, 1854-02-04
Nanta lhRa.

Prominent incidents in the life Of the
nresent ruler Of Mexico are Teclted IN the
subioined extract from the New Orleans
Picavuus. A sketch is also given of the
character of one who is certainly 10 be re-
garded among the most notable man in pow
er of the present political era. At this par
,icular iuncture in the affairs Of the adjacent
republics, glance at the history OF Ihe clue!
actor in so many revolutions made and
quashed, may prove acceptable:
There are probably few men living whose
histories will exhibit web Of so strIkingy
varied and contrastcd colors, who have been
so high and so low as the President
Starting in life with a name wholly obscure
and unknown, he has rendered it familiar
in all corners Of the world. Commencing
as a royaist, he has been republican, a
federalist and a cenralist, democrat and
an aristocrat, as the emergencies of the mo-
menl seemed to require. In 1921 he assist
ed in expeling the royalists from Vera
Cruz, and obtained the command Of the city
under Iturbide. In 1922 he was deposed,
and began war against his late superior, and
succeeded in overthrowing him. Fooled IN
his personal aims by the final results oi this
movement, he retired, but only to foment
another. In 1928 he supported Guerrero
against Pedrazza, and was made commander
Of the army. In 1880 he went over to the
side of Pedrazza, fought and conquered his
former friends, and intrigued for the Presl-
dency. In 1888 he obtained the office; he
sought, and was recognized as President
Thus far his life had been successful-his
objects gained-his ends secured. The
changes be made invariably redounded in
his benefit. The battles he fought were al
ways won. The party he favored we're sure
Of success His political tergiversations
were inexcusable, but they were glded by
actory. His lreacheries were startling, but
few cared 10 talk about them. He was the
favorite Of the army, and the army was SOW
ereign. In 1885 the reform party, under
the leadership of Lacaiecos, proclaimed
l against him, and four provinces joined the
insurrection. Lacatecos was conquered, the
reform party annihiated by death or exile
and Santa Anna became Dictator. His stal
was still in the ascendant, but itsoon wanod
The adhesion he gave in the central party
and the subsequent abrogation of the liberal
constitution Of 1924, induced the American
colonists in Texas TO ploclaim their inde-
pendence. Ofthe results Of that movement
we need not speak
The success which had hitherto invaria-
bly, attended the military movements Of San
IA Anna failed him in the efforts he made
for their subjugation. AT San JacinIo he
was conquered and captured.
Out of the gloom of defeat and captivity
--marvelously preserved from a death he
richly merited-this political changeling
emerged only 10 recover the supremacy he
had lost and increase the fame he had won.
The mutilation be suffered at Vera Cruz re-
bounded to bis good, and has ever since re-
mained the inconlesiible and incontroverti-
BILE residence Of patriotism that never
existed, and bravery that was without be-
ing. In 1s4l, after series Of incidents
that would be deemed improbable in Perce
Forest, or the Romance of the Cid he again
reached the Presidency and ruled imperialy
for four years. The revolution of Parades
hurled him from power, and the Administrl-
ton Of Herrera made him fugitive. The
American war recalled him 10 rank and i'm
porlance. lis close drove him once more
into exile. Another revolution has paved
the way for another recall, and Santa Anna
again sits supreme over the fortunes Of
Mexico.
Santa Anna is a man possessed Of some
positive traits and qualities. He may be a
liar, rascal, q gambler, and assassin-he
may be whatever his enemies proclaim him
10 be-and we are inclined to think that they
are not far from the truth. But he allows
no one else TO ROBBIE strings up all muir
derers and assassins. He rules by means
that are responsible, for ends that are selfish,
through tools that are dyed in rascality F;
but be maintains Government, makes wars
and treaties, quells revolts and gives to the
nation a nationality she has never posses
sed under other rulers