Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-06-26
a SEE FIRST PAGE.
POPULATION OF NEW MEXICO.

w. SEE FIRST PAGE.
POPULATION OF NEW MEXICO.
We insert the subioned communication from
Mr.. HUGH NJ Smith, the delegate elected by the
people of New Mexico to obtain for them Eerrl-
torial government, having published yesterday the
statements made in the Senate concerning the po-
pulation of that Territory, the correctness OF
which he Denies We think it probable that DIR.
Wislizenus is better authority than Mr.. Smith IN
regard to the number of the Pueblo Indian popu-
lation, for our impression is, that Mr. Smith Is no
regular citizen of New Mexico, and, like the
Doctor, visited the country in company with one
of our expedtonary corps, whilst ne has an EVIL
dent, and not unnatural, bias for giving the claim
of his constituents all possible weight. MIR. Smith
has Justice on bis side in defending them against
the charge of clamourng for their rights. Built
must be remembered that in his own person, he
affords the strongest argument against their new
and involuntary demand for admission into the
Union. The question, of State or Territorial gov
ernment was fully canvassed amongst them, when
It. COL Beall, the acting Governor, called the
Convention. which met at Santa Fe on the 24th
ton were the leaders in favour of a Territorial
government, and Major Weightman and Mr.. Ang-
new for State. The delegates to the Convention
were chosen with reference to this issue. When
they came to decide the question, sirteen delegates
voted for the Territorial form, and only three for
the State. Mr. Smith was elected by the Con-
vention over Major Weightman, by fifteen to
four
Now, because Congress has not chosen thus far
to give these people the kind of government they
desire, does that afford any just reason why it
should not vet be done? Above ALL what excuse
has the Cabinet for insisting upon its policy OF
making New Mexico aState after it has deliberate
Nv declared its preference for the Territorial form?
The new application, soon to be made under Col.
Monroe's auspices, ought to be considered as hav-
inc been extorted under duress, and Congress
should proceed to perform its duty in conformity
with the real wishes of the people, and with all es-
tablished precedent.
WASHINGTON, June %, 1850
Editors of The National Intelligencer.
GENTLEMEN: Idesire to correct the mistakes which
some honorable gentlemen have made in regard to the
number and character of the inhabitants of New Next
CO. The number has been varouSy stated in the Con.
greSOnal debates at from ten 10 seventy tOuSaiu anu
generally halt, and sometimes all OF them, are said
to be Indians This is great error; we have popu-
lation OF at least ninety thousand OF whom from ten to
twelve thousand only are Pueblo Indians ana we 90
except the Pueblos They quiet, inofensve, ho-
nest and industrious people they own the best farm
ing lands the Territory, and are engaged entirely in
agricultural pursuits and, as tax-payng Indians, would
be entitled to the privileges OF citizens and OF the cleo
tive franchise in Texas.
The census taken in New Mexico the year before the
entrance of General Keaney into that Territory showed
the population to be hundred thousand, and two
three hundred over. This may not have been taken
with great accuracy but the best informed PERSONS and
those who nave lived there longest, agree with me that
we have not less than ninety thousand. DIR. Wisze-
nus who generally correct in his account OF travel,
and who is relied upon as good authority IN his status
tics of that country is certainly mistaken r saying that
ten-twentiehs one half OF the population, are Pue-
bio Indians have travelled through the settled parts
Of that country three times year for the last
three years, and know that not fifth, or even one
sixth Indians. In the same narrative OF Dr. WISH
zenus he saysin another place, speaking OF those Pue-
bio Indians "hey live always isolated in their villages,
ccultivate the SOIL and raise stock and gene
rally poor, frugal and SOBER Their different tribes OF
which about twenty yet exist are reduced to about ten
thousand souls"
There are in New Mexico from twelve to fifteen hun
bred resident American voters, emgants from the dit
erent States, principally from the State of Missouri;
the rest OF the population Mexcans and Spaniards.
The people OF that Territory will be surprised to hear
that they considered camorous for their rights, and
still more surprised hear that they have no rights
lhey nave been 10 DelleVe all CllZens Vi
the United States, being within It's jurisdiction, nave
rights and that their rights guaranteed to them by the
constitution and treaty OF cesson; they have asked ne
greater rights they expect no less.
We make no potential demand" for any particular
extent of territory. While we believe that Texas has
no right or Just claim to what was New Mexico, we
know that CONGRESS give it entirely to her on both
banks the Rio Grande, Congress were to do
have no doubt the people would quietly and peaceaby
submit But until Congress so enacts, we must be
permitted have opinions about the propriey of its
doing so, and shall certainly take the liberty OF express
sing my own whenever l deem it proper
agree that "t is fer Congress shape the destiny
of future States" and we will submit to whatever des
tiny Congress may shape for But while this detiny
is being shaped, and Senators, Members of Congress
and members, and all others residing here, adv
sing the people there what to do, L, who have been
selected by them their delegate though still self
accredited" will continue to give them my opinion OF
what course they should pursue.
AS for the adventurous politicians who accused
of camorng for the rights of the people subserve
their ends, believe that we have few political
asplrants in that country in any other We asked
tor Territorial Government under which all the Of
ticers would be appointed here, and we have applied
Tor no officers 1t we had desired political prefement,
would either have joined ourselves TO Texas or
have formed separate State Government in the first
instance. AS 1t will perhaps be a satisfaction to some
gentlemen, who disturbed about nv camors will
remark that have ST lie time since declined being
candidate or being selected for any office whatever
under any kind OF Government that the people OF New
Mexico may make for themselves, or that Congress
NAV here make for them But so long as | am here
the delegate from New Mexico ! will use all my ex-
ertons to secure the people OF that Territory all their
rights and protect them from all aggressons, being per-
fectly indifferent the sneers, auns, or threats with
which any Southern gentlemen may choose to amuse
themselves. HUGH N. SMITH.
FROM FLORIDA
TT g transnort steamer Fla ashton arrived at New