation OF the CALIFORNIA;, New Mex
100, New Leon, Tamaulipas, Coahuila, Chihua-
hua, Durango, and Sooora, embracing l,5OO,0O
square miles, and all in the space of five months,
| as entirely unparalleled in history. He will 90
into detailed account Of the measures Of the
government in relation to Mexico, and will,
doubtless, suggest to Congress the proprety Of ex
tending the territorial jurisdiction of the United
States over the CALIFORNIA; and New Mexico. He
will probably advise slight modification of tho
tariff, consult for the coal and iron interest
and furtherto provide revenue tn meet the IN
creased expenditure rendered necessary by the
continuance OF the war. do not think he will al.
lude,to the affairs Of South America.
Besides the important subjects of delibcration
contained in the Presidents message, the ques-
ton OF slavery will ogitate, and that to no tnfiing
extent, the debates of Congress. The question
will naturally arise from the in reduction OF bills
extending the jurisdiction of the United States
over our newly acquired territory The Western
democrats, already jealous of their Southern
brethren for their opposition to the River and
Harbor bill last session, will, in body, oppose
the existence of slavery in the new territory.
This will fully open the question, and stormy
debate may be anticipated. A compromise OF
this expected difficulty saready talked Of, not be.
tween the Western and Southern democracy but
between the slavery and anii.slayery party, and
the neeociators named are, Mr.. Calhoun on the
one side, and Mr.. Webster on the other. This is
mere rumor, however
The wings will introduce bill for the immc-
| datc repeal of the tariff law Of 40 They will
/ come furnished with innumerable petitions and
| formidable array of figures.
On the whole the session will be exciting busy