Washington sentinel., 1855-01-13
VICTORY OF SANTA ANNA OVER TBE
REBELs-RAILROADA ACROSS MEXICO
THE ALLIES IN MEXICO.

/
interesting news we see in these papers appears
to be the victory Of the troops Of Santa Anna
over the rebels Of the State Of Michoacan--the
text Of contract between the Mexican govern
ment and M. M. Moore Co., for the exclusive
privilege Of railroad across the whole territory
of the Mexican republic, to be commenced at
| the northern frontier on the mouth of ell Rio.
Bravo and terminate at point on the Pacific
finally, the hope that once victorious over Russia
and Turkey, and seated on firm ground, the
allies will assist the cause of weak American
nationalities against the unbounded ambitions
of their powerful neighbors.
These hopes or expectations, as you will
choose to call them, are not without a native
favor which we will not undertake to qualify
through respect for our neighbors on the other
side of the Rio-Grande, with whom we desire
to keep on terms of friendship. This, however,
will not deter us from advising our readers
| that the paper from which our news is derived,
is clothed with an official character, which in
the present condition Of things in Mexico,
means that it expresses the views of Santa
Anna rather than public opinion. We must
| add also, that it would be difficult to find news
| anywhere else but in the official organs of the
stringency Of the law on the press is such, that
it is almost impossible to assert the truth in
any other way than through official channels.
This peculiarly gives to the word truth a
certain character which our readers will not
fail to appreciate.
In reference to the defeat of the Michoacan
rebels the U,iUersal says that the details of the
battle now in its possession, indicate that the
factions have received death blow. According
to this version, they numbered above three thou
sand when they attacked the capital Of that
department-two thousand cavalry, and one
thousand infantry. This shows that the number
Of the dissatisfied is stronger than that of the
partisans of the government thing which the
Uniuersal testi6es in saying that the garrison
ofthe city was infinitely inferior to that of the
aggressors. The same paper adds, that the
rebels displayed an intrepidity worthy of
better cause. The firing lasted seven hours.
The result of the battle, according to the
Uniuersal, was the defeat Of the assailants,
with loss Of one thousand men, prisoners in
cluded. This, however, and we may say, un-
happily for the Mexicans, is not sure omen
of the establishment of concord and union
among them. The blaze of the revolution
when not blowing on one side, blows on
in Mexico is like the many headed monster of
the fable, whose privilege it was to recover
two heads when losing one.
In reference to the projected railroad, it is
said in the treaty that the company for its
construction must be formed within eight
months from the publication of the decree,
without which the contract will be void. That
clause has to be made known to the Mexican
minister in Washington and in London. Once
the company made up, they are obliged to
commence their operations within two years
and half, and to complete the whole line within
ten years.
the stock Of the company to be sold among
| the inhabitants Of Mexico. With that view,
books Of subscription will be opened in all the
important places of the State. Among other
stipulations between the company and the gov
erment it is said that the former WILL by their
contract, be obliged to convey the troops of the
government and munitions Of war at fifty per
cent. less than the usual charges set down
in their tariff. Besides, they will have to pay
to the government ten per cent. on the divi-
dends and fifteen thousand dollars every six
months from the day ofthe opening of the rail-
| road.
Such are the main charges imposed by Santa
Anna upon the contractors Of the railroad, in
! exchange Of which he will concede the follow
ing advantages: First, the government will
give to the company all the uncultivated ground
in its possession necessary to the construction
| of the aforesaid railroad. AS to the lands be-
longing to others, the company is authorized
| TO take them on condition that the owners be
Unidentified. Secondly All implements, ma.
| cnlnery, utenSlis, trains, coai, iron, anu HI
things needed during the furtherance of the
work will be admitted into Mexico free ofduty.
All goods and merchandise of transit will be
allowed to pass free through the country. The
vessels belonging to the company will not be
subjected to any duty in the two harbors situa,
ted at the extreme terminus Of the line. That
advantage will be extended to them for the
space Of fifty years to commence at the time
Of the opening Of the communications.
| This project, as far as we have the means OF
judging, seems to us pretty liberal, and will not
fail, We hope, to attract the attention of our
American capitalists, more interested, perhaps,
than any others, in having share in the ope-
ration. At a time when the right Of passage
across the Isthmus presents itself, under the
shape Of vital question, to the attention of the
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