The Tiffin weekly tribune. (Tiffin, Ohio) 1859-1868, 1867-07-18
SANTA ANNA.
An Eveutful Career Ended-Life
and Death of the Mexican DiOta-

All bVbullul OdI6oI huudu hllt
and Death Of the Mexican Diota-
to-,
Born at Jalapa, carly in 170S, San
ta Anna first developed his peculiar
taients in tho revolt against Spain
which began about 1920, aud ondod
in tho establishment Of Mexican Indo-
pendenco. At first he opposed the
advocates Of centraliz, d force, aud
battled maufully for the Federal par
ty. He could, however, remain sat
isIied but a little while with anything.
In 1S2S-29 he headed a rebellion
against President Pedraza, in favor
of his opponent, Guerrero, but quar-.
relied with the latter soon after be had
gained him executive power, and by
new revolution reinstatod Podraza.
In 1888 Santa Anna became Pres.
idcnt himself and severely chastised
the rebels who contested his author
ity. The Texan revolt, little later,
proved too much for him, His cap.
turo of the Alamo aud tho slaughter
Of its garrison only provoked the
Texans to still lercer resistance. -
With the aid Of American volunteers.
Santa Anna was vanquished and made
prisoner at San Jacinto. He was held
in captivity for about year, and on
his return to Mexico in 1887 was
very coolly received; treaty, which
he had made with the Texans, teirg
declared unauthorized aud great y
impairing his popularity. Tho French
attack on Vera Cruz brought him
again into power. Those of his coun-
trymen who hated him most, could
not deny his ability, and he was des
ignatod to defend the beleaguereC
city. He repelled the invaders, bu
lost leg in battle.
His Federal tendencies had lon;
since been abandoned, and the dicta
torship with which he was investo,
during the war with Texas, imbue,
him with love Of personal powe
that never left him. He was thence
forward the champion of centraliza
ton and despotlsm. From 1Sil Il
1874, he was really absolute ruler oI
the country, under the name of "Pro
visional President" In lS45 he wa
deposed and banisbed for ten years
He returned to Cuba, whore h
watched the course Of events.
On the outbreak of the war wit
the United States he was recalled T.
Mexico, aud permitted by our au
thorties to pass the lines. Instea'
OF being paciically inclined, as he wa
believed to be, he proved an advocat,
Of war, aud was placed at the head o
civil and military affairs. Defeated
by Taylor at Buena Vista, he prompt
ly gathered new army, which wal
routed by Scott at Cerro Gordo. He
next resortod to diplomacy, that he
might gain time for the organization
of fresh troops. When he felt ready
he threw of the mask again. only tC
be defeated at Contreras and Churu
busco. Scott gave him an armistice
but was, after all, compelled to fgh
his way to the capital. Santa AnnI
made a few moro faint attempts a
resistance, but in vain, and was final
ly permitted to leave tho country. HC
went to Jamaica, where he remained
FIVE years. In 1853 he returned, ant
was appointed President. Had hi
taken warning by the past, he might
have prospered. He preferred to be-
tray the liberties Of the people, who
were only anxious for constitution
al government, by arrogabng to him
self the most absolute power. The
revolution followed, and after show
ing his usual pluck in resisting it, he
at last abdicated and settled down in
the Island Of st. Thomas. He re-
mained there until the French inva-
siou of 1861 occurred, a movement
which there is every reason to believe
he encouraged, thorgh his good wish
es were thrown away upon Napoleon.
A year ago he came TO New York
where he affected anti Imperial sym
pathies, but could not secure the con
ldence Of the Liberals. Though verg.
ing on three score and ten, he was as
jealous an intriguer as ever. and fan
cying the time had approached fol
him to act, slipped quietly off for II
vana few weeks since. Thence he
sailed in the steamer Virginia to We.
re Cruz, then defended by the I'm
perialists against besieging force Of
Liberals. His design was 70 get the
garrison and Inhabitants to pronounce
for him as President, aud bo bore IL