The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-09-09

Irferesftwg from Merico-Jh Choiera-R Religious
and Political Dsscussiows Presemt Political State
of Msrieo-Ihe 1shwa~tsysc Trsaty-Hs Pro
babe Rejection.
date this letter from the city of the Monte
zumas, but fear that the invaluable commodity
called news will not be found in much abund ance,
or of much importance, in this epistle. There are
no startling events now taking place, or likely TO
happen,in this beautiful city The people here have
arrived at that sublime point of perfection where
they look down upon the ordinary business and
gossip Of either public or private life as beneath
their notice or ambition. "Happy is the nation,"
says Montesquie, "whose annals are dull" Thrice
happy therefore, Ought to be this city of the Azecs
Here duness reigns supreme, and is the only
thing which knew that can be said to have much
command within this republic.
The cholera has been here for some three
months, and in that time has claimed its due pro-
portion OF victims. The authorities resorted to all
sorts OF preventives and remedies, but without OBJ
tanning many beneficial effects At first, vegeta-
blts, fruits, and some kinds Of meat, were prohibit
ediA the markets., until the people were starved
INTO eating unusual and unwholesome food Next,
were seen professions Of monks and nuns bearing
the host and banners, and images and relics, with
enough OF other sacred things paraded through the
Streets the priests were reading prayers, and the
boys swinging censors and scattering holy water
But although the people ran in crowds, kneelng
bare-headed in the hot sun. while suffocatng with
heat, ana Gust, and all kinds of stenches still the
cholera would not abate. The honest clergy then
commenced the sale, at six shillings, of charmed
trnke's, which had been duly sprinkled and con-
secrated; and although they were blessed cheap,
and bought readily, with the money that might
foollshly have been expended on blankets, food or
clothing, still the cholera kept increasing The
governor OF the district thereupon very generously
distributed medicines, as preventves, TO the poor,
who are almost naked, and who sleep on earthen
floors that are lower than the level of the lake.
These preventiyes seemed only to add to the num-
Der of cases The mortality had now become so
great that the sacred host borne along by priests
who were about visiting the bed sides of the dying,
was seen in every street. The ringing of the hand
bell by which it was accompanied, seemed to be
incessant. AT length the authorities ordered this
ringing TO be discontinued, as it spread panic-al-
most dismay-throughout the city. The priests
murmured, and chang ID the tune, by making the
chorster boys sing anthems instead. This also
was forbidden, and the cholera made its sad havoc
in silence.
In the midst of the epidemic, DIR. Marks an
American physician, arrived, who had already be-
come celebrated for his treatment of cholera in
Durango, San Luis Potosi, and elsewhere. The
Governor at first permitted him to practice without
license, and he was remarkably successful The
faculty thereupon complained of the irregularity.
ordering him to present himself before a medical
board Tor examination; and among other things re-
CURING him to be perfect in the Spanish language.
To this item in the making up of Galen or Hippo
crates the DR. demurred, refused to be examined shut
up shop, and gave out that he was stopped by dier
OF the authorizes. This was proceeding not anti
ciPated. To meet this, the faculty circulated the
report that the doctor would only attend cases
where he received fee in advance, OF $500 The
doctor, in answer, published the note Of the Co
vernon, and the papers opened upon his Excellency.
He forthwith wrote 10 the doctor, Withdrawing his
letter, and giving him full permission kill or cure
ad hbrtum, and his success in the latter has been
most gratifying.
The number of cases in this city and valley, ter
minahng fatally, has been vanously estimated
The general belief is, that from 10000 to 20 900
have died OF il (or from i) within the last three
months The epidemic mas now disappeared, and
no more cases are reported; thus, about five per
cent Of the whole population have fallen victims.
The existence of the cholera has had some
effect upon pleasure and religion politics and bu-
siness, in this city. The theatres closed after a
few abortiye ette mpts to keep up appearances.
The opera failed for want of patronage, and the
ballet OF the Monplaisers was not more fortunate.
In religion there has been quite revival; but a
revival only OF criticism, in the papers, on the con-
One of the periodicals. is publishing the history
OF the lnquisltion in Spain, and adding suitable
comments. Another Is no less severe the
priests for selling the blessed trinkets to keep off
the cholera; while the official organ, the Monitor,
IN a long and well written article, demonstrates
that the clergy a curse 10 the country and
asserts that Mexico cannot prosper till they are
put down. This, OF course, includes the contsca-
ton OF their 900 millions of property, and the toe-
ration Of all religious denomina tions so as to en-
courage colonization from abroad.
MS religious discussion, although in appearance
only religious controversy, is in fact, the warfare
between two political parties OF this country The
Monitor is the official organ of General Arista,
Unresai is the ext onent of the monarchsts; while
come hall dozen other dailys take ground accord
ing TO their political predictions. Thus, one side
publishes the history Of the Inquisiion with suit
able comments The Unirosal replies that the
stateme nis are false, especially aboun the Selling
and imprisoning of women in the tribunal, for the
vile purposes Of the inquisiors. To this the Mont
Philips fofbidding such practices in future. Next
issue Is taken about the authority to burn for
hidden books, and the Monitor clearly shows that
no books can be seized or burned IN Mexico. for
not being orthodox. This will be news To our
missionary societies. But | may add that this was
my opinion long before 1 saw the article in the
paler. The blessed trinkets sold by the priests,
az good for the cholera could mo- escape the yigi.
lance Of these keen editors, and the practice was
duly commented upon. The fact could not be de-
ned, and the governor Of the district interposed
TO prevent any further traffic IN this religious com
modify.
But you may ask what advantage is gained by
this controversy Let me explain. The mo-
nsrthisis de sire the overthrow Of the present con-
sttuuon, the crowning Of Spanish prince, the
fall SUPREMACY OF the church, and the restoration
OF the Jesuits 10 Mexico. The order Of Jesus was
compelled 20 leave tins country when expelled from
spain, and the law OF their expulsion seems 10 he
sull IA force, although they were much beloved.
Well, this smiabe party, with such fine pnn-
ciples and sentiments, in the present century are
pleasrd tn cali themselves the conservatives"
Gcd bless then for their modesty,
The opposite party, the modeTadss, are no. in
power, and IN lighting for their political existence
they have manfully TO attack the church az NJ pre-
sent by law established. Hence the war on some
OF lie weak points, and the republcations OF the his
tory 81 the luquiston, the Wandering Jew" sc.
But on the other hand the UHircrsai boldly asserts
that in the niied aies all that Is wanting TO ac-
CELEBRATE the onward stndes TO greatness, aad " to
check socialism," - for the Yankee nation to en-
brace the Roman Catholic religion. One party
desires that things should remain as they are,
"ony little mote 80 y and the other party adyo
Gates this federation Of religion, colonization by