The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-04-27


"honest men"-the towards aud who in col
fusion with the invader-coud not tolerate any longer
evils Of ns sma . ud or .s s s
without any public good merely to Crafty their po
litical passions.
become target for all the factions, and as never suf
ered myself to be governed by any OF them. they
spired by common accord. for my determination In
this struggle YOU, Mexicans must know that TO deprive
me Of your favor and compel to descend from the
first Magsracy honor and the national rights were to
be sacrificed at the feet of the invaders TO concate
the country, of my free will abandoned power, and
was satisfied to serve by seeking the foreign enemy
the State OF Puebla In return for this sacrifice, have
been wounded by the hand which received IRON my own
the sword which voluntarily relnqulshed.
The arbitrary order deprving of military command
which Illuminated against me- was most solemn
guarantee for the enemy that he could, from that mo
ment remain in quiet possession OF the places WHICH ne
had before watered with his bloOd-thanks to my efforts
1t would appear that, in the natural order OF things,
after my separation from all command, my retreat ought
to have been respected Plots OF every kind were put
in operation put end my days; and If it had not
been that Providence had watched my safety, Mex
cans, unworthy of the protection of the invaders would
have sacrificed me. Time will reveal these infamous
transactions.
The ministerial press has charged against that
alone desired the war and that sustained II merely from
charge that | capable of the criminal and ignoble
passion OF posponng the national for my private inter-
ess. ln a few words will explain the necessity and
When once the nation had commenced the contest four
months before returned to its bosom, in consequence OF
the aggessons of the United States, it became abso-
luely Indispensable that the whole republic should CO.
operate in the Of its natural defences to conquer
the invader. The interests and rights which they de-
there also stake the future welfare of the republic
and its nationality To suffer the loss OF the greater
part OF its territory, involved not only its dishonor but
the ruin of its political existence Those who can look
into futnry know that those fears which have haunted
my mind viii be realized for when the limits of the
neighborng republic extended to the heart OF
wa lnInf nraua he
through in political calculation the war has
been terminated, and with it all hopes for our children
without appeal the secrets Of foreign policy the
OF reflection with dread that this unfortunate people
prescribed from the catalogue of nations and that the
generation which the struggle of its independence
will assist at its funeral have therefore desired and
sustained the war the only of er,stence More
has already been granted than the enemy demanded and
our children from this moment that they have
future and country May please Heaven that may
| be mistaken in my predictions!
The lovers of humanity and Of justice have raised their
voice, even In the American Capitol TO warn us OF the
immense danger we run Fatality and the rancOr OF
party, egosm and reachery, have prevented listen
these echoes Of truth and treaty
has deprived US OF the advantages which we could derive
by suffering little longer the evils of the war; and by
showing more frmness to meet emergencies
All who know the history OF my public life-who
know the unlimited power, the glory, and honors which
have enjoyed the midst of this generous nationwide
lave marble and bronze pay tribute my memory,
aud who have known that have had independent for
for years past all these say will be convinced of
the enormous injustice which contained in the SUPPOSE
ton that is not for these have mentioned, but
from personal motives, that have fought, exposing my
life for the good of my country. Partsans cruel in
all times and all countries; but ours in this instance
have passed all limits, and my person have violated all
laws, human and divine.
The state at which matters have arrived, renders my
person no 10 niger OF any TO my country peace to
be forevereecraed has been granted, and thirds of
the national territory have been sold for dish Of lent
shameful nd absurd armstce has been sanctioned to
consummate the iniquiy. What recourse therefore
Mains citizen for him who only returned his country
to satisfy the public wishes, and fghtn support of the
noble cause against the foreign enemy! What is he to
do, who pursued in every direction Retire to distant
land to bewall the immense msfOrtunes OF the republic
since political passions and pary interests have succeed
ed in exSlng themselves over the holy cause of the
country.
In the exile to which condemn myself, the grief
which will weigh my spirits will receive miga
ton from the gratifying idea that have preferred my
personal ruin, the loss Of wealth and OF power to bend
ing my knees before the enemies of Mexico obtain by
entreaty pe;sce which destroys the elements of her
balls of the eneny-the thousands of Mexicans who fell
in my presence and under my ordershe blood of the
invaders and their corpses which remained piled in heaps
the fields of b;lttew be many titles of glory for
my country and for my children.
Mexcans! One of the leaders in your independence,
the most devoted to your good who has had
the glory of offering to the republic trophies snatched
from the foreign invaders-one who has fought against
them, overcoming thousand diffcutes-one who has
shed his blood to sustain your righsin fine, your
faithful frend-bids you his last farewell
ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA
TEHUAcAN, March "a, 1s4s.