The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-08-04
ways been fighting man: but from statesmen,
The News from mexicO-Thc Religious Dis
cussiOn I'm that Republic

~ihe question VI toierauon OF religion, which Mt
present has produced some disagreement between
the Mexican Congress and government, presents
some anomalous features unknown IN former con-
troversies elsewhere on this exciting topic. II is
somewhat singular that in populous country
where there are not thousand Protestants. and
these foreigners, without influence and without
much interest in the discussion, a strong native
Catholic party should be found advocating the
most liberalreligious principles. 1t must be con-
fessed that the "puro" deputies in Congress are
actuated only by political considerations in advo-
eating liberation, for there is not Protestant
among them and very few with any strong re
ligous sentiments whatever. The government,
on the contrary in admitting the wisdom of the
gradual liberation of religion, seems not to be
influenced by fanaticism, but by policy In oppos-
ing the measure. Therefore the question has
ceased to be discussed on either side with reli-
eious zeal, but only as political expedency at
this time.
Both parties to this issue are anxious for immi-
grafton from abroad in order to people the vast
tracts Of unoccupied lands in the republic; and
both admit that this immigration must be Pro-
testant The deputies contend that without tole-
ration no European immigrants will come, and
in order to induce them to come religious free
dom ought to be established. The government
may not dispute this but doubt the policy of
rushing through SO many reforms with such
rapidity before the country is prepared for their
favorable reception, and especially when such
vast changes are just being made in the church
and army and in the other most influential class
es Of society. So far, President Comonfort has
gone unwonted lengths, and has tried the temper
Of the nation beyond the point ever heretofore
deemed safe. He is now disposed to rest for a
while, until the people become reconced and ac-
customed to that which has been done. before
further experiments are made. To him it does
not appear imperative to declare immediate tole-
ration, for as yet it is only political abstraction
afordng no relief or benefit 10 his countrymen
There is no objection to those of other creeds
coming TO Mexico; there is no religious persecu-
ticn when they do come; nor are they deprived
OF any private, civil or political rights on ac-
count of their faith. The religious complexion
of an individual is no more considered there than
the color of his coat He may be pitied by the
ladies for entertaining hereses for which he will
surely hereafter be damned: but that is no reason
why he should not he made happy while he is on
this side Of purgatory, and they try to make him
contented. The fires Of religious zeal have long
since been extinguish. d among people who have
ceased to care for the church beyond the observ-
ance of It's imposing forms and captivating cere-
monies. There was once time when by hereto
was meant heather, q savage, or Turk. But
that has passed away, until the name has changed
to a synonym with energy, intellect, and intclli-
gcncc in an accomplished foreigner.
But tie secular clergy object to liberation, and
the secular clergy who form the vass body Of
parish curates have much influence among the
villages and cities. They were not affected by the
recent spoliation Of the church property for this
property belongedto the regular clergy the monks,
&c, whom the curatcs hate with bitterness which
can only be fully developed in religious bicker-
ings. But liberation of religion touches the feel
ines Of the secular priest, and may not be agree
able TO the prejudces Of the people. Therefore it
may be well to pause before approving measure
in express terms which may impel the curates TO
combine with the regular clergy against the go
vernment and in which they may induce the peo-
pie to join, because they can perceive no benefit
to themselves from the reform proposed.
The Minister of Foreign Relations, Senior Rosa,
did not adopt this line of argument in his recent
speech in Congress, and, in fact, il would be dill
Guilty TO state what line be did pursue. His ora
ton is misStatemcnt of federation as il is found
in England, in France, and other parts Of Europe
and in the United States. lie broadly asserted
that full religious freedom did not exist in any
country. The replies from the "puro' deputies
were full. complete aud crushing to the Minister
But they were not aware that he had pushed his
fabrications aill further In declaring that in the
statements he made he spoke for the government,
or else he would have been overwhelmed with
confusion. For on the next day, one Of the
Ministers rendered his resignation, avowiDg that
he bad moi been authorized to speak for them
nor in their names to utter opinions which they
did not entertain. The speech Of the Minister
took the deputies by surprise, as they had no
premonitory hints of his intentions They there
fore adjourned to appoint, in private, commit
tee to wait on the executive for an explanation,
which may or may not be able TO restore mar
mony.
In the meantime an agent Of the government
Dutch Jew, is on his way TO this country to OBJ
tain Protestant Germans as colonists for Catholic
Mexico. where their religious creed Is objection
able This free and easy combination may not
produce very happy family in religion, but
there is not much apprehension Of that republic
coon adding any recruits to the noble army Of
martyrs.
But IL is evident there is no established reli-
gion. by law, at this time in Mexico. The consti-
tuition Of 1924 declared the Roman Catholic
Apostolic TO be tho religion Of the State. and no
other should be tolerated. This constitution
however, was abolished in 1852, before the last
return Of Santa Anna, who promised to make
another in IFS stead, which he did not lie. no