Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1857-04-02
SPAIN AND MEXICO.

SPAIN AND MEXICO.
i. Accounts from Spain state that preparations
for the invasion of Mexico are progressing on
large scale-the first movements being designed
against the city of Vera Cruz. 1t is thought that
the attack upon that fortress will be conducted
without the aid of strictly military forces, amount
ing merely to q blockade and bombardment;
and that the difficulty can be adjusted without re-
sort to an extended scale of operations by land
The enmity between the parties, however, is very
bitter, and although both are alike weak and i'm
potent. there are evidently outside influences, on
each hand, which may operate to prolong the
struggle. The Spanish government appears to
look to France and England for aid, if need be;
or in any event, for an active interference to en-
force the neutrality Of the Uni.2d States; while
Mexico has every assurance that our country will
not quietly permit the establishment of Span
ish monarchy on this Continent The Monroe
Doctrine, promulgated at the outset against the
designs of the Holy Alliance, which sought to re-
store Spanish dominion in the Colonies, must
bear directly against any movement, on the part
of Spain or her allies, tending towards the acquis
tion of territory in Mexico. To regard peaceably
such On event, would be to abandon 6rmly-set-
tied policy upon the very ground which necessita-
tated its adoption.
Rumors by the Europa informs US that England
and France have refused to guarantee the Island
of Cuba, if hostilities commence and that the
latter Power has proposed to mediate on the part
of Spain. These statements, however, are not
confirmed. g..
As for as we are enabled to see, war is inevi-
table, which Mt some period may resultin the most
serious complications between the United States
and Europe. The subjoined paragraphs will in
form the reader as to the history Of the pending
dispute:-
The mal.administration of justice in Mexico had
given rise to claims against that government by
Spanish subjects, in the same manner that it had
given rise to claims by the citizens and subjects of
other nations. After long continued attempts to
obtain an adjustment of these claims, the Spanish
Minister finally succeeded in negotiating o conven-
ton in 1851, which was modified and extended by
another, in 1853, by President Santa Anna Un-
der this convention commission was appointed
to examine and pass upon the claims, and per-
formed the greater part, if not oil, of the work,
and partial payments were made in Mexican scrip.
When Santa Anna was driven from the country,
and Comonfort came into power, it was found by
the latter that an extensive system Of Gardiner
ism and Galphinism had been practiced in this
matter of Spanish claims, and he not only refused
to pay the balance of scrip due on the fraudulent
claims, but endeavored to get back that which
had been issued on them.
This led to protest and some harsh intercourse
on the part of the Spanish Minister, and the ex-
hibition of Spanish naval force in the harbor of
Vera Cruz. The result was that the Me1icans,
instead of becoming intimidated at this demon
stration on the part of Spain, became more firm as
regarded the Government, and on the side of the
people the old bitter feeling against the mother
country was aroused. Besides looking to her own
resources Mexico turned her eyes to this country;
and on the part of the fllibusters, some strong
propositions, bearing on Cuba, were made to her.
But the quarrel did not come to head during
these disputes, which occurred last year and the
expedition against Mexico, which was said to have
been preparing in Havana, was dissolved. Inter
course was again resumed, and reputation Of
some Of the most obnoxious claims took place.
A resumption of good feeling on the part Of the
people was not so easy matter-tne more SO as
Spanish agents were found conniving with the
clergy in their attempts at rebelion-and it was
generally believed in Mexico that the Spanish
Government, the priests and Santa Anna, were
conspiring to subjugate the republic once more to
tie Spanish crown. Taking advantage of this
state Of popular irritation, party Of bandits at
tackled the hacienda of San Vicente, belonging to
q Spaniard in the district of Cuernavaca, on the
18th of December last, and shouting "Death to
the Spaniards," put several of them to death,
among whom was boy fifteen years old. The
local govern ment Immediately arrestedthe porter
Of the estate, suspicion Of being an acoomplice,
and the general government, at the request Of the
Spanish Charge, caused other arrests to be made.
On the 18th of January nine prisoners were held
on the CHARGE and the case was in the hands of
the tribunals. But it did not 60 on with the ra-
pidity which the. Spanish representative desired,
for on the 10th of January he addressed q note
to the Government demanding immediate action,
accusing the authorities of want of will to do
justice, and fixing the term of eight days for the
arrest, trial aud punishment of the criminals. On
the 10Th he wrote again, stating that he had not
received proper satisfaction in the matter, and he
demanded his passports, which were given to him,
with q temperate reply 10 his note, setting forth
that the conduct of the Government did not call
for this violent course, but that it could not with
proper self-respect, decline his req6est.o