The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-04-21
THE ENGLISH VIEW OF THE CAPTURE OF
THE MEXICAN STEAMERS.


When we last directed the attention of our rea-
ders to the affairs in Mexico, it was to review the
leading provisions of the treaty between the Uni
ted States and the President Juarez leader of the
Mexican liberals, drawn up by Mr. McLane, the
American Minister in Mexico, and about to be sub
mitted to the Senate of Washington. The treaty
on the whole, was considered an extremely advan-
tageous arrangement, more especially for the con-
cesslons as to transit across Mexico, and great
expectations were entertained as to the RESULT upon
the commerce OF the two republics. These con-
slderations, however, have not been sufficient to
obtain the sanction of the American Senate, The
treaty has been virtually rejected, owing, it is
alleged, to the opposition of the republican party
who have persisted that to ratify the treaty would
be to recognize a mob at Vera Cruz whose leader
has no authority to enter into any engagement
with a foreign State. Meanwhile the state of
things in Mexico has looked so threatening that it
has been considered expedient to send Mr.. McIane
back again to Vera Cruz for the protection of the
American consulate, the American residents, and
their property. Mr.. McLane-who, we may sup
pose, was not in the best humOr at the reception
given to the treaty which he has labored so hard
to negotate-refused to return to Mexico on gene
raj or discretionary orders, and insisted if he was
to represent the American government in so trou-
bled period, that his instructions should be pre-
else. We are not informed what these instructions
have been further than this: that Mr. McLane has
been authorized not to regard the blockade of Vera
Cruz, established by President Miramon by the aid
OF certain Spanish vessels, and to confer with the
OllceT Ol tne American home squad
ron, who was not to take any final step without
consulting Mr.. McIane.
whether any such conference has taken place
does not appear in the advices Just received, but
certain it is that the American commander has
taken Il very decided step, and that the American
Government is committed to open hostilities with
party that can still bring a considerable force
into the field On the Goth of February President
Miramon, it would seem, with five thousand men,
and a numerous train of artillery and ammunition
Ia cIn IN tha Of IL,
der to set up the blockade of that port, MiramOn
sought the aid of Spanish maritime force, said to
have been procured by General Santa Anna, whose
recent career in Mexico is well known. This force
consisting of two steamers, the MiramOn and Mar
quez, was fitted out at Havana, and appeared be-
fore Vera Cruz the day after President Miramon
had commenced operations. While the prepara-
tions for the sege and blockade of Vera Cruz were
in progress, an American squadron, consisting of
the Savannah, Saratoga and Preble, under Com
mander Jarvis, quietly took up position in the
neighbOrhood, and finally anchored under the in
side walls of San Juan dUlloa. On the arrival of
the Spanish steamers from Havana they were or
dered by the American Commander to show their
colors. This was refused, the American force
opened fire, and after a sharp action, in which the
Americans lost three in killed and wounded and
the Mexicans forty-fve, the steamers were cap
tured and at the date of the last dispatches Were
prizes at New Orleans in charge Of the United
States ship Saratoga.
The American government, it is clear, have ac-
cepted the responsibility of this collision, and are
no doubt prepared for the result. We do not see
how they can stop now until the disturbances in
Mexico have been concluded, by the permanent es
tabishment of one other of the parties struggling
for ascendancy. America has interfered forcibly
between the cOntending factions, and she can hard
Y withdraw and leave those who look to the Anne
rican flag for protection, at the mercy of the
followers of a chief who possesses still sufficient
resources to create frightful havoc in Mexico The
President of the United States has a force at his
disposal, and he may employ that force at discre-
ton. 1t is in the interest of American citizens,
and for their protection, told, that the
squadron under Commander Jarvis took up posi-
tiOn at San Juan d. Ulloa, and raised the blockade
of Vera Cruz by the capture of the steamers Mar
quez and MiramOn. We must be very blind to
passing events, and entirely ignorant Of the policy
of the American government, were we to accept
this explanation of the successful action of the
American squadron in the Mexican waters. The
action reported by the mail just arrived is the
commencement of that armed Intervention by the
United States in the affairs of Mexico, for which
fitting opportunity has been so long sought by the
Cabinet of Washington. We must not be under
stood, from these remarks, to denounce the policy
of Mr.. Buchanan and his colleagues. They are
engaged in the support of the popular and
constitutional party, as opposed to the party
of the priests in Mexico, and if they have seen
fit to interfere at all, they the right side.
Had there been better understanding between
the British and American, and we may add, the
would not have been difficult to have adjusted mat
ters and the interruption to trade say nothing of
the bloOdshed which is now, we fear, inevitable,
might have been avoided. As it is, there are Bri-
tsh subjects as well as American citizens in Mexi-
co whose lives and property must be protected in
the approaching struggle. We should be glad to
know what steps have been taken to afford that Sc
curity against Mexican violence and treachery,
which no doubt is at the present moment so much
needed. During times of comparative tranquility
Mexico is not particularly safe place for British
subject, and matters have not been improved hy
the course pursued by late minister at the re-
public. Would it not be well that the government
should be questioned on this important subject in
the House of Commons? We throw out the sug-
gestion, and shall be very happy to find it has
been acted upon. 1t would be extremely satisfac-
tory to those who have commercial transactions
with Mexico, OF whose relatives or friends To-
Gated in that country, to know that steps have
been taken to afford adequate protection to British
interests in Mexico; and it would also be impor-
tant to learn how her Majesty's government regard
the proceedings of the American government in
that part of the world.