The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-06-05
Our New Mexico Correspondence.


SANTA FE (New Mexico), May l, 1852.
Threatened I,su,Tection fthe Mcricans-7he People
and their Mana cement The Indian Wars-WTtd
Cat IN Chhnahua-Hcad Money-A Premium
for Scolps.
Within tho last few weeks there seems to have
been much apprehension entertained by the Ameri-
portionof this population, of an instruction on
the part Of the Mexican portion. What were the
exact grounds Of this fear am unable to say; but
they could have been by no means insignificant to
judge from the steps which the military thought it
proper to take. There was but one company or
United States troops left in this place. but the COM
handing officer Of the post, Col. Brooks adopted
such wise and judicious means Of defence, in the
event of revolt, as must have rendered it very safe
against almost any number Of assailants.
Everything is quiet once more; but it must DO
confessed with regret that there is but little conf
dence existing between the two races of people,
The Americans are a people so infinitely superior
every way to the Mexicans, that it is difficult for
them to conceal their contempt for thom and it is
not agreeable to the MeXcans to be reminded, even
unintentonally, of their inferiority.
These people were taxed by the Mexican
government neither did they pay any taxes towards
the support OF the government of the depart
ment." The Governors, however, managed in some
indirect way to collect money enough to pay them
selves very handsomely for their valuable services.
III LOT exemption from federal tax
alton, it was understood or stipulated, perhaps,
that the department to bear the expense Of its
defence against the Indians. The taxes were never
collected. and the defence never made. But
this long exemption from direct taxation Of any
kind has caused the people to conceive indescri
bablc horror Of the whole system in any shape. 1t
is on this account that tho Legislature, which has
already convened two or three times since the or
ganization OF the present government, have not
dared to impose tax, save very heavy indirect
one upon the merchants. This having been long
resisted by most off the merchants, oppressive and
unconstitutional, the territorial treasury has been
to the prisoners in the jais. The truth is, but
few days ago, the Governor was obliged to hberatc
every prisoner in the jail of this town for the want
OF the means of feeding them. Neither have We had
any police: and the merchants revolver has been
the only protection his property has had. In this
unhappy state of affairs the military has, believe,
fortunately to the assistance of the civil au-
thoniies learn that the military viii assist in
police duties. and tho commanding Officer will frr-
nish subsistence to the prisoners of the jail. We
greatly hope this new arrangement will afford some
protection to life and property:
The Mexican State Of chihuahua, 1T seems, is
making glorious Roadway against the \ pachcs who
have wagcd a cruel and destructive warfare against
them for the last 10 years; and have, for that
length of time had virtual possession of almost the
entire state. Wild Cat. the great Seminole leader,
Geometry of Florida) has been called III with his
warriors, and also body of runaway negroes. who.
believe, fornely lived With the Indians in Florida
The authorities or citizens Of chihuahua have made
up fund Of $500, 900, and give reward Of 800
per scalp. The consequence Is, am informed, that
some 200 Apaches have already been killed within
the last four months. This system of warfare il
the only one that is practicable to the State Of
Chihuahua in its present impoverished condition,
and COMFORTS with wisdom and humanity much
any Of the systems Of warfare usually followed.
The only difference is, that in this case the money
and killed counted, whereas in Indian wars
generally neither arc counted.