The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-01-03
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30, 1916.
.iuOthsr ptep of McricO.

-inother pieW of Mcrico
General Paroles is man OF about forty-eight
years Of age; trail and slight in form, and not un-
graceful, though manned by the wounds of many
battles. His eye in rePose is as mild sunshine,
but when excited il CLEANS like the edge of his own
good sword. He is known throughout the Repub-
lie as eel Nance" Paredes-or, 'the hand-wound-
ed" He may be considered the Murat of Mexico
rs he knows no feari in his almost mad and reck.
less daring He was once banshed to this country,
and as an exile studied our institutions and wor.
shipped our enterprise. His American feelings are
strong, and In all business transactions he is man
of honor. Amid the thousand opportunities that he
has had for amassng an immense fortune, his poy-
egty has remained monument OF his patriotism
Il was his skill, energy and indomable courage,
that made Santa Anna President OF the Mexican
Republic; and when he tritied with the liberties of
his beloved country, 1t was he who hurled the bic
tator from place and power, and banIshed him an
exile In land OF strangers. favorite with the
peope-he is above the tawdry and garish military
ponp and display that omes clogs and dispusts
them. favorlte with the army-he never lost
battle. favorite with the prieshood-he has ever
advocated their rights, and been their steadfast
friend. The commander OF the forces, and gov
ernor OF Of the richest departments of the re-
public, his influence Is seen and felt throughout the
land Such is General Paroles, who is the embo-
dinent of the spirit of reform at this moment in
the Mexican empire he longs 10 have the abuses
swept away, that have 80 long shed their blightinp
influence over that beautiful land, and to her en-
Joylng, In the pride OF her eternal YOUTH the same
privileges, blessings, and benefits that he saw 30
nicely distributed with us. And now, what are the
abuses Permit me, sire, to answer this impor
tant question. | will commence with the laborino
classes. Receiving but about one dollar per week
with peck OF maize, is but a small and scanty sun
ply tor family; yet this Is all that the working
class, or peores, get as return for their laborsg
and whenever marriage or christenno taxi 90
place. they are Obliged to call upon the owner of the
estate, or his agent, the administrator tor small
loan, which, according to the present laws, places
the laoorer IN his power; thus, if from i'll treat
ment, or from any other cause, he leaves the
estate, and seeks employment elsewhere he
can be pursued and brought back unless
the mao in whose employ he is found, is will
ling to pay his debts to the uttermost farthinp-it
he refuses, handouts and letters are placed 1pon
him, and he is brought home like a runaway slave.
and yet he is free citizen Of the great Mexican
NsPuoic. L Is not an uncommon sight to meet
with these fettered laborers while crossing the
mountains, returning like Botany Bay felons TO the
hacendas, arrested under the wrts oil the acaIdes-
and these tor the most trlfllng debts. This same
class fare but little better in the larger towns as
they are liable at any moment to be seized upon for
soldiers by the agents OF the police, sans ceremon,s
and torn from their families, shut up In close bar.
racks Tor SIX months, rgldly drilled, miseraby
clothed, and still worse fed at the end of which
time they are tied together with cords in SQUADS Of
from twenty TO fifty each, and driven bv an escor,
OF cavalry TO the different points required by the
HeScoSid VI nc poNeIHlHent. lhey are abOuf the
strangest looking set of soldiers that were ever nssd
for any species OF defence; and they generally de-
sert IN large numbers in the case of an engagement,
whenever opportunity offers. This is he fate Of
the lower classes. Oppression stands rampant upon
their liberties. They have no rights at The balo,
box, and are but ie better than the landed serfs Of
the Russian empire and our slaves are free in
comparison with them. A trial by Jury. for snv
offence, was never dreamed OF in Mexico: and as
has been said a thousand times, they have but the
shadow, and not the substance of republic The
masses grovel in ignorance, and are a prey to the
worst passions OF our naturea fair illustration OF
Pope's Folly OF Wisdom; !" and the upper classes
fare but little better in their fortune Military chiefs
are either stern and unfnchng patriots, or prodpal
oppressive dlctators; and Mexico has been adm
rably cursed with the latter class. The upper
classes after being subjected to the exactions i'm
posts and taxes which have made special mention
OF In tone OF my letters, are often made TO Weld
loans to the Government, against their will and
these are known as the "pTestamos forzosos. ;, or
:" forced loans !" and oft times made from the oppo
nents OF the administration which of course is moi
the most agreeable and pleasant attention for an in
dvdu 70 receive, TO place his money al the
mercy oil the Government, and lie out OF the in
t-rest for years, and then be exceedingly thank.
fui to ever regain the principal. Of which theirs