The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-05-03

and deplorable state of affairs in Yucatan, and the
probable determination of the white races there
by the Indians. unless prompt succor be speedily
furnished them by some foreign countries, to
many Of which the government of that State has
applied for relief in this emergency, the Presi-
dent Of the United States sent special message
to Congress on the subject, submitting the whole
matter to the wisdom of that body.
We are aware that this business is not with
out Its embarrassments: but we trust that, after
due consideration, it will be ascertained that
there are no impediments in the way Of our af-
fording tho Yucatanese efficient relief The
only difficulty, we apprehend, will arise out OF
the question whether we have recognised the
independence Of Yuoatan, as one of the
States OF Mexico, in our present war with
that country On the assurance of that re-
VOTED province, at the breaking out of hos
tilities, that she would act q neutral part to-
wards Mexico and the Uaited States, our 60
vernment deemed it advisable not to interfere
with 1t, but to direct its energies in the prosecu-
ton OF the war, to other parts of the republic.
Matters have remained in this state until the
present time, when applications through the Yu-
catan commissioner, and by the government it.
self, to our government, for relief, are lying on
the desk of Mr.. Polk, intimating that the instinct
OF sef-preservaton will compel that State, in
case we refuse aid to it, to apply to the govern
ments of the old world, and offer the same con-
sideration which it offers 10 us for such relief,
viz, the transfer of the sovereignty of the State
AS the doctrine advanced by Mr.. Monroe, that
no European power shall be permitted, with our
consent, to establish any colony or dominion on
any part OF the American continent, will be
infringed upon il Yucatan transfers the sovc
reignty to either Spain or Great Britain,
1t becomes our duty to inquire whether we can,
without reference to the consideration offered
by the Yucatan government, extend helping
hand to that unfortunate people. We recognized
her neutrality to be sure in the war with Mexico
but that was an act of grace merely on our part,
for if We chose we could have invaded her ter
ritory with as much right as we did the other
parts OF Mexico and as we have never formally
or officially recognized her independence, we
can and may assume, that she is to all lntents
and purposes portion of Mexico, and as such
liable to be invaded by our forces, if necessary,
as long as we and Mexico remain in hostile
rect view of the case, we can send an armed
force there, and hold the territory, at least until
peace between the United States and Mexico is
declared, which, according to present appear
ances will not take place for some time. In the
mean time, our succor might be the means of
saving the Yucatanese from determination.
One thing, however, is certain, and that is,
that the United States will not tolerate any TO-
reign nation to receive a transfer of the So
vereignty of Mexico. IF it is to pass out of its
present hands, it must be to the United States.
This power is question which we do not wish
to dwell upon at present. The cause of humani-
ty demands that our Congress should act prompt
ly in this emergency. Without reference to the
question of annexing Yucatan, whether it would
be judlcious to do so, or not, we are disposed to
| think that but little difficulty will be found in
tho way OF our succoring the people of that coun-
try Ii we were not at war with Mexico, the
subject might be looked upon in another light,
but az we are, and have conquered her, annlhi-
lated her armies and left her without the means
OF protecting herself, it would appear only pro-
per that we are bound to extend our protection
to her until the treaty now in that country be
either ratified or rejected.
THEATRICAL AND MusIsAL.-There seems to be
nothing but revolution in these DAYS. During
the last few weeks a very remarka able revolu-
tionary movement has taken place among
fashionable circles in this city, connected with
theatres and the opera. The splendid Italian
Opera, that commenced the recent season with
30 much eclat, and gave indication of perma-
hence and success, has vanished like the base.
less fabric of a vision, leaving immense debts
behind it, depriving poor artists of their con-
tracts, robbing the subscribers each of twenty
nights, and filling the pockets of none but the
wealthy proprietors OF that concern. But while
we have to lament the fall of the Opera, we find
that legitimate theatricals during the last few
weeks, have revived very much in all our prin-
cipal theatres. We allude principally to the
Bowery, Broadway, Chatham, and perhaps
others. During the present week, both the Bow
cry and Broadway theatres have been crowded
with most respectable audiences, and we believe
that all the other theatres have been equally
crammed. The managers of the Bowery have
increased the price of admittance to the old
standard, while, at the same time, they have in
creased the quality of their performances, by an
engagement with some of the first artists, and
the project seems to succeed remarkably WE'LL
The day of cheap and nasty theatricals seems to
be passing away again. 1t has been tried, and
found dirty and disagreeable. The Broadway
theatre is equally crowded with the same highly
respectable style of audiences. In fact, we
should Judge from general appearances, that the
atricals of respectable character, were never
80 prosperous in New York as they have been
during the last few weeks, particularly since the
fall of the Italian Onexa The rema yk ahla mi
management which attended that unhappy con-
Germ, has created nothing but mirth in the COM
munity, and disposed them to return with more
zest than ever to Iegitimat. comedy, English
Opera, and the highest species of farce, forming
altogether the legitimate and classical drama.
This singular change in theatricsls springs partly,