Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-04-21
ITEMS OF NEWS.

The News FROM Mexico, by the steamer
Texas, is of so very contradictory nature that
it is impossible to arrive at any definite conclu-
sion as to the manner in which the rebellion Of
Alvarez will terminate. On the one hand it is
stated that Santa Anna was at Chilpanzinco
that he had there established his head-quar-
tiers that Alvarez was hard pressed that
many persons, both officers. and privates, had
deserted to Santa Annals standard, under a
guaranty of pardon; and that, in one instance,
whole district within the assumed jurisdiction
of Alvarez had abandoned the rebel chief
On the other hand, news from the city Of
Mexico, Of the 4th instant gives a very different
view of affairs. 1t is therein stated that the gov
eminent troops have dwindled away materially !;
that soldiers in bodies are frequently deserving,
to join the standard of Alvarez that his posi-
ton on the hill of Peregrino has been fortified
in such manner as to render it impregnable
to any force Santa Anna can bring against it
and thatAlvarezwas so popular with the masses,
that, in case Santa Anna was repulsed, the
masses would rise in force against him.
The general tenor of the news, however,
leads us to believe that an important crisis in
the affairs of Mexico is at hand. The popular
voice is now against the present dynasty.
Whether this crisis arises from the gentle,
spreading influence Of republicanism, as ex-
hibited by the enlightened institutions Of this
country, or from disgust at the arrogant as.
sumption of regal power on the part of Santa
Anna, approaching events will sooner or later
prove.
Two vessels of war, the Caroline and the
Guerrero were being fitted ont for the purpose
of protecting Acapulco.
A new CONSUMPTION law has been issued, in
which the population is assumed to be 1861
$40 in number; the army is ordered to consist
Of 10000 men, and the militia 10000.
MEXICAN OuTRAeE.-A despatch from New
Orleans of the 18th states that rumor has
been received at Vera Cruz, that fifty Ameri-
cans had been arrested at San Bias without
passports, and were to be shot We can hardly
believe such an enormity to be true; nor do
we believe that that number of americans
could be arrested BY any Mexican force at that
place. much less shot, except in fight.
REDUCTION OF DUTIEs.-The United States
consul at the Bahama islands has informed the
State Department that new tariff of import
duties went into effect on the lst instant It
differs from the old law principally in re.
duction on all kinds Of provisions. This opens
a new and improved channel for American ex-
ports, and is no doubt intended by England as
a general depot for military supplies, and at
the same time to divert trade from other foreign
countries. The reduction on provisions is to
be balanced by an increase Of Is per cent Tin
stead Of 5 per cent? on all dry goods. These
latter articles are generally imported from Eu
ropean countries.
The THREE-MnE RACE over the Netaire
course, between Mary Taylor and White Eagle,
was easily won by the former in 5.35 and 5.342.
ExPEDIrIoN.-The officers of several of the
southern railroads held meeting on the l4th,
to make arrangements by which the time for
conveying the mails from New Orleans will be
shortened twelve hours, running time.
DJ The trial OF Mr.. and Mrs Hays for murder
ing Dr. Lutener, in Broadway, some time since,
was 10 have commenced in New York on the 18th
inst, but vas postponed two weeks, owing 10 the
illness Of Mrs. Lutener.