The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-03-14


NUMBER OF Engshmen. ll,So9
Americans ll,920
Irishmen. 4J,eS2
Canadians, tnativesj. -. : .6a4so7
Iotal. ......... .6s0. 762
Seven-eghths of the Englishmen are I'M
doubtedy loyal subjects, and so are, perhaps, one
half OF the Scotch On the other hand, seven-
eighths of the native Canadians, seven eigh,hs
of The Irish, the whole of the Americans, and
the remaining two-eighths OF the English and
Scotch, desire change that would make them
entirely independent of the mother country, and
perhaps constitute them an integral portion OF
the United States
We thus see that several powerful causes are
continually at work, undermining the foundation
of British power in that part of the continent
These, with the increasing demands of the peo-
pie, and the frequent concessions that have been
made to them for a few years past, point out a
change at no distant day, that will deprive Eng
land of her North American colonies. Public
sentiment then a consequence, has undergone
q mighty change. Rebellion and annexation to
the United States, are spoken of in the public
prints, a panacea for all the evils that the
country endures. These words, so horrible few
years ago, are now familiar to the people.
The repeal of the corn laws too, has had
the effect OF estranging many from British autho-
riiy, whose interest would have induced them TO
uphold and respect it. BY the repeal of those
laws, Canada lost the preference which she
enjoyed over the United States.
In order if possible to counteract the tide of dis
satisfaction, and divert it into another channel
the home government have devised several
schemes, which have had directly contrary eff
tect. Popular Governors have been sent
out but none give satisfaction unless their
principles and line of policy are not only liberal
but radically So These governors form and re- b.
form their cabinets, but it will not do. Neither
can act contrary to the popular voice, now so
strong and powerful, and abdicate the post that
they find they cannot occupy.
The latest plan devised for promoting 10y
atty among the North American subjects OF
the crown, is to combine the whole of the
colonies into one, and have but one Legislature,
for all, with some member of the royal family at
the head This will probably be tried soon, and
we predict, that like the measures that preceded
it, it will rather increase than diminish the spread
of revolution Time however, will tell.
MEXICAN MATTERS The REPORTED BATTLE -
We have eonversed with gentleman of this
city, who knows Mexico and Santa Anna well
and he is of opinion, that the rumor of battle
between that General and Taylor, is by no means
unfounded. For our part, we do not attach
much value to his speculations in this matter
but as we see no harm in publishing them, here
they are
According to the last advices from General
Taylor, he was encamped eighteen miles south
of Saltle, and near a tank of water, called Aqua
Nersda Now our informant thinks that Gen.
Taylor was attacked by Santa Anna whilst re-
treating from Aqua Nerada to Saltillo and not
from Salnllo to Monterey, as the three Mexicans
who had brought to Tampico the news of the
battle reported He also thinks that Santa
Anna attacked Taylor on the 18th February,
and that it is not improbable that the las. adj
vices from Monterey (Which are dated the 18th
February were written at the very time the two
armies were engaged. But would the Mexican
infantry (who left San Luis on 9th january
reach the neghborhood of Saltillo on the 18th of
February? Cur informant says they could. Sal
tillo is three hundred miles from San Luis; and
Mexican infantry can march three hundred miles
in seventeen days with ease. The Texans taken
prisoners at the battle of Mier, were eighteen
nineteen days in marching (on fooD from Saltllo
TO San Luis Santa Anna is celebrated for his
rapid marches. But could the news OF a battle
fought on the 18th of February reach Tampico on
the I7thl This question our informant also an
swars in the affirmative. The Mexican express
riders are only 80 hours in going from Vera Cruz
to the city of Mexico, distance Of 800 miles.
Tampico is not more than 300 miles Tin a straight
line) from Saltlo; let suppose that the express
rider took a somewhat crcuitous route, still he
would not be longer than three days on the road;
and as the readers will perceive, four days inte-
rim between the 18th and 17th
Other facts, tending to support the hypothesis
of our informant, were stated by him-such as
the surprise of various scouting parties by the
Mexican cavalry-the absence OF regular troops
from the force under Gen. Taylor, &c, &c.
But after all, what shall we gain by specializing?
II there has been battle skirmish, it is very
singular that no correct intelligence has been re-
ceived OF This is enough.
TAE MAJoR-GENKRALsHIP- the confirma-
ton of the rumor that Col. Benton declined the
Major Gensralship, because his modest request
that he should supersede Generals Scott, Taylor,
Patterson, &c was not acceded to by the Pres-
dent, reached here, the subject is much spoken
of in this city. We have taken some pains to
ascertain what the public opinion Of New York
is on his resignation, and we can assure our
readers, that men Of all parties view it one OF
the best acts that Mr.. Benton ever performed it
will endsar him to the army.
Major General Benton is unquestionaby a
great mana great mint drop"-but he is much
better fitted to conduct the great flood of mint
drops which he said would flow up the Missis-
slppi after the passage of the sub-Treasury bill,
than to conduct war which he opposed from its
commencement. The war is in the hand, or
able military men, who are in every way compe-
honorable terr rr