The American. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1857, 1857-12-09
For the American.

new leader Don Aagslo Yterbide, though the cor
respondent says his proper name is Agustin Ytur-
bds, eldest son of the Lberator of the same name,
who was afterwards Emperor, and of whose tragic
death all have heard. The same article states
other things entirely inexact. ! know not from
what source he may have obtained such informa-
tion but as ! doubt not that his object is to en-
tighten public opinion and not to mislead it, ]
hope he will rectify his own.
Don Agustin Yturbide was not educated in this
country, as the editor supposes, but was brought
up in England where he obtained, in colleges, the
treatment and attentions that were due to his high
expectations The fall of his father left him in
early age, withoutaany prospects for his future ca
reer, as his family was exied from the mother
country. When Yturbide became of age, he
sought, as it wasnatural, some situation where he
could find employment for his active mind, and
applied to the Liberator Of Colombia Simon Boil
var, for situation In the army, which was readily
granted; and whilst in South America he enjoyed
the esteem and consideration Of the Liberator,
who conferred on him the title Of aid d'camp.
Yturbide was then about twenty years Of age,
Of a prepossessing appearance, handsome counte-
nance, athletic body, speaking the English Ian
guage as his native tongue, with decided taste
for military life, love for history and literature,
and had remarkable powers Of wit and sarcasm.
When the Liberator died in Santa Martha Ytur-
bide retired to the United States, and was after
wards employed by the Mexican Government as
Secretary Of Legation in London. Since then
believe he has never taken part in public service,
and therefore the superstition is entirely unfounded
that he has been aid dcamp to several dictators.
On the contrary, am credibly informed, that
though full Of a noble and just ambition to become
useful to his country, he has always avoided taking
part in her civil wars.
The editor Of the Herald says, that Santa
Anna is corrupt, and Yturbide weak. know
not what reason he has to think so, as from
the knowledge ! have Of the character of Ytur-
bide, am inclined to believe that weakness is
not q trait Of his character; on the contrary,
nothing indicates more plainly his strength and
6rmness of character, than the patience with
which he has resigned himself to wait for the
day in which his countrymen should recognize
his capacity to serve his country in high and
honorable position. Weak minds are generally
impatient of delay, but the strong and resslute
know how to wait.
Although some seem to believe that Mexico
is unfit tor self-government, am far from par
taking of that opinion A people so ready to
rise in array for liberty or national honor may
want wisdom in their leaders, but not the noble
spirit that distinguishes nation. Neither the
Brazilians nor the Chians are superior to them
as a race, and still we see their governments
rising fast in Importance. Every nation that has
ever existed, has had its days of gloom and trou-
be- and not because the United States has had
the good fortune to escape, so far, from this
universal law, can any one prudently assert that
it will forever remain an exception to the gene
raj rule. 1t must, however, be acknowledged, to
the praise and glory of the founders of its in
dependence, that it has enjoyed so uninterrupted
period of peace and prosperity for, owing to
| their wisdom and patriotism, in establish g a
| form Of government, which, though perhaps not
the most perfect, was the most convenient for
the circumstances in which they legislated They
were placed in situation well adapted TO lay
! the basis Of Republican and Democratic Gov
eminent, and from this circumstance the coun.
| try has derived its great growth and prosperity.
But the Spanish republics constituted themselves
under the erroneou, idea that this system OF
government, that had given peace and happi.
ness to the United States, could be applied to
any other people with equal advantage and
| from thence their suiferings for more than
quarter Of a century. The governmental scheme
! of Washington and his companions that gave
| glory and stability to a nation, educated under
| the regular and systematic school of the Eng.
lish laws, could not be adapted to the descend
ants of Cortez and Pizarro, no matter how en-.
thusiastic for the philanthropic principles Of lib.
erty and justice. They have adopted all thai
religion and philosophy could advise 10 the in
tellgence of Christian Republicans; they have
proclaimed the most liberal laws, but in the
practice their efforts for a liberal form Of gov.
ernment have turned constantly into anarchy
or tyranny. This sad lesson will undoubtedly
teach them better for the future, and the day
cannot be far off when they must content them
selves with less popular and more adequate
system.
Only under such circumstances WI they escape
from the fllibustering disposition Of the adven.
turers from the north, whose tendency will be
irresistible as long as they remain in state Of
civil war, for they will always go to those coun
tries where there are chances Of making fortune
to the brave and daring. Peace will at once put
a stop to their attempts, though we are far from
rejecting the mixture of ADglo-Saxons in our
affairs and undertakings. On the contrary, we
are inviting them from all parts, offering our lands
and political rights to all who may desire to par.
take Of them; but we think IL useless to waste
life and capital for the requirement Of territory
that can be bought for much less than those
expeditions cost California is striking proof Of
this truth.
If Mexico obtains peace and rest under an en-.
| lightened administration of ruler like Yturbide,
| who has the advantage Of having received good
Education and possessing an illustrious name, /,
will no doubt become the promoter Of the views
of the Liberator, Simon Bolivar, who proposed to
form Congress Of Deputies from the American
nation in Panama, to promote the interests Of
ciyiiz ,tion over the New World.
Il UENEynuI AZ