The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-07-12


The news from Mexico by way of Havana,
which we publish this morning, is highly i'm
portant, and taken in connection with the
recent speeches on the French expedition in
the Corps Legisatif at Paris, must awaken Sc
rious doubts in the Emperors mind as to his
ability TO conquer that country. Although TIE
French have all along been dsputlng the rlsu
statements of Generals Zsragoza and Berioza-
bal concerning tie defeat OF the expeditonary
army at Pueb'a, we find that they have ever
since that battle been content to remain in
trenched at Orizaba, without attempting TO
advance again on the road to the city of Mexi
co. The Mexicans, becoming tired Of this
state Of inaction, resolved to bring matters to
a crisis, and accordingly summoned Count
Lorencez, the French Conmander-in-Chief, to
capitnlate on easy terms. The French gene
raj evaded this demand and the result
was that a combined attack on Orzaba was
planned by the Mexican commanders, which,
had it been carried out witt skill and decision,
would have finally ended the French schemes OF
conquest in Mexico General Gonzalez Ortega
was sent forward with his forces to the Ce1o
de Barrego, high position, commanding the
city of Orizaba. and here, at six O'Clock in tho
evening of the l4th Of June, he took up his
position, planted his batteries, and prepared
for an attack on the French camp at an early
hour next morning After this the Mexicans
went to sleep, and did not awake from their
sweet slumbers until the French were in their
camp, at one o'clock on dark morning, and
their guns were turned upon themselves. They
were so surprised that they could make little
could not see their assaiIants. and thus the
whole plan of the Mexican attack on Orzaba
| fell to the ground.
| Now the whole of this was very foolish on
the part Of the Mexicans; but wa trust that
| it will be salutary lesson to them to
be more vigilant for the future. They re-
quire few more lessons in war. and this
is a very good one. The advantage
thus gained by the French is, however,
Of no Importance whatever. except that when
the magniied and exaggerated--rea reaches
France it may excite the pride Of the people
| and cause the war to be more popular. Such
a result will only make things worse for the
French. The passions Of the antagonists will
be further excited, and the war WILL of neces-
| sity be more intensified. The Mexicans are on
the spot with their millions, and even now we
hear that fourteen thousand determined men
were preparing to make a united attack on the
common enemy. To carry out the war success
| fully Napoleon will need no less than one hun
dred and fifty thousand men, and even then his
| chances Of success would be doubtful. Now,
then, that his troops have been victorious in
small skirmish, he should risk no further dan
| ger, but withdraw at once.
We are glad to see that the debates in the
French Chambers have made proper impress
sion on his Imperial Majesty. The speeches Of
MN. Favre and Billault could scarcely fail in
convincing him of the wild scheme of
conquering Mexico; and therefore the
Emperor hesitates about sending rein
forcements for General Lorencez-the
preliminary in fact, to the withdrawal OF all
his forces from so dangerous region. The
troops to be sent from France have now
dwirdled down TO four regiments and even
these are to be sent to Martinique and Gnada-
loupe to be acclimated. This really looks like
the sober second thought Of the French gov
eminent; and, as il is only by Withdrawing his
forces from Mexico that the Emperor can pre-
serve the pelce and safety Of his empire, we
trust be will see the wisdom OF following up
this inspiration, and decide at once on leaving
own affairs.