The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-02-14
FIELD NOTES.
STATISTICS, OBSERVATIONS, AND THOUGHTS
CIVIL CONDITION OF MEXICO.


CIVIL CONDITION OF MEXICO.
BY COLONEL ALBERT C. RAMSEY, U. S. ARMY.
Give me facts before your common usen
DR. franklin.
l have been persuaded by friends. some of
whom are of high rank in the army and some
OF no less civil distinction at home, to publish
my observations and thoughts on Mexico. The
interesting position which that beautiful country
now holds towards the United States and will
continue to hold, imparts an unwonted va lue to
any information respecting 1t, derived from au
thentic sources. Our people, moreover, seem to
demand it, not only as right due to thems selves,
but to consider 1t also as duty which all return
ing from the army have to perfom-of contribu-
ting portion to the sum of intelligence on Mexi.
can affairs. / have heard such sentiments fire.
quently expressed since my return; and, although
not prepared to deny the obligation, | am still
tar from willing to acquiesce in the claim being
enforced.
Serving under the orders of Gen. Scott, one of
the greatest and most distinguished gene rails of the
age, and In daily intercourse with many of those
noted In the army, 1t might readily be supposed
that something more could be described of his
military Notwithstanding more portrayed
of the heroes who surrounded him. But much
on these has already been written, with an abb
lity not to be surpassed; while much yet remains
to be written by others more competent for the
pleasing task than myself.
First Impressions of the country that fascina-
ting theme-that fruitful source of error, has its
many admirers; and there is no portion of the
globe more fertile in topics with which to crafty
the lovers OF the romantic, the picturesque, the
sentimental, the marvellous and the ridiculous.
II time were not wanting, and capacity also for
the task, inclination would not forbid few es-
says, - more ornamental than useful" on Mex
leo But as yet, we are pioneers in knowledge
OF that country, and like the pioneers of
must toll amid the dull, dry matters o. fact, but
OF every day Importance, first reapng harvest
to nourish and support, before planting roses and
flowers to please and delight. We must first ex-
fore wandering amidst the varegated sweetness
OF their forever fragrant gardens We must Ito
borrow an illustration which would not be inapt
as a. proverb In the army know what we can
get from the commissariat substantial for din
ner before sending to market for oranges,
pears and peaches, or ordering the cook to make
pine apple fritter.
To blend few leaves of description of scene
rious labors, might perhaps ensure publication
being popular, but the attempt is too dangerous;
for as memory would recall many things delight
full, they would be dwelt upon longer than was
proper, and fancy free, the foliage which was on
ly intended to adorn might finally cucumber.
My first view of the mountain of Orizaba was
from plain, while on march aud as the NOR
ming sun lent to its lofty peak of wilderness gol-
den hue, 1t was so beautiful that involuntarily
uttered to myself something about Monarch Of
Mountains, "Throne of Rocks" sc. gene
raj officer overhead portion of my muttering,
and suggested the Propriety of dropping the reins
ing the whole passage from Manfred, "with all
the houris she's" | declined this impromptu
rehearsal, however, as 1t might give to my horse
the largest liberty, and change the direction OF
the column. In the same way, touching on de-
scrlptlon "with all the hourlshes,'' might lead
the main subject into the chaparral.
Much has already been written Mexico, but, like
its currency much Of 1t is of little value and in
instances unlimited credit is not to be given IT, there
fore should be made adverse those here
tofore published it is to be hoped they will not be sri
to the others not being consulted the fact
that they have been found subsequent inquiry be
erroneous. writer the present condition Of Mexico
stakes than his literary reputation on ths result
fog IT evssy pegs his be Questioned, his
narrative must b At Variance With entertained opinions
or people improperly deemed civilized and intelligent
and government as falsely styled republic
large portion OF our people still entertain the belief
that peace party exists In Mexico, which must uti-
mately become predominant and establish smicabe
lations between US. But nothing be more incor-
rect Although there all other kinds Of parties and
factions in Mexico, for peace be found 1t is
true Santa Anna was its advocate and saked his popu
Fans were adverse to the measure, and his own
throw was not the result much of his many defeats
as his detection from the popular i'll to carry the
war That Santa Anna sincerely DESTROYS Of peace
no doubt can remain Tho evidence daily presented to
our eyes Of his acts during the time Gen. SCOTT at
rueols ana subsequent march on the capital very
Santa Anna had suppressed the publication Of all the
vernment paper and in this that portion devoted to
editorial efusions was forever hed With denuncations
OF OF Congress- who refused to meet and form
quorum on the plea, that IL they assembled, commits
soners would DO appointed to treat for peace To this
the replies Of paper very able in showing that
lions was not making treaty refusing was contrary
to the rules that govern civilized countries Essays
the barbarian Of and the blessings of peace
frequently interpreted with declarations that the coun
Try was exhausted aAd peace must be made. Santa
Anna Issued manifesto in the same strain and bis
only little more severe on the party, who were
heretofore the least willing furnish money to carry it
on, or men to do the fighting: Tbs declarations of
Santa Anna however must be disregsrded he would
put forth fasehood as speak the truth but his
government paper, published to create public opinion,
while all others were senoed demonstrated his pacific
intentions With all his power talents influence, and
money, he could not swerve public opinion in his
own party He found the nation too hostile and he had
to yield He abandoned the CITY, left the army, made
ieint of attacking Pueba where he the
that he about quit the COUNTRY thence proceeded
TO Orizasa as unpopular and Is emphaticslly idsn-
tilted with the question Of peace as Paredes with the
His has yet terminated for he will soon ap
pear in drama with the former character of Santa
Auna omitted, by particular request Of those worry
provinces most clamorous at all times for which
have not yet bsen reached by arms and which have
neither felt in the expenditure of and money as
the seade asserts the cost of has their country
been subjected to foreign invasion With the flight,
and tbs "a i'm. r mas 'C an
now IS Indefinite If not as remote, that for the in
coming Of the Jews
pebCo
On other questions of Mexican policy, will bs deemed
strange by many Of people. But that country is
strange in all things that whatever is correctly written
concerning IT, must be equally So and less true II 1t
bore any resemblance to our own happy country, my
pencil would neither attempt to pourtrsy any popularity
OF IT'S features nor any portion Of Its picture.
All that pertains to the past, the present. future
condition OF Mexico has bsen the subject much my
medtations for country has heretofore. win
hereaftsr present. many anomalies Its soil, produc
tons climate topography, history government and peo
pie have never had their parallels this world Nature
seems here to set at defiance the laws which govern
elsewhere the muse OF history laughs to scorn the
principles she teaches In the annals of other lands the
sciences OF state policy have demonstrated the
endursnce to what in other governments has been
counted the impossible, and to crown all the people
themselves present phases inconsistent with precon
ceved opinions Of human nature to shake the truth
OF many axicms universally recognised in judging Of
mankind Here you behold the scenery Of Switzerland
under the tropics the fertility of Egypt the tops of
the productions Of Europe within the torrid