The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-04-06

SPAIN AND MENco-PEAcE OR WARfTele-
graphic dispatches from Washington assert that
the Spanish Minister there has received instruc-
tions from his government announcing that the
expedition which was being fitted out for des
cent on Mexico win not proceed to its destina-
ton, owing to the confidence on the part of Spain
that Mexico viii make due PREPARATION for the
wrongs and outrages complained Of This re-
solve to suspend hostilities is alleged to have
been brought about by the Interpretation of the
English and French governments. On the other
hand, the latest intelligence received from Spain
would lead to the belief that the preparations for
the contemplated invasion are being carried on
with continued activity, and that the Spanish 60
vernment is really in earnest in its menaces
against Mexico. Which is to be believed, the re-
preventative of Spain at Washington or the
government of Spain itself, as interpreted by its
acts of hostile preparation?
We ourselves doubt very much whether any
reliance ought to be placed on either. On the one
hand we have regarded, and continue to regard
these exaggerated manifestoes and these prepara-
tons for invasion as partially to be ascrbed to the
national taste for bluster and bravado, and par
tally to answer present political purpose in
Spain. But even if there were no such Political
electioneering purpose to be effected, it would
be still very doubtful whether Spain would ven
ture on war with Mexico, in view OF the immi-
nent and almost certain danger of kindling up
all the flibuster elements of the United States,
and concentrating them on Cuba This idea ma
turally exercises high degree of terrorism over
the Castilians sufficient of itself-if there were
no other or greater grOunds-to deter them from
undertaking q war against Mexico. 1t is even
supposed in Spain that the Forsy tn treaty, nego-
tiated between Mexico and the United States, bat
not ratified, bad for groundwork the flibaster
sentiments of this nation.
On the other hand, we have no great faith in
the intimatiOn given by Mr.. Tassara, the Spa
nish Minister in Washington, of the peaceful
change of policy resolved on by his government
The fact may be true 1t is just possible that the
intimation may have been sincere; for we learn
from the Madrid journals of 14th March that o
Mexican agent, Senior Hidalgo, had recently ar
rived in that city, and had made communications
to the government which had caused the Mexican
question to take turn affording the prospect o.
an arrangement. But the Espana of the 10th
the government organ-gives the names Of two
generals, Estrada and Mindinueta, as subord-
mates under General Cencha in the expeditionary
force against Mexico. That does not look much
like return to a peaceful policy.
A still further complication of Mexican affairs
is caused by an outrage committed by party
OF revolutionists in San Luis Potosi in forcbly
breaking into the British Consulate and carrying
off money and securities to the amount of S240,
000 The Manchester Commercial Association
has addressed Lord Clarendon on subject, and
he has promised prompt action in the matter.
We presume, however, that this affair will not
give rise to much difficulty.
The facts at which we have glanced seem
rather against than in favor OF Mr.. Tassara's
statement. Besides, the motive for it is palpable.
1t is to cause a stop to be put to the filibuster
movement SO actively going on in this city, New
Orleans and elsewhere, to get up expeditions
against Cuba under cover Of Spanish war with
Mexico. A suspension Of that movement would
be the immediate and necessary effect Of Spain's
departure from the war policy, and this would
certainly furnish powerful motive for little
diplomatic manGuvre. So while we regard the
danger from the threatened war with as little
alarm as that from the great comet, we would not
place much reliance on the rumors of peace Fill
busters should keep their eyes open.