The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-12-29

IN the execution OF an act for which they have
official sanction Let all such remember that
the penalty will be exacted, sooner or later.
The New EMrInE MFyrco. A telegranhic
despatch from New Orleans. Published in the
HERALD of yesterday morning, communicated
the information that news had been received in
that city. from the capital of Mexico, up to the
18th instant, from which it appeared that Santa
Anna had Issued decree promulgating his &C
ceptance of the supreme dictatorship of the
country for life. We gave exclusively, last
week, literal translation of the act of Qua
dalajara, adopted by conclave of political par
tisans, on the 18th of November last, under the
terms of which Santa Anna is invested with
his new dignity and powers. The only depar-
ture from its provisions is that whereas it pro-
posed to confer on Santa Anna the title of
Captain General Of Mexico he has chosen that
His most Serene Highness." According to
the terms of the act he is to hold power during
his life or pleasure, and at his demise, or other
sooner evacuation Of his high position, is to
have the right of nominating his successor
This consummation Of Santa Annals imperial
projects verifes, substantially, oil that we have
predicted of his policy for many months past
We have known, almost ever since his recall
from Punishment last spring, the design which
lie entertained, and for the accomplish
ment of which he has been gradually
preparing the public mind of Mexico
by renewing various military orders, and
by distributing titles of honor, crosses, and
decorations among his friends. Only in the ex-
traordinary title which he has assumed have our
predictions failed to be fully realized We ex-
pected he would have boldly and ostentatously
donned the imperial purple, had himself pro-
claimed Antonio Primero, and continued the
form Of government initiated by Iturbide.
What could have induced his most Serene
Higness to adopt the title Of German prince
we are utterly at q loss to comprehend except
II may be that, Notwithstanding all his prepare
tory measur 8, he finds that the republican
mind of Mexico is not yet sufficiently Liberal
lied to tolerate an empire 60 nomine, and that
so he compounded for title less repugnant to
popular prejudices.
We cannot find much fault with our old friend
Santa Anna for the steps he has taken Every
one having tolerable appreciation Of the po-
litcal and social condition of Mexico must
recognise it's utter inadaptation to republican
institutions The several States, or Depart
ments as they are now called, have not within
themselves that vitality, that cohesiveness,
those selfsuficient elements Of existence neces-
sary to constitute sovereign and Independent
States, confederated together under one general
government like that of this republic. Hence
the form of government best adapted to
their normal condition, is strong despotic
centralizing one, such as Santa Anna is now in
augurating. In fact, SO palpably does this
absence Of vitality in the respective depart
ments exhibit itself, that the government organ
Of Havana. in somewhat remarkable article
which we publish to-day, suggests to Mexico
the policy Of submitting to the recent flibuster-
ing invasion of its territory, on the ground that
the State of Sonora is Of no vital Importance to
the Mexican nation, and can well he dispensed
with.
We doubt not that Santa Annals coup
d6tat, like that Of Louis Napoleon, would be
sustained, if necessary, by the sufIrages Of the
Mexican people. Inc Deicantiie classes Of th