New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1860-03-21
THE VERA cruz AFFAIR.

Since the receipt of the exciting bit of intelli-
gence that two foreign war steamers are now lying
at the passes Of the Mississippi as the prizes Of
ships Of the Navy Of the United States, it has
seemed TO as that it now makes very little differ
ence whether the McLane treaty, which pledges
this power TO warfare upon the Mexican faction to
which these steamers belongs, be ratified or not.
It occurs to rs that Uncle Sam is, to use an ex-
pressiye phrase, g in for it,, whether he endorses
and sustains the act Of Captain Jarvis, or not.
Blood has been shed, and not little of it, and the
war steamers Of what claims to be the legitimate
and constitutional Government Of Mexico have
been captured, brought in as prizes and their Off
GERS and crew held as prisoners of war, and
whether the Administration chooses to cashier
Captains Jarvis Or Turner, or not, we cannot see
how hostile consequences will be avoided; for
even # the war issue is not accepted as it stands
anda regular war upon the Church partyo Mexico
at once commenced, we shall certainly be forced
into it at no distant day, By the bloody reprisals
which that party will make in retaliating upon the
persons Of all American citizens whom they can
get hold Of.
In the aspect which It now presents the matter
could not stand arer for the best interests Of both
Mexico and the United States 1t at once identi-
ies the United States with the Liberalst cause Of
Mexico, making her not the enemy of the Govern.
ment Of that country but It's ally seeking to estab
lish it in its legal and constitutional authority. and
aiding it in purifying the State of its reasonable
appendage the Church, and advancing our social
and commercial interests and relations. Therefore
we hope and trust that the Administration will dis.
play the wisdom and independence not only to ex.
press its entire approval Of the course Of Its naval
forces at Vera Cruz, but to follow up the blow
which it has struck and in aiding the righteous
cause Of the Liberals also avenge the thousand in
suits and injuries to person and property which
have been perpetrated upon our citizens, and to
which we have so tamely and improperly sub
mitted.
Il we sought this act Of hostility, we did not pre-
cipitate il at the time Of the event. for the collision
was Immediately brought about BY the hostile de-
pertinent Of the Mexican commander, iii disre-
garding the naval usage Of nations and firing upon
the American ships. We have borne enough IL
show that We have the magnanimity not to eagerly
improve the occasion to pick quarrel with 4
feeble foe. We have proved. this in various
instances as directly insulting and aggrayatinp al
ths, Wihch mas been 80 promptly and properly
punished. II we are ever going 10 settle and ~.
just the problem of Mexican afiairs. to crack that
Fexatious and particularly obstinate nut now Il tbe
time, and the achievement will gila with bala !,
glory the setting of the Buchanan Administrator,
which will do much to make amends for the many
shortcomings which have characterized its history
There is reason to believe, though, that the Al.
nanistFation is sound on the question, and tha
Capt. Jarvis acted in accordance with authortaty.
rather than merely discretionary instructions il