Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-03-22
SANTA ANNA.

Gen. Santa Anna had left Carthagena, in New
Granada, near which place he has resided for the
last two years, and was on his way to Vera Cruz.
1t seems that the revolution in his favor has been
completely successful, and that his countrymen
are prepared to receive him with open arms
Inc Ex-Dictator's restoration to power will no
doubt put an end for the present to the confusion,
disorder and anarchy that now prevail in Mexico
but it is idle to expect that any permanent good
will follow, or that his single arm can long up
hold the fortunes of a sinking State. 1t may
we'll be doubted whether any human power can
much longer preserve the nationality of Mexico,
but even though the task were possible. Santa
Anna is not the man to accomplish it, He is no
reformer. The history of his past career furnish
es ample proof that personal ambition is the ru-
ling passion Of his nature, and that he covets
power solely for the qualification of his own vani
ty and selfish appetites. Itwould seem that the
political and social regeneration of his country
was thing never dreamed of in his philosophy.
and it would be difficult to name single act of
his public life looking to any higher end than his
own aggrandisement. For the last thirty years
he has played conspicuous part in Mexican
politics, and on several occasions has been called
to the helm of State and invested with absolute
authority. No man ever commanded the conf
dence and admiration of the Mexican people in
so eminent degree as Santa Anna, and no man
could have asked better opportunities than he has
enjoyed OF reforming their political system and
of making the nation respectable. But he never
attempted any thing of the kind. He was al
vxuu Lot I
them when he did not make them worse. Whe-
Their as President as Dictator, his measures
were directed not to wholesome reform in the
public service or to the improvement and elevation
OF the popular masses. but the consolidation of
his own power and the execution of his own am
bilious schemes.
This is the judgment of all impartial and disin.
and it would be unreasonable to expect anything
better Of him in future. If he has grown any
wiser or more patriotic in his old age and exile,
he has probably lost energy and efficiency 10
corresponding degree. 1t is too late for him to
begin the life of reformer now, and should he
resume the reins of government 10 Mexico we
that he will approve himself the same
selfish tyrant he has always been. soee
Our readers will, no doubt be Interested in the
following extract of letter translated from the
Courier DIES Etats Unis, giving description OF
Santa Annals mode Of life at Carthagena:
During the thirty six hours which we passed
with Santa Anna there is no kind of civilities
which were not lavished upon us by the whole
family. His second wife is still young. and his
daughter by former marriage is very agreeable
Although he was beaten by u.s. before serving as q
pedestal, by his defeats, for the glory of the
American generals, he retains no unpleasant
feeling towards France, to which he may ascrbe
ever the loss Of his limb. His whole hatred is
concentrated upon the United States.
''His mode of life is calm aud uniform. He
does not even make any change for yisiers in
his established rules In the morning, after ia
king coffee, he mounts his horse and rides for u
couple of hours On his return he takes a bath
Breakfast is served at ten. At noon the rich
capitalist goes into his cabinet, and, like banker
or broker with us, receives the men of business |
who may wish to have transactions with him. Well
posted-up in this department of finance, it is |
said that like my uncle Matthew he has carried |
the science of calculation to such an extent.
that he can tell what crown will amount to in
a quarter of an hour. In a word, ne has
greatly improved his circumstances by this com
merce. !
After the indispensable sesta, five times a
week, the trainers OF game cocks, who are very
numerous in this province, come with Victims
The pit is opened. Santa Anna occupies the
place OF honor in the midst of his aviary, which
is rich in most beautiful collection OF the biped
gladiators. Considerable stakes are laid on each
round. But 1t seems that generally the pride of
the feather leads the lord governor to take bad
bets Thus it is said, the greater part of the
profits of lis usury is given back to the chances
OF the spur. 1t is certain that he has much
pleasure for his money, and he is rich enough to
pay for the glory. To one not accustomed to
these spectaces. they appear no less dismal than
disgusting; but one no doubt gets used to them,
Tor it is only Europeans, their first arrival, who
Ind fault with these popular diversions.
"Before dining at o'clock, the General takes
another bath. He dresses in full military uniform
when he has guests to whom he wishes to do
1onor. This is no slight sacrifice to politeness,
might say to vanity, in such hot country
The table Is most sumptuousy served, and after
being seated at it, one can no more doubt that
Santa Anna knows how to eat than that Cartha-
,ena is place where there is the best of fare
10 the evening, they have cards and music and
perhaps dancing. There is drinking, and no end
o the smoking. These pleasures are prolonged
Ill midnight. Then you shown to your cham
'er by graceful mulattoes, where, under good
nusqulto nets you may choose between bed
md hammock, and sleep till sunrise. As soon
$ it is light, attentive Writers bring you basket
t fruit and a cup of coffee. The day, unless it
5 Sunday, is passed in the same manner.
General Santa Anna. who speaks French cor
ecty. very reserved on politics Still it is easy
o see that he has yet ardent ambition con-
called under this appearance of GOODNESS. His
artisans understand the matter. and the diplo-
1atie service is in request. The time is APP
reaching when the financial crisis will finish /
ne dissolution of the present organization of the
1exican republic. 1t has been put off thus far !
My by the annual instalments of the Americans
pay for California"