The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-12-24

only single amendment, having reference TO the
issuing Of subpenas TO compel the attendance of
Witnesses. The Importance o, this subjest win COM
mand for the bill an attentive perusal-
The Monarchical Movement In Mexico and
GuatemaIa-Its Objects.
We have already had occasion to observe
that Santa Anna is striking final blow at even
the name of republic in Mexico aid through
pretended appeal to the national will, preparing
for an absolute subyersion of the present nom;-
nal form of government in that country, and
for his own assumption Of the title OF Emperor.
At the same time we see Guatemala, the next
Spanish American State in respect to size and
population, north Of Panama, rather antici-
pa.ing than following this example, and re-
laps,ng into de fact0 monarchy. The pro-
blem, therefore, whether the people of Spanish
America, from whom at the period Of their in
dependence SO much was expected, are capable
Of selfgovernment, or even Of comprehendiDg
or enjoying civil freedom, approaches sold
tion in the negative. This result, as affecting
the principles and policy of the United States
not less than its interests and safety, must soon
claim a predominating share of the attention
both of our government and people. This
country cannot regard with indifference the
re-establishment Of the antagonistic systems
of Europe upon it's borders, nor permit the
hostile and dangerous influence which would
inevitably spring from them to take perma-
nent root.
When Santa Anna returned to Mexico,
scarcely two years ago, he was absorbed win
the grand idea of a general alliance Of the
Spanish American States, under the "protec-
ton Of Spain,' against the power and progress
of the United States, in which scheme, however,
true to his instincts, he never lost sight Of him
self as the grand head and director. This
scheme was not without some elements favora-
BILE to its success. II was favored by the ig-
norance, the absurd pride of race, the bigotry,
and the proverbial jealousy of those to whom
it was addressed. The most artful and I'M
scrupulous appeals were made to their pride,
prejudices and passions, while mendacity ex-
hausted itself in misrepresentation of the
United States and its policy. The public news
papers Of Spain, Cuba, and Mexico, as we'll
as the more obscure journals to the southwark
each others denunciations of the United States,
coupled with every local appeal which it was
supposed could excite the popular mind in fur
therance of the scheme. 1t is barely possible
that Santa Anna believed that the incongruous
materials which he sought to bring together
might be wrought into strong and permanent
fabric and that the grand His pano- American
Alliance, under the omnipotent protection of
Spain," might really become o positive and ef
icient counterpoise to the United States in
America To suppose so, however, would i'm
ply that he was as blind ag unprincipled,
and would lead men to despise his judgment
as much as they have learned to detest his
character.
In the elaboration of their scheme Santa
Anna and his supporters rightly comprehended
that the proposed results we're incompatible
with both the principle and practice Of repub-
lcanism. They saw further, that even the inn
potent support Of Spain, mich less the coun-
tenancc of the other powers of Europe, could not
be secured except by sacrifice and total suffo-
cation OF liberal and democratic ideas and SEN
timents. For, while the States which might
be seducei into this alliance were suffered to
retain either the form or spirit of republican.
ism, there would be more or less of sy mpathy
with. the United States. Hence, from general
attacks upon this couotry, the schemers gra
dually turned their weapons upon the principle
Of which it is the exponent and from advo-
Gates Of Hispano-American Alliance became
the apologists Of reaction, and the advocates
of monarchical principles and the restoration
of imperial power
1t was not long after his return to Mexico
and scope In prosecuting it, the liberty of the
press, the constitution OF the country the sove-
reignty Of the States, in fact every safe.
guard of freedom, were rapidly stricken down,
and an advance toward Imperialism made in
the restoration of titles of rank, dilapidated
orders, and regal designations. The ever
ready and obsequious allies Of dispotism, a
mercenary priesthood, were reinstated in those
positions of power and influence from which the
republic had displaced them. In short, every
obstacle to the success Of the great treason
which was meditated was early removed by the
INSCRIPTIONS exercise of force. The consumma.
ton has only been delayed by outbursts of
popular indignation in some of the provinces,
and by an almost total absence of means to sup
port the extravaganza Of imperial state. To
procure the latter, he, who in affected patriot,
indignation had banished the men who signed
the cession of California, himself bargained
away another portion Of his "queridd pabia"
But even the money thus unworthily acquired,
and we may add so foolishly bestowed by . 60
veInment which could not have been blind to
the objects for which it was sought, has already
been squandered. Yet the traitor and impostor