The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-11-04

Affairs ~ MEAICo.-The position Of Mexico
Is becoming daily more complicated and more
critical and those who have the deepest interest
IN studying the course of events there hardly
Know wat 10 look for, or even what to hope
A K" weeks since the constitutional party was
confident Of obtaining an early triumph Now
the defeat of Vidaurri destroys that hope and
renders possible the fall of Vera Cruz. This re-
suit would by no means restore peace to the
country. hwould only prolong the conflict that
already shows signs Of degenerating into war
OF races, as will be seen by the letters from seve-
raj OF our correspondents published in another
column.
But there are graver events gathering round
the expiring nationality of Mexico than those
which appertain only to her own internal condi-
ton. Several foreign governments have just
claims upon her for the spoation Of their citizens;
conventions for partial payments have been made
with several Of the European Powers, and their
stipuiations broken; the foreign holders Of
Mexican bonds are clainoring for protection to
their own authorities; and the course towards
foreign residents Of each Of the parties claiming
to be the legitimate government Of the country
has been an utter violation of acknowledged
International obligations. While Zuloaga and
Miramon have committed numerous outrages
upon Americans and English, CARA and OtheI
constitutionalists have behaved in the same man
ner towards the Spanards In most instances
these attacks have been directed against the
merchants because this is the class which usually
possesses the most ready cash, and this is the
only resource Of the combatants TO supply the
exhausted revenue.
This state Of things is likely to bring about
some action on the part of foreign governments
As our quarrel is with the Zuloaga government
and it has no coast possessions, We cannot make
naval demonstration. With Spain, the reverse
is the case. Her quarrel is with the constitution
alsts and they have possession Of the Gnl'
ports. She has abundant reason to proceed with
activity against them CARA and Vdaurri have
both acted with extreme violence against the
persons and interests Of the Spanish residents in
Mexico Juarez has insulted Spain by reap
pointing to Madrid Lafragua the obnoxious
Minister sent by President Comonfort; Cara
has robbed, imprisoned, and caused to fly the
Spanish Consul at Tampco; the Spanish Conven-
ton remains unsettled and many other minor
causes Of complaint exist. Under these
circumstances Spain has ample justification
for taking immediate and practical steps. She
has sent the Berenguela with a large body Of
marines to Tampico and we may soon hear the
report of her guns in that quarter.
In case che does take some active method OF
protecting the rights OF her subjects, what will
be the result TO Mexico? Will it result in Sc
curing Vera Cruz and Tainpico TO Zuloaga.
VIII it bring about an entire change Of the
government in Mexico, and install Robes, who is
now secreted there? win Spain bring back
Santa Anna? viii il rouse the Old hatred Of the
Spanards in the Mexican bosom, and give
short flicker of life to the expiring nationality Of
Mexico? Either Of these events may take place,
or it may be that the first gun fired by Spain
will produce results that shall change the entire
face Of the western and southern shores Of the
Gulf Of Mexico. But ii seems to us that matters
there are shaping themselves for the return Of
Santa Anna Spain cannot afford to 60 to war,
nor does she desire TO awaken q movement that
would inevitably result in the loss Of Cuba TO
her. She will menace and intrigue, aud before
many months We may, perhaps. see Santa Anna
returning to Mexico in the high capacity Of
mediator and saviour Of his country from foreign
war.