Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-03-28
). 3. ROW, EDIroR AND PROPRIETOR.
MEXICAN AFFAIRS.

MEXICAN AFFAIRS.
Recent events in Mexico are attracting much
attention 1t seems that Miramon, on the 29th
ult., approached Vera Cruz, with 5000 men,
a numerous train of artillery, and ammunition
stores, and encamped four miles from the city,
his headquarters being at Medelin. An expe-
dition, under the command Of Marin, and de-
signed to cooperate with Miramon in an at
tack on Vera Cruz, the headquarters of Jua-
rez, was fitted out at HAVANA, and was to
have landed at the mouth of the river Mede-
lin. On the 5th inst, Miramon besieged the
city and on the 9TH made an assault, but was
repulsed by the Liberals. On the 9Th, two
steamers appeared before the city and refused
to show their colors. Com. Jarvis, of the U.
S. Squadron, therefore, ordered the Saratoga,
with detachments from the Savannah and Pre-
BILE On the steamers Indianola and Wave, to
proceed to the anchorage and ascertain the
character of the steamers. AS they approach
ed, the two strange vessels, which afterwards
proved to be those Of Marin, tried TO escape,
but were too late. Capt. Turner, of the Sar-
atogo, then sent boat with flag to demand
the nationality of the steamers, when the boat
was fired upon twice. Hereupon the Saratoga
fred into one of Marin's vessels, the Mi
ramon, and the action became general. Both
steamers now hoisted the Spanish flag. but at
ter spirited engagement Marin surrendered,
and with most of his men was taken prisoners.
The American loss is three wounded, one
mortally; and the Mexican loss is Is killed,
and 20 to 80 wounded. The engagement took
place by moonlight. The two captured steam
ers were taken to New Orleans as prizes.
The affair has caused considerable excite
ment and there is no telling what might grow
out of the action of Com. Jarvis; perhaps a war
between the United States and Mexico. The
proceeding, 1t is said, is regarded at Wash
ington as an act of war, and resolutions Of in-
quiry into the capture were presented in both
Houses of Congress on the 2lst. The Navy
Department treats Marin's expedition as pirat-
ical, but the fact has yet to be legally estab-
lished. The ground of this assumption rests
upon the allegations, that when the Indianola
approached Marin's steamer, after a shot had
beed fired to bring her to, and hailing, it was
answered by voHey Of musketry. The In
dianoia and Wave were smah steamers belong
ing to Juarez, and known to be such to Marin.
He could hardly suppose that American Off
GERS and seamen we're participating in the civ
il war in Mexico, and doubtless fred upon
them under the impression that they we're part
of the Mexican faction with which he and his
party had long been at war. On the other
hand, the course pursued by the U. S. officer
looks as if the capture had been an act of Of
fensive and defensive alliance between him
and the Juarez party.
What the Administration of Mr.. Buchanan
will do in the premises, remains to be seen.
Under any circumstances ii will be trouble
some enough. There are many who think
the United States officers acted in consonance
with the wishes of the Administration at
Washington. Whether this is so or not, we
are not prepared to say but there is no doubt
that it and the leaders of the Democratic par
ty desire to enter upon war in Mexico, in the
hope Of thereby saving themselves from defeat
in the approaching election at home, and of
retaining power, which the people of this
country are resolved shall no longer remain
in their hands. To this end Mr.. Buchanan
last year begged for millions of dollars, and
unrestricted control Of the army and navy. To
this end, the famous proposition of establish
ing protectorate, which Mexico never asked
for, was devised. With the same purpose,
Mr.. M'Lane's treaty was negotiated with Sc
nor Juarez. in order that, under it, we might
have pretext for invading and occupying
that country. The Same intention is visible
in the orders lately issued to disregard the
blockade of Vera Cruz, about to be establish
ed by Miramou, as part of his attempt to
take the town from the Constitutional party,
and thus bring the long standing. civil war to
period. 1t is evident on all hands that, if a
sufficient plausible pretext can be found, the
President and his advisers are resolved to
make war upon Mexico, as means OF infuen-
cling the coming elections here.