Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-03-30
santa Annai Il Cartnagen.ii,.

I've hear by the last arrivals that Santa
Anha has just left Carthagena and return
ed to Mexico, at the request Of the, sue
cessful revolutionists, 10 take charge Of the
government. -
| II is now about two Years since this sin
eular parsonage Quilted Jamaica for Car
thagena, where be continued TO reside, at
place called Turbaco, near The canal
which unites Carllagcna with the river
Magdalena. Here the banished President
General dwelt with his family, dispensing
an agreeable hospitality TO strangers vent
ing his hatred of our country and country-
men, on all occasions. and enjoying those
favorite pursuits which, in Mexico, were
wont to divide his time with the cares of
government or the command Of the army.
"A late traveller,in New Grenada visited
Santa Auna at Tuibaco, and, in an inter-
esting letter TO the Courier des Eats Unis,
relates some anecdotes Of his way of life.
His style was quiet and uniform, nor did
the presence of guests interfere in the least
with his daily routine. Every morning,
after cup of coffee, the General mounted
his horse and rode for couple Of hours
On bis return he bathcd, and brcakfasted
at ten clock. At noon. precisely, he en-
ters his private cabinet, where he received
all who called on business, and "calculat-
ed interesi so nicely that he might have told
You the productive value Of a shilling for
quarter of an hour" In fact, it is said that
he played the part of an adroit and most
successful money lender.
After these daily tolls were over, the
customary siesta OF the country refreshed
his jaded senses; and then, five times ev-
cry week, the neishboring sportsmen flock
ed to his house with their choicest game
cocks. The pit was Immediately filled
Santa Anna took the seat of honor, to pre-
side over the gladiatorial poultry, and eve
ry main absorbed enormous bets, in which
Santa Anna was commonly loser Of the
dollars he had gained in the morning by
his commercial usury. Yet the patient ex-
lie lost his doubloons apparently with as
much GOODNESS as he had made them.
Before the six o'clock dinner the Gene.
taliindulged again in The luxury Of bath;
and whenever his table was honored by the
presence, of an eminent visiter, he did not
fail, no matter how hot the weather, TO
crafty his personal vanity by appearing at
table ir full military costume. His meal,
were not only sumptuous but luxprious,and
no one seemed to enjoy Them more than
the .fmphytrion himself. At night-cards,
music, wine, smoking and sometimes dan.
cling, filled up the hours until midnight,
when servants appeared to show the stran-
gers TO their apartments, where they might
choose a couch or hammock and sleep
in comfort, beneath mosquito nets, until
day dawn. As soon as the frs! rays of
light appeared, the guest was aroused by
the entrance of servants with fresh fruits
and coffee. to commence day which was
10 be precise counterpart OF IFS predeces-
sor.
This picture Of Santa Annals life, varied
by occasional CLEANS of ambition-which
may now and then be remarked even be-
meath bis impassive cpldaess-exldbits the
predominant characteristics Of this remarks
able man; avarice, gambling, cock-6ght-
ing, vanity and lust of power. These are
strange eleme nts to form the leader and
hope of nation. 1t will no longer be sur
prix:ng that Mexico is as wretched as is,
when such person has had the power,
with few intermissions in thirty years, TO
demoralize the people and TO nse the Gov
ernment with the mingled passions of a
sancster and miser. ~
Yet, with all his badness, Santa Anna is
gifted with a certain political witchcraft
that has always served while 10 lull his
country into quiet, and to give it time 10
recover, IRON the exhaustion of wasted en-:
ergy. This may be the case now. But the
end will be repetition of the past. Since
1S49, Mexico has spbsisted on the money
we paid for California but that is now exT
bausted, and time alone can develope what
other resources will be resorted lo.-Bah.
American.
Thoughts While Sewing.