The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-05-17

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supply his place.
Santa Anna Restraining the Liberty OF thu
Press. G
| Our readers have already been informed O.
the measures adopted by the new Mexican
| President.
We have many wishes, aud, we must con-
fess it, but few hopes for the success Of SANTA
ANNA. Would thai no could bring peace te
his distracted country, inspire her citizens with
confidence in himself, and lead her to indie.
pendence and prosperity. Were this possible
no higher blessing could be conferred upon
our own country than would proceed from the
removal of the unworthy desires that Turk in
the breasts of thousands among US, while we
should enjoy the vicinage of republic really
worthy Of the name.
But Santa Annals first steps are ipjudicious
and unsafe. His countrymen require to be
taught. Their ignorance constitutes the found
alton of their errors and their follies; and the
press is the best and safest of teachers. The
encouragement of the press by every means in
his power; the dissemination of correct views
among the people; the creation Of public
spirit tending to the improvement Of
the country in its business relations, in
its productive industry, in the perfection Of
its great thoroughfares of intercommunication;
and the nculcation of the idea that stable
constitutional government is necessary for their
permanent happiness are the subjects to
which tho DrooiJonf Oh Al.
of his mind. In the prosecution of them the
exercise of dictatorial power may for time
be necessary; but that it will be but for a
time should be distinctly avowed. and no line
of policy should be adopted that can be re
garded as at variance with the principles of
free government.
z The only portion of the Mexican people who
possess correct and well defined notions of gov
eminent are the REPUBLICANS of that country
men who comprehend the true theory of re-
pubicanism, and who look to its practical adop.
ton as the only salvation for the land of their
birth and their affections. These are the men
to whom Governor must look for his strength
and his support. But how can their favor be
are at war with all their preconceived notions
of policy and justice? 1t is impossible. The
rule of tyrants has made the people of Mexico
what they area people impatient of the re-
straints of all government; and the rule of ty
ranny, although it may for an hour hold them
in subsection, can never redeem them from the
excuses to which they are Inclined.
The policy now adopted may answer the
private aims of SANTA ANNA, but can never
restore harmony to the people who have called
him to preside over them in the dark hour of
their national dependency. They need a
leader, wise, humane and just; one who can
respect, withoutyielding to their prejudces; one
who can, by the uprightness of his course, not
only inspire their respect, but that of the whole
world. Mexico would, under such ruler,
have few enemies to encounter from without.
Her continued existence as an independent ma
ton is desired by the civilized world; and her
domain will be held sacred by all, so long as
she possesses the ability to preserve its in
tegrity; while, on the other hand, her dissolu
ton may prove the signal for such strife and
contention as we would gladly avert.
We repeat, then, that our wish for the sue
cess Of this, perhaps her last struggle for con-
tlnued independence, may prove successful,
though we must confess that we are cheered
by but faint hopes of the realization of that
wish.