The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-01-21
AFFAIRS IN MEXICO.

AFFAIRS In MEXICO.
~~~~~>~-~~>~~~~~~>~~~~
Message of His Exccllency Mariana Arista,
President Of the Republic Of Mexico, Mt the
Opening OF the General Congress, In Ordinary
Session, january I, 1858.
GENTLEMEN OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRE-
It has now become my duty, founded upon the
provisions of the constitution, to address you from
the same place where, with profound religious con-
viction, once strove to maintain it. Such an event
as this may, perhaps, pass by unperceived and I'M
noticed, drowned, as it at present is, by circum
stances absorbing public attention; but when these
will have passed away, and calm, unprecedented atten
ton will be brought to bear upon the acts OF the
manner
Among MS social evils are organic Everything
appears to be contradictory and heterogeneous as
the which now people our territory; and in the
obstinate struggle now going on between progress
and reaction it seems as though no power could he
firmly seated, and as though our only normal situa
ton were state of perpetual anarchy.
From this unhappy condition proceeds in my
opinion the ineficency of which are necessarily
and Unfortunately accused. The remedy OF our
present ills does not lie in sagacios accusations and
barren reproaches; but, on the contrary, in unan
nous, peIsevering, energetic efforts These, and
these only, can get the upper hand OF state OF
things threatening imminently to involve the most
sacred interests Of nations that have honored us all
with their confidence.
Intimately persuaded as | have been, and still am
of these sublime duties, my unwearied efforts have
been directed towards the preservation of the public
peace founded upon the institutions that now govern
us. When began to take part in public affairs the
American flag iOated above this same palace, and the
army, which must be considered as the defender OF
our liberties was reduced to a few deperminated.
dsheartened troops Almost without arms without
any concert in their movements, soldiers had
been denounced as demoalized, and unworthy of
their mission. Our revenue was totally annihilated
Our treasury consisted Of the price Of the territory
had lost; and foreign affairs presaged ruin in
the future while they told of humiliation in the past
Now, although the country is deeply moved by
effects not resting on patriotic feeling, our instt-
decided, hearty efforts will doubtless save them.
Yes this conquest of civilization and progress will
be saved the efforts of the foes of liberty and indie
pendense to the contrary Notwithstanding; Every
in the instructions, and the resistance they have
opposed thereto, have been protest, as it were,
against the endeavors of violence, and also lesson
Tor all nations surprised by the influence Of private
sentiments.
When the army was supposed to be destroyed and
our peace and independence thereby exposed we
have seen more than fourteen thousand men under
rms, with few deplorabie exceptions, disciplined,
brave, aud ready to support that fundamental char
ter which had formerly been presented to them as
opposed to their interests. In the report of the Sec
rotary of that department. you will see how have
endeavored to attend to everything apperaining to
the army, from the number Of the troops to the de-
tails of their clothing, and from the extraordinary
ameoration in their equipments to matters immedi-
cipline.
Our foreign affairs present flattering aspect
The cabinet has devoted much attention to the IA
vorabe termination OF such matters as pending;
and that concerning the communication of the
oceans-a question whose solution is expected with
anxiety by the mercantile, and, it may be- political
interests OF the world-w doubtless terminated by
your two bodies, give to the world solution worthy
Of the country.
The duties and labors of the Department OF JUS
tice are OF unusually great importance. The impor
tant objects within its sphere public instruc
ton and morality intercourse with the clergy i'm
provements in the prisons-have made extraordi-
nary steps, and propositions shortly to cmanate
from the. Secretary of the Department, certainly
worthy of your attention.
The question which more than any other has at
tracted attention is that OF the INTERIOR which has
resumed in itself, and given birth to, all our other
difficulties and troubles.
During the period of extraordinary sessions which
has just passed, after Congress had been installed
three days the executive explained all the steps it
had taken, urgently requested that explanations
might be asked, and presented diminished de-
system of economy This last, if brought into effect,
would convert the ordinary deficiency in the revenue
to the short sum Of two millions of dollars
To meet the exgencies of the present, loan was
proposed and as guarantee general contribution
angmenting the direct imposts throughout the re-
public This considered by the administration
aresource which if not sufficient, would at least have
been OF some utility These suggestions did not, how
The government received general authorization
to negotiate loan of six hundred thousand dollars,
and this authorization was returned to the houses,
not barren, but because its realization was not
compatible with the principles of the cabinet.
The revolutions have rendered the life OF our trea>
sury still more prccari0us and you will not, gentle
men, hear that any act Of extOrtion has been COM
mitted, either with persons or classes. In aword, ),
We have acted in manner not unworthy OF your CON-
fdence. You yourselves have very many times eX-
pressed your satisfaction on this point.
Every time that the hopes Of the government have
been frustrated it has returned to you az the foun
tan-head Of its authority and the arbter Of the
fortunes Of the country. Now that the confagraton
of the republic is malciousy exaggerated, sufficient
resources would in brief period Of time, remedy the
evil To apply these is the duty Of the executive; TO-
censure it for not doing more is to blame it for not
walking when its limbs are firmly bound.
Although the hours Of the day and nitrht do not
suffice to crown the efforts Of those who fight and
shed their blood for the institutions which we all
swear TO defend and cause to be defended the minis
try will, before two weeks submit propositions de.
signed to resolve internal difficulties Of the highest
importance.
Inc foregoing expose Of the labors Of the eyecu.
i've appears Mt present to lie desired by the situation
OF the country. We see the social body in the CON
Vulsions OF social war, and it is not proper under
such auspices, To judge OF men and of things
Representatives of the nation, the men holdpo tbe.
reins OF power are nothing when compared TO the
country at large. Interpret its sovereign win The
decision coming from the law shall be tbe first IN
uphold, even as | have ever been with the nfmost
constancy and energy the first 90 reprcss rebellion.
and may Providence save, by means of vou p' ~
country need by Hidalgo and lturbide.
United States District Court
Before Hon. Judge Belts
-, JAN. ia few returns Of process were made
no Iulr It,,II.