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


the Rogers As "the beau, the bard, the.banker %
One must now be careful how he trims his person
or his paragraphs II IL most remarkable that
while his countrymen are dissatisfied with his
appointment, but cannot give an Ineligible "why
or wherefore" he finds favor with the Americans,
who advocate his selection and declare that il is
an indication OF improvement in the future. Some
OF the papers, in their spleen, call hiri Paynto,
which very much resembles some of our eight by
ten weeklies, printing mans name in small type.
Payne has been for long time chairman of the COM
mittee Of finance, public debt, &c. in the Deputies
and is well versedin all that pertains TO the treasury
He has travelled in the United States, understands
our institutions, and admires them. He was the
principal contributor To the Mexican history of the
war with our country. The first chapter was writ
ten by him, well all the subsequent parts that
comprise the political portion of that clever work.
which is now translated into our language.
The cabinet is now composed of Gen. Herrera,
as President OF he Republic; Lacunza, Minister
OF Relations and of the Interior; Gen. Arista,
Minister of War and Marine Payne, Minister of
President is good old soul, with some revolution
airy renown, proverbial for his honesty, (" and no.
thing else" He is SO decidedly honest that he is
Sa for gao% as out Of the
the only public man who is not abused, except
indirectly, IN the government paper, and privately
by all the members of his cabinet. He seems TO
have nothing to do but attend TO his beautiful flower
garden at Tacubaya, and furthermore, his cabinet
say he will let them do nothing. With Lacunza
the case is different: he promises everything to
everybody, and you would suppose he would
perform wonders but he never gets beyond the
promising state. He is an admirable example of
DR.. Johnson,s definition, in his dictionary, of an
ambassador who lies enough for whole
nation"
Gen. Arista is looked upon as not only the head
of the cabinet, but of the whole nation. His posi-
ton is peculiar and embarrassing. He knows what
ought to be done, and how to dc it, but he cannot
prevail on Congress TO act, or the Executive to as
sumo the responsibility He is censured for things
which he disapproves, and he is blamed for not
performing what is beyond his power, although not
beyond his wishes. He cannot resign, as that
would place his enemies in the ascendant and his
life in jeopardy; nor can he hold his official sta
ton without great risk to his popularity. While
he is full of life and energy, the cabinet is accused
of being torpid and imbece; and while he would
wish action, he is allied to a chief who courts
only repose. In this unfortunate position he has to
suppress insurrectons, to retain his friends, and
sustain his popularity, which at this time is
greater than that of any other mans in Mexico
The candidates for the Presidency are numerous,
and all of them have hopes. What has increased
the list is the fact that some of the papers have
nominated two candidates at the same time.
Thus, the Monitor has nominated, or "postu.
lated" Arista and Rosa. and still sticks to
the nominations. | have no doubt this was
to get them to "come ever" to Arista. Ii is
said that Rosa has some popularity in the country,
but here have never heard any one speak favora-
bly, Of his talents or accomplishments; but Bur
ton would say, "quite contrary the reverse" Some
time ago, asked witty lady, when talking of the
Mexican Minister at Washington, if Rosa spoke
EDglishl Her answer was, mo, senior, nj Espa-
Mol" Rosa is of Indian extraction, and is disked
by the Spanish blood.
1 see that my French neighbor, the editor of the
Trait d Union, remarks that public opinion seems
10 be divided between Gems. Arsta, Almonte, and
Rosa. The TRAIT is very good authority on all
subjects, and suppose from this he views Almonte
as the candidate Of the monarchists. Possibly the
fact is so, for Amonte will join any party and be-
tray any party, at the shortest notice. Restless,
intriguing, cunning, plausible, and with some de-
gree of learning, he is not deficient in address and
In ability 10 insnuate himself into the good graces
any thing But if were required TO point out a
man whom all parties distrused as ga crooked
stick" should undoubtedly turn my -digital to-
wards General Almonte. He bears an excellent
reputation in the United States for his diplomacy
while Minister, and for his writings; for all Mexi-
cans write like angels, or like women talk. But
in this country 1t has always seemed to me any
party would as soon trust Camanche as Almon:e
However, the monarchists know what they are
doing. Possibly they are using him TO get up a
ropunciomento, as that is the only way ROW left
for defeating Arista. ..
The prevalent opinion seems to be in this city,
that the Tehuanepec treaty will be rejected by the
Mexican Congress. The reasons assigned by the
Mexican press and the persons of influence, appear
TO me TO be extremely silly but, believe they
will act silly they talk, and The treaty will be
rejected almost unanimously. Every one seems 10
be aiming blow at IL, on the principle OF that little
song which begins with, " Hit him again, he's got
friends"
The history of this Tehusntepec route is not
well understood in the United States la the time
Of Cortez IL was explored, and after him, others,
less enterprizDg, turned their attention TO cutting
canal or making road across the lsthmus. But
one after another gave il up-not as is supposed,
from want OF energy, or information, or money, or
means. Everything was well known then as
now about the route, and some things more, per-
haps, than has lately appeared in print The Spa
nish government was wealthy at the time, en-
terprsing, intelligent, and had, moreover, deep
an NAL M oai In heir
wealthy spice islands ia India, as we have To
make short cut 10 California. But the King of
Spain, or rather the Council of the Indies, aban-
doned the idea Of making this isthmus the route
between the seas. Instead OF doing so, they
made far more expensive and longer roads across
the continent at other places The Council of the
who had served in public office ia America, aud
were well acquainted personally with American
subjects. For their energy, public spirit and Ia
Tents they were promoted to this council-so say
u the Siansb American historians
in 1911, Don Lucas Aamln broached again
the subject OF this route, in the Spanish Cores.
But Alamsn was then young man, from
Guadalsxara, who knew nothing Of the toPo-
dropped. Finally, while Santa Anna was dictator
of Mexico, he made grant Of this route TO Garay,
who was innocent Of all knowledge Of the value Of
his splendid present lie sent engineers to examine
il, who fret Of all broke their instruments, and at.
ter some superficial examination broke do vn them
selves from the excessive healthiness," I" salu-
bny," aud sand flies Of the country. Garay thought
the matter over, and found his bargain promising
that he gave portion Of his giant, cheap, 10
some other persons. And they in turn sold
out cheap to the present holders Of the grant.
la the meantime, Santa Anna was overthrow,
the grant procain med illegal, unconstitutional,
null and void The courts Of justice refused To
cofnile u. Each successive administration dii the
same. Negotiations were set on foot ia the United
States to obtain the privilege fer government.
During the war, Mr. Tnst proposed TO purchase the
right OF way but Santa Anna happened at that
time TO be again in power, and Mr.. Trist was in
termed that the grant I'd been made TO Girsy.
MIR. Ttist shut ~ his portfolio; our cannon opened
upon Mexico; Santa Anna AXIS, rides, or runs OIL,
and the new government denounce him and his
grant the same ever. Mr. Trst again proposes
all shout Tahuaniepec. California now became
a treaty and makes one. in which he forgets