Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-06-29
THE POPULATION OF NEW MEXICO.

.r....t WASHINGTON, JUNE ~, $780,
Editors Of the National Iateligencer.
GENTLEMEN: desire to correct the mistakes
which some honorable gentlemen have made in re-
gard to the number and character of the inhabt-
ants of New Mexico. The number has been va
rously stated in the Congressional debates at from
ten to seventy thousand and generally one half,
and sometimes all of them, are said to be In
dams. This is great error we have popula-
ton of at least ninety thousand, Of whom from ten
to twelve thousand only are Pueblo Indians, and we
do not estimate in our population any other kind Of
Indians except the Pueblos. They are quiet inof-
fensive, honest, and industrious people; they own
the best farming lands in the Territory, and are en-
gagged entirely in agricultural pursuits and, as tax
paving Indians, would be entitled to the privileges
Of citizens, and of the elective franchise in Texas
The census taken in New Mexico the year be-
fore the entrance of General Kearny into that Ter
ritory, showed the population to be one hundred
thousand, and two or three hundred over. This may
not have been taken with great accuracy, but the
best informed persons, and those who have lived
there longest, agree with me that we have not less
than ninety thousand DR.. Wislizenus, who is
generally correct in his accounts of travel, and who
is relied upon good authority, in his statistics OF
that country, is certainly mistaken in saying that
ten-twentieths, or one half of the population are
tied parts of that country two or three times year
for the last three years, and know that not fifth
or even one sixth, are Indians. In the same mar
rative of DR.. Wislizenus, he says, in another
place, speaking of those Pueblo Indians, (" They
live always isolated in their villages, cultivate the
soil, and raise some stock, and are generally poor
frugal, and sober Their different tribes, of which
about twenty yet exist, are reduced to about ten
thousand souls" a, @*@4 5..sei
There are in New Mexico from twelve to fifteen
hundred resident American voters, emigrants from
the different States principally from the State Of
Missouri the rest of the population are Mexcans
and Spaniards.
The people of that Territory will be surprised 10
hear that they are considered clamorous for their
rights and still more surprised to hear that they have
no rights They have been taught to believe that all
citizens of the United States, being within its uris
dicton, have rights and that their rights are qua.
rantied to them by the constitution and treaty OF
cesson they have asked no greater rights, they
expect no less.
We make no potential demand " for any par
tcular extent Of territory. While we believe that
Texas has no right or just claim to what was New
Mexico, we know that Congress can give it entire
ly to her on both banks Of the Rio Grande, and il
Congress were to do so, have no doubt the peo-
pie would quietly and peaceably submit. But un-
til Congress so enacts, we must be permitted to
have our opinions about the proprety fits doing so
and shall certainly take the liberty Of expressing
my own whenever Ldeem it proper.
agree that it is for Congress to shape the des
tiny Of future States,'' and we will submit to what
ever destiny Congress may shape for us. Blu
while this destiny is being shaped, and Senators
Members Of Congress, and ex-members, and all
others residing here, are advising the people there
what to do, l. who have been selected by them as
their delegate, though still self accredited" will
continue 10 give them my opinion of what course
they should pursue. c
As for the adventurous politi ians who are ac
cused of clamoring for the rights Of the people Il
subserve their own ends, believe that we have al
few political aspirants i'll that country as in an,
other. We asked for Territorial Government, un
der which all the officers would be appointed here
and we have applied for no Offices. FIVE had de
sired political preferment, we would either hav
a Joined ourselves to Texas, or have formed sepa
rate State Government in the first instance. AS
will perhapsbe satisfaction to some gentlemen, wh
seem disturbed about my clamors will remark tina
have some time since declined being candidate O
being selected for any office whatever, under anv kim
of Government that the people of New Mexico ma
make for themselves, or that Congress NAV her
make for them. But so long as l am here the de
legate from New Mexico, will use all nv exer
tons 10 secure the people of that Territory all hei
rights and protect them from all aggressions, bein
perfectly Indifferent TO the sneers taunts or threat
with which any Southern gentlemen may choose i
amuse themselves.
HUGH n. SMITH.