The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-02-18

WAssrseros. Fsh,uar,

WAsaRGTos. February, lssa
Mi. EDIToR: From recent conversation had VIA
some OF the members OF Congress the subject Of NJ.
Mexican affairs hnd that much incorrect infona,io'
has reached here with regard TO matters in that Tero
and especially in relation 10 valuable piece OF poO.
situated in the city OF Santa Fe. and known as the NM
tary Chapel.
This property came into The possession OF the Un.a
States in 1919. when Gen kearny took possession !,
the Territory, and thereafter held by the military Ana
used by them until August last
Governor Calhoun, in his message 10 the terri,o,,
legislature in June last. called the attention OF tina, b
TO the subject OF this property and recommended ia =
lnquishmenl TO the Catholic clergy. la obedience IA
this recommendation, the legislature memoralized Con
gress upon the subject, asking The renq 10 M
Catholic clergy in that Territory OF any right or M,
which the United States really had or might be supuos
TO possess, in the Military Chapel.
Shortly after the departure OF Col Sumner on the Nayo
campaign, Col Brooks being left in command in San
Fe, turned this property TO his honor Judge (
Ton Baker chief justice OF the Territory, taking ,uri
pledge from his honor 10 return the property 10 him Cal
Brooks, the agent of the United States whenev.
lhereunio demanded. Steps were Immediately taken h.
the honorable chief justice to have the ancient buO,
fitted up a courtroom for holding the approaching am
Of The district court Against this desecralion OF the
chapel the Right Reverend Bishop Llmy respectfully and
y to the chapel in the Catholic clergy, and respect
fully asked that the chapel might be permitted to remain
closed until the question OF title determined at Wash
ngton by other proper authority His protest sur
ported by petition numerously signed by Americans
and Mexcans but his honor thought proper 10 paw o
attention to the request and proceeded with the improve
menls for holding the court. Monday morning arrived
the day appointed by proclamation for the opening M
United States district court Crowds were gathering
go .xl,l LaT. Al. Il. !,
iy expressed denunci atoms OF what considered The
sacregous course OF Judge Baker heard from many
others boldly stated that the court would not be allowed
organize in tie chapel. All this too plainly indio
tive OF what the popular feeling on the subject and
should certainly have caused the judge 10 pause and re-
fleet upon the step he about TO take But instead Of
showing disposition to respect the deep el veneGou
of the Catholic community, who had for years worship
ped within the walls OF the sacred edice and beneath
whose soil reposed the bones OF their ancestos-whos
last resting place about TO be thus violaledM
bonor applied 10 the military commandan for the asss
ance of the forces his command 10 sustain him in ID.
occupancy of the church. should their services be need
ed against The excited and threatening populace. Col
Brooks gave encouragement 10 his honor that l
forces his command could be used for any such pu
pose.
The Mexicans summoned grand jurors openly e.
pressed their determination not 10 take the oath reQu
Of them by law within the sacred precincts OF the chapel
that they would suffer any penalty the Judge could nfa
upon them before they would violate in such way The
holy character OF the place. Some Americans who BAD
great influence with the leading Mexcans of the gram
jury prevailed upon them the church. and when
their names were called make formal protest again
taking the oath required Of them within the walls Of h
church This counsel prevailed, and the court duiy
organized in peaceful but sullen silence Only four mem.
bers of the grand jury consented 10 be sworn, aud tn
court was compelled 10 retire 10 the old courtroome
complete the swcarng.in Of the jury and delivering
customary charge.
The evening of that day brought with il convetons
the mind of the Judge that he had taken false step. n
that he would not be able to maintain his position al
supposed, however, from the reputation that Judge
ker brought with him from the States that he woa
gracefully, but in to compor with the dguiJ
OF his high judicial position, retire from the field All
although not abandoning the part OF the United Sar
his right to the church he thought proper yet
spect The peculiar feelings OF the people, aud the ASSUMED
title OF The Catholic clergy until the question Of t
was settled by the proper authority.
This reasonable hope, however. on the par, Of aa
Americans sadly disappointed. The opporiuDg
was too favorable 10 manufuctWe political cap
tai with the Mexican population 10 be overoots
by bis excellency James s. Calhoun, governc d
our Territory. Il but few days previous % b
election Tor delegate 10 Congress. and such capital
especial value IN the opinion OF his excelency pea
was Immediately put IN circulation asking the governs
10 interfere in the matter, which of eourse he consents
10 do for il had doubtless been previously planned
himself and the honorable chief justice.
On Tuesday morning notice circulated among A
Mexcans that at O'Clock OF that day his ereelengh
governor would gipe up the military chapel 10 the Cao
lie clergy
This was more than Bishop Lamy expected bad
asked for He had only requested the chapel be closed
remain until the question OF title settled BY h
proper authority; and what made ii still more strange
direct disregard OF the priten receipt and obgs
ton which the honorable chief justice had gwen, and
placed himself under to Col Brooks to return the woP
erty 10 him as the agent OF the United States.
will no, trouble tho public with full statement d
the solemn farce that took place the delivery Of
church Everything done TO give j, effect in the ga
OF the Mexican population, who in attendance q
great Misunderstanding been brought together by era
ing OF bells and every other kind OF notice.
After reading the journals OF the court for the peyoa
day. at all done in open court) Mr. West the ~
rct attorney, who OF the actors in the FAM
opened the proceedings by address TO the court Ja
Baker, il mus, be understood understands Engiih
this address. being intended for Mexican consumption
was necessary TO have translated into that anguF
This done by short paragraphs The speaker 70
oeeded. The speech concluded by a motion 10 ~ \
court TO surrender" the military chapel to Bishop LsHi
then there ready to receive IT, This motion the hoo'r
bic chief justice sustained and, calling for The padof
and key of the chapel which handed over ion
honor aud by him gracefully swsyed before The admR
eyes OF the Meyicans, he then handed them over lob
sroeiicney the governor, who occupied seal at he's
hand OF his honor. with pockets well filed with mars
script of the part he to act in the farce After n