The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1857-04-03
Spain and Mexico.

1t appears from the Spanish Ministerial Jour.
malls. rs we'll as from the vote Of the Minister
of Foreign Affairs, to the ambassador of That
despatch O naval force to Mexico, to demand
reparation for injuries done to Spanish subjects,
and to,guarantee protection. to the Spanish col
insts in that country. The Expedition. it is
said, will unite with forces in the harbor of
Havana, and proceed at once to take possession
Of Vera Cruz, and the Castle of San Juan,
and hold them until satisfaction be made.
The difficulties between the two countries
have been of long standing. The mal.adminis-
tration of justice in Mexico had given rise to
many claims against that Government by
Spanish subjects. After long continued at
tempts at adjustment a convention was finally
negotiated in 1851, which was modified and
extended by another in 1853 by Santa Anna
By this convention, a commission was appoint
ed to examine the claims; the duty was per-
formed. and partial payments of the claims
made in Mexican scrip. On the accession of
Comonfort to power, it was found that an ex
tensive system of fraud had been practiced
with reference to these claims and he refused
to pay the balance of scrip due, and endenv-
ored to get back that which had been already
issued. This led to suspension of intercourse
with Spain and the exhibition of Spanish,
naval force, at Vera Cruz A firm show of re-
sistance, on the part Of Mexico induced Spain
to moderate her demands; the expedition was
dissolved and. intercourse resumed A feeling
of irritation, however continued in the popular
mind Of Mexico; and taking advantage of
the state of popular feeling, pnrty of bandits
from the sinsurrectionary forces of Alvarez,
attacked Spanish hacienda, 10 December
last, and put several spaniards to death.
Several arrests were made and the matter was
undergoing legal Investigation, when the Span.
ish Minister charged the Government with a
want of proper activity in the matter, and de-
manded the instant trial and punshment.of the
criminals Not recovering proper satisfaction
he demanded his passports and suspended di.
plomatic intercourse. What will be the result
OF this step, and Of the contemplated expedi.
ton remains to be seen.
war with Mexico, is said to he popular
withall classes In Spain. Narvaez in common
with the body of bis countryman entertains
deep feeling of hostility to Mexico. and is sup
posed to be instigated by the Ronnish Govern
ment. to prosecute the war for the purpose Of
punishng Comonfort for the conAscatiop Of
sti'e wealth Of the Mexican priesthood. Ifthis
he 30 the object of the expedition would be
ns much to restore tho Catholic supremacy 10
Mexico, as to obtain redress for injuries to
Spanish subjects; and in the present. en- ebled,
and distraeted>stste fthe country would be
most DISASTROUS to ths Mexican Government.
The preseKcs Of Spanish force vould excite
fresh revolutions throughout the eount.y, In
stigated by priests spd demago gognes; aud Presi.
dent Corbrnonfort without the means Of pey.
ing his troops and'witheut soy, united support
at home, voud find himsssf unable 70 resist
successfully . foreign attack Or Iasiptsin his
authority. - ,7-'+
;i''- :. y: f.A;:s@ :sxl
szr ,ssrs sSxERs-Tlss wasi,iortsp tt.csot: .st:
rsspondents Of tbs BsItimors Sup, gSssfslly
sNeh-inforI6e and reliable ssatss that hs
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