The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-10-11

OUR MEXICAN RELArIoNs-TRoUELEW WITH tn 1T
REpUbLIc.-So Some time since We referred to the
seizure of the schooner Helen Mar, by the Mexi-
can authorities at Vera Cruz, as given in the New
Orleans papers at that time; but within the lastfew
days the particular facts and circumstances Of the
case have come to our knowledge, and we cannot
refrain from expressing indignation at the course
Of the Mexican government, and the neglect Of our
Indeed, it has become notorious that our citi
abroad the least cared for of all others; and
it is beginning to be pretty well understood thing
that Americana, except der the immediate shadow
Of the stars and stripes (where, thank God, they
can take Of themselve), are left to guard their
rights and interests entirely for even if dplo-
matte or commercial agency does exist in q TO-
reign port, the functonary is either absent some
business of his owB or such stupid individual that
be thinks of nobody but himself. On the continent
of Europe, for instance, we hear of American citi-
being unable to get without retracing
their steps to London, where the minister, fortu-
nately, finds enough to amuse him at his post. In
Mexico on the other hand there has been diplo-
matte agent for nearly yeas 49, and even in
Vera Cruz (almest the only 011fA our vessels
are admitted), the Consul no o10diy absented
himself. The consequence Of al ~ neglect Of duty
is manifest, and the Helen Mar is a in point.
This vessel, it appears, arrived from Brazos in
May last, ut Vera Cruz, where the United States
Consul recommended the Captain to a merchant to
despatch his business, which business consisted in
obtaining a clearance, paying port charges, &c.
Receiving all the ssary papers-at least all that
had been previously required of any vessel under
similar circumstances-Capt. Selkirk signifed his
intention at the custom house to sail for Co
atzacoalcos, and the next day departed, arriv-
ing at his destination on the 10Th Of May,
where be delivered his papers to the Mexi-
can authorities, who did not question the
validity Of his clearance On the 18th, however,
the schooner was violently taken possession of by
a party Of armed soldiers, and upon the captain
demonstrating, be informed that the act was in
obedience to order from the Commanding Gene
raj at Jaapa-the custom. house officers at the
time saying that they knew nothing of the cau'e,
and that the We ssel had been cleared from Vera
Cruz in the same manner as the American schooner
Benito had been, a short time previous. After a
detention Of three weeks at Minattl m, the vessel
was shsmefuly stripped and despoiled, and finally
carried Of 10 Vera Cruz. To these measures Cap
tain SekIk demonstrated, and was told that him
self and bis crew must 90 there also, where the
vessel would doubt be delivered up TO him again;
but, unwilling to be driven on board like prison.
or, or 10 trust himself to a body Of half ,yilzed
soldiers at sea- the Captain declined to accompany
the vessel; whereupon security exaoted for his
appearance at Vera Cruz, to which place he was
compelled TO travel, over a rough and rugged coun
Try, st his own expense, for eight leagues. Ga his
arrival, he found tina; the Helen Mar had reached
there some days previous, under Mexican colors,
and bringing several passengers.
Alter suffering a delay Of six weeks in Vera
Cruz, during which both himself and crew we're at
tackled with fever, trial was had /; and, although
the merchant who cleared the vessel testified to his
having pursued the sane course with the Helen
Mar as with the Bonito-sgainst which no ,harge
Of infringement had been brought--and although
the Judge expressed himself satisfied that Captain
Selkirk had acted in good iath tho decision never
theless was, that the schooner could only be given
up on payment Of fine Of $500, together with all
the COSTS fees, expenses, &C. which, after ell the
vessel had suffered from pillaye, exposure and bad
treatment, was more than her value. Under these
circumstances there being no minister at Mexico,
and 10 Consul then at Vera CruE-Capsin Selkirl
declined the liberal offer Of the Mexican authOri-
ties and LEFT for the United States seek redress
ct home but, so far, he has obtained no sAtiaa,-
ton, and the probability Is, he will, anle IS
the State Department Keep ministers and consuis
In their places, and attend TO matters which really
have claim 70 the protection Of the govern nent
Captain selkirk is al honest hard Forkiug sea-
man, who has toed through many vicissi:odes to
gather the little that has been 50 rudey ard 20
hstly wrested rom him, and his claim demands
immediate sction. We hope something will be
done at once.