Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1848-05-18

white and mixed inhabitants of Yucatan--in a true
light
How ever present to the mind of Mr.. CALHOUN
engrossing ell its faculties, and literally consuming
Its energies-is the topic Of slavery 1t is literally
the ''be ALL and end ALI of his public acts. Every
question must be judged by il, and every movement Of
the great masses Of mankind-of states of nations
that points to the freedom of the people, is looked
upon with an eye Of suspicion and Jealousy. And
while this champion of slavery, political institu-
ton thus watches, and guides and directs It, those of
other sections who do desire witness its extern
sion, are termed, whenever they manifest their opn-
ions. agitators of the public peace and tranquility.
When the message of the President, in regard to
the position of Yucatan, read in the Senate, Mr.
CALHOUN took occasion, upon the question OF It's ref
erence, 10 ayow his opposition to its suggestions; and
clearly indicated that his prompted by his
views upon his own special topic Had the proPriety
Of giving aid been based exclusively the question
of humanity he would have been disposed to go very
far. But there were suggestions In the message, with
which he did not concur and the tendency of which
to lead Us to dangerous results. he pointed out
the sufferings which had fallen on Yucatan, as the
unavoidable consequence of elevatng race. closely
allied to the class of slaves to equality of rights
and privileges with the white The result is
that they turning upon and numbering their bene-
factors.
If the experiment, in Yucatan Of endeavoring to
civze the Indian has failed in producing It's ex-
pected and desired consequence cannot see In that
to Overrun the country, and extermlnate the white
1t would be exceedingly cold and selfish
policy TO say TO that, or any other people, you have
extended your philanthropy and practical freedom too
far and the consequences, unto humiliation, be
upon your own heads. Such may be the policy Of
Mr.. CALHOUN, dictated, by the promptings of his
heart, but the teachings of the peculiar institution
that he represents but it is not that of the people
at large.
MIR. CALHOUN, in this matter, has allowed his fears
to outrun his judgment. He has manifested that
southern opposition TO extending any aid to suffer-
ing peope,-which he takes the first occasion to shape
to the desired end lis based upon the idea of slavery
alone. He can have fears that even if dominion
and sovereignty of the State of Yucatan should be
acquired, either temporarily permanently, that any
race other than our own would be permitted under
our long established policy, TO WELD It's government,
mould its institutions The actual trouble is, that
negro slavery does exist there now, and
exist, under the 'dominion and SOVEREIGNTY OF any
nation. Were this fact reversed, Mr.. CALHoUNs
sympahies would be free and active those Of
any other statesman In the land, and he would have
few objections to the temporary permanent acquls
ton of the country. Some of the Washington letter
writers have charged upon the administration that it
was governed by this same policy in protracting
notice OF Mr.. SIERRA's application. We have pa
ently awaited the official refuation of these charges
We felt assured that it would come, in the action of
the Executive,-and equally confident that Mr..
COBB is correct in his statement that the documents
when published will fully explain and Justify the de-
lay that has occurred. The President has given, in
his message the true for extending any aid in
power to this unfortunate people; and indicates
the correct policy Of government touching the in
reference of other nations upon this continent.
While we sustain these reasons and justify this poll
cy, the matter of slavery has not entered, and does
not now form any part OF our motives. We rather
regret that it has been introduced, and promises to
form, either wholly partially, the ground of action
upon the part of others. In this instance at least
the agitation does not come from those who are
tinually charged with producing it;-and while we
deprecate Its interference with this topic, those who
thus thrust it in will have little claim to sympathy, if
they find themselves losers by the operation.
And while the wings in Congress are generally OPP
posing any relief to this distressed people, which, by
the-bye, can be made help and relief to our own
army in the field, rejoice 10 wing edi-
tor who ddres to speak periodically, and in tone
which will be responded to by the American Nation.
We allude to the New York Courier & Enquirer,
from which we copy the following comments and let
ter. AS specimen of the atrocities committed and
the necessity of the case, refer to our papers of
May 10, and Is.
From the NesD York Courier and Enquirer.
We entreat of all good men in Congress to act
promptly and efficiently in behalf of the suffering
victims of savage vengeance. Heed not the cold
booded cowardy counses of those who are ever pre-
tending to be better than their neghbors, but who
the hour of trial. are always found wanting; and do
let the interested and selfish advice of men who
look only to the political aspect of question: stay
the hand of mercy raised defence of suffering hu-
mainly. Two thousand men sent by our government,
In compliance with the prayer of the suffering Yucca
tecoes will be all the aid required and the of
the defenceless mothers and helpless children of Yu-
catan will be richly merited by those who will not
in this their hour Of suffering extend them the aid
necessary TO save them from determination.
New YoRK, May l, 1S4S.
SIR; Although stranger to you, trust you will excuse
my waving all ceremony addressing you a subject Of
painful interest and which chairman Of
mee Foreign Relations, attention is at this time
especially directed.
= just arrived from Yucatsn, the
public papers the message of the President Of United
States communicated the Senate the 29h ultimo
Douncng the dreadful situation Of the white inhabitants Of
fucatan; which accompanied by communities
tOns from the government of the latter country
the depoabe condition TO which they had been reduced by
the than crueles TO which they necessarily
exposed.
am of course unaware of the details of the representa-
tons that have been made government
ject but beg respectfully represent 10 you that
know myself, from painful observation that no
guage possibly ezdggerate depict the desper
ate condition TO which the Inhabitants reduced,
threatening actual determination of the white and mike
unless the most speedy assistance by
foreign power large majority Of the interior towns viii
lagos and plantations already in the possession Of
and their inhabitants either bucheed
their lives TO the seac0ast
The Indians spare neither age, SEX condition butcher
ing with the spirit of demons helpless infants and
adults, adding the horrors Of death the exquisite
fnements Of cruelty with the most infamous oulrsges il ia
possible to imagine.
left Sisa the port of Merida on the 9th utmo and al
though il is village containing few hundred inhah