The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-03-30


1t is satisfactory to perceive that the recent
disturbances on the Rio Grande are regarded in
but one aspect, and that having no reference to
the supposed wishes Of particular localities, or
the predictions purposes of political parties.
The average character of Mexican pronuncia-
,nentos is low enough, whether considered with
reference to their authors or their results; but
their number presents few or none SO utterly
contemplate in all that relates to individual
character and numerical influence as that which
has just been suppressed. Originating in the
cupidity of handful of individuals, irritated
by disappointment in illicit transactions, it had
neither sympathy nor aid from any respectable
portion Of the Mexican people. Fooled in his
original designs, its leader sought to enlist the
sympathies of Americans resident on the from
tier by representing himself as the victim Of
oppression;. and with this assumption as his
starting point, it is not wonderful that he
| should try to dignity his treason with the
name of patriotism, that his daring at
tempt at robbery should be magnifed into the
semblance of rebellion, or that his band Of law
less adventures should plead for license under
the guise of a CELEBRATING army" The appli-
| ances that were brought to bear to give curren-
sy to these perversons may have imposed upon
is reason to apprehend that the majority of those
| who rallied around the standard thus raised
were actuated by no purer motives than those
Of their leader The end of the affair has been
in keeping with its origin. Some peaceable
citizens Of neighboring and friendly power
were murdered in defending their homes against
the attacks Of the marauders, who, however,
proved themselves unable to overcome the OBJ
staces presented by regular forces, and ulti-
mately fed in disorder to seek refuge on the
soil of country whose laws they had wanton-
| ly violated.
Some of our contemporaries. while comment
ing on these proceedings with just severity,
take occasion to impute negligence to the Ad-
minstration, on the ground that American citi-
zens should have been prevented from crossing
the frontier to participate in CARvAJAL's move
ments. A brief explanation will exhibit the
injustice of the complaint.
When the Government was informed of the
position Of affairs on the Rio Grande, orders
were promptly issued to the civil and military
officers stationed in that region to take vigor-
Gus steps to prevent the departure Of any expe-
ditlon from our territory; and the requisite au-
tbority was given by the PRESIDENT to carry
out these instructions. Justice to the officers
concerned requires that we should say that the
orders given to them were faithfully and ener-
getcally carried into effect, to the full exten,
of the means at their disposal. General HAIR
SEY and Captain PHELPS are particularly en-
titled to commondasion in this connection. The
force under their command was certainly insult
ficent TO hinder individuals or struggling par
ties from crossing the Rio Grande into the Mex
lean territory; but our officers labored to com
pensate for paucity of numerical strength by
incessant vigilance, and were thus enabled
efec'ually TO repress every thing like an extern
siye organization, if any such were contem-
plated. The most complete understanding ex
listed between the officers we have named, and
the officers in command Of the Mexican forces;
and General URAGA. during his recent visit to
this city, more than once expressed very cor
dial appreciation of the efficient services rem
dered by our troops.
! 1t is known, unofficialIy that General HAR-
My has succeeded in capturing CARvAJAL.
who has been delivered over to the civil authori-
ties TO be tried for violation Of the neutrality
laws. We hope that this intelligence will be
confirmed, and that this unscrupulous adven-
turer, having escaped the doom Of traitor in his
own country, will, at least, receive in ours the
| the public peace.