The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1852-12-31
THE SONORA QUESTION.

The seizure of the territory of Sonora by
a band Of French adventures, with the al
legged view Of ats annexation TO France" is
creating q sensation in some parts of our
country. Several of the leading prints at
tach much importance TO the movement,
while others regard it as nothing more than
one of those outbreaks with which the diff
ferent departments of Mexico hre periodical
ly afflicted. The latter are probably correct,
as we have altogether too high an opinion Of
the wisdom and sagaeity of the French En-
peror, whatever may be said of his ambition
for colonial conquest, to believe that he
would favor any scheme likely to bring him
in conflict with the American government
He has frequently been spoken of MS luna
tic, or fool, but his career thus far proves
him to be any thing else. He is doubtless
fully apprised that the popular sentiment in
this country would not tolerate the estab-
Iishment of any more colonial depencies in
our neighborhood by any European power,
and will not be likely to give countenance or
aid to any such quixotic experiments.
That our readers may know something of
this Sonora movement, and the importance
attached to it in some quarters, we copy
the following extract from an article on the
subject, that recently appeared in the Char
lesion Evening News After referring to the
policy advocated by the French press and
the seizure of Sonora by band Of adven-
turers under Count Rouasset de Boulbon,
the writer continues:
Let us trace the history of this affair. In
the year 1850, among the vast variety of the
human race who crowded to the shores of
California were number of French miners
Some difficulties, however, occurring be-
tween them and the American settlers, they
proceeded, at the invitation Of the govern
mcnt, to Sonora, where they obtained large
grant of land, in consideration of protecting
the imbccile Mexican and half-breed popula-
ton from the incursions Of the neighbOring
Indian tribes. To this grant they had affixed
proviso that no American citizen should
enjoy the privileges of the colony.
They do not appear to have succeeded well,
owing principally TO dissensions among them
selves, and their having taken possession of
mines which had been previously worked, and
therefore, in which the first proprietors had
the right of ownership.
These were soon afterwards joined by
another colony of 500, who, from mismanage-
ment, did not fare much better than their
predecessors.
A third company of $50 men, thoroughly
disciplined and equipped, "was soon formed
under an officer of some distinction" Count
de Raousset de Boulbon.
This company, with the aid of the scatter
cd members of the two first expeditions, has
taken possession of the territory, and, on
some alleged pretext, arrayed themselves
against and defeated the Mexican forces under
the command Of General Blanco, and declared
the province formal annexed to France.
Snch is the stirring intelligence.
The Mexican government, torn with intes-
tine discussions, bankrupt in its finances, and
inhabited by miserable population, will
scarce be able to effect anything against this
determined band of invaders. Jealous of the
increasing power of this government, they
may consent to that possession, which they
can hardly prevent.
If this band will be able to maintain :. ss
own, and their appeal to the hstectiah
France is recognized, our affairs on the Pa
cifc will present serious aspect. Mexico
will be unable to resist.
The United States are pledged to oppose.
This Sonora territory lies at the southern ex-
tremity Of California, and though but sparse.
" inhabited, is rich in its mines Of gold, silver
and iron. 1t is directly contiguous to our
Pacific State.
Our policy, institutions, and very existence
demands that no European power shall ever
plant colony on this continent-least of al
the government of nm ambitious and unscru'
pulous usurpcr. We wait for the end.