The New York herald., 1868-05-10
MEXICO.

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The Mexican Press and the Hcrald-Review
Of tho Evils That Disturb the Republic
g PeenaSe-Passien Week.
1rr-l t.3 cf1 frrt VERA CRUZ, April Ia, $685.
The newspapers Of Mexico are naturally enough
very sensitive concerning the comments Of the press
Of the United States upon the condition OF aralrs
here. The HERALD, which Is the best known and
most read, ts regarded its exponent, and its arti
cles upon the present and future of Mexico are
eagerly sought for and perused. But recently the
Revfsa Of tnis city published an article this sub
tect, the gtst o, which translate, as follows
1t Is q scandalous fact and seems scarcely cred-
tends to be at the head Of the nations the greatest
and most civilized OF earth should persist In dlstOrt
United States when treating Of Mexico One is COM
PEELED to believe that this Is species OF Madness
which which ,,u IKE that Of Hamlet has it. system, and
manifest destiny manage to excite the cupidty and
spirit OF people little instructed in what passes
than ignorant, for the purpose OF nstituting cru
sade which has for Its object the absorption OF ours;
Gals can have any other object
These observations are prompted by an article in
the HERALD, originally translated and published by
the Dtarto 0tctal OF Mexico (the original OF which
have not seen) commenting with much severity on
the condition Of affairs In this country evidenced
by the general state Of insecurity, and more particu
ary In the vicinity Of the capital taking its text
the late attempted assassination Of Juarez and his
Ministers-a thing which. however it may be cloaked
by interested persons was purely political in Its
character, and though In its discovery and failure
ridiculous, yet was not unlike many cOnspiraces in
the past that have convused the country and over
thrown the government 1t is a somewhat unfor
tunate thing for Mexico that in arrestng and ex-
ms of hiChth tho Pouief aks hor
press deals so much in general defamation and 30
little in facts. AS for example, why does not the
Revista controvert the facts upon which these 80
severe comments are based, instead of denouncing
them as fabulous, and prompted by mad
ness only akin to reason in that it has
a systemP These facts are furnished by resident
correspondents-in the Of the HERALD at least
living In this country solely to ascertain and record
the truth. These gentlemen who are, without eX-
ception republicans, and entirely anxious for the
success of republican institutions in this country
elsewhere. are fast becoming within a narrow
circle "the best abused men on the continent" and
certainly it behooves them to say word In their de-
fence.
Are not the following facts notoriousp con-
spiracy within few hours Of its denouen,ent, was
recently discovered in the national palace OF Mexico
to assasslnate all the members OF the government,
from the President down; not in their residences and
for the purpose of robbery, has been most fool
ishly claimed but scattered here and there, it
known that they would be-the one in the theatre,
another at his office in the palace, still another while
gong to the house OF friend, and the remainder In
various localities. Prominent citizens men Of wealth,
In different parts OF the republic are almost daily
being captured and taken to the mountains by rowing
bands OF robbers and assassns where they are held
for ransom, compelled to undergo the most cruel
totures until it Is paid. Some have been returned
to their friends physically ruined for life and others
hOpelessly insane from the treatment received. Seve
raj instances of this character have happened in Mex
ico ana no person OF property dare 60 outside OF that
and OF many cities in this country are not safe after
nine O'Clock at night to unarmed persons. Murders
organlze or attempted TO prevent them. No high
way OF this republic Is safe. 1t is true that in many
diligence will pass over road for weeks without in
terference-as between this city and Puebla-but it
Is certain TO be robbed in the end. And even this
exemption Is the exception as on most OF the roads
the rObberies are numerous, some Of them daily 1t
is true that personal injury where there is no resist
ance, is rare, and the only inconvenience which the
traveller suffers Is the loss of his personal effects,
unfrequently extending to the clothes on his back.
The political condition OF the country, though
seemingly quiet is really so in but comparatively
small portion of 1t. In many parts OF it arc rowing
bands of men, half soldiers, half brganIs, who pro-
are tterly hostile to the existing administration.
These the government are poweress to suppress. In
local ch eftains are waging fierce war with each
other for the supremacy in their own States as care
less OF the wishes or tue government as though no
such gOvernm mt existed.
In no part of the republic exists that confidence in
the COVE nment necessary to continuance, advance
ment ami progress. A revolution wolld take no one
by surprise, aid that the nations OF Europe, one or
uore OF them, will intervene in The affairs OF Mexico
to the entire revision OF her government Is believed
by fair proportion of the people. This, unless the
country is absorbed by the Tn ted States.
The financial condition OF the country is In mex
tricabe confusion. The revenues are OF the most
grinding and vexatiOus character, and yet, as AL
ministered are insui lent for the expenses of the
government. The National Congress has been some
months IN session and has not inaugurated single
plan Of relief Indeed, as far as the good OF the
country Is concerned, It's members far better had
remained at home, as by their action they have em-
barrassed and retarded many enterprises which were
calculated to astingy benefit it. These are the main
facts upon which correspondents have for some time
past been called upon to comment; that they exist
Is notorious; that one regrets it more than the
correspondents whose business It Is to study the re.
sources and necessities of the country. Is certain.
And 1t would be far better for the press Of Mexico
stricted and crippled as 1t is to look such facts in the
rather than attempt to conceal them by high sound
ing declarations ABOUT m dn"ss and other nonsense.
classes are held in state Of practicai slavery Is st
In operation in this country IN despite OF the guaran
tees TO all classes contained in the constitution OF
1867. Governor Hernandez OF this State one OF the
most advanced and practical Mexicans OF the day,
has turned his attention 70 it, and though too wise to
destroy at once system which from long usage has
become interviewer into the framework OF society IL
doing what he can to ameliOrate the condition Of the
poems. he some time since issued circular to the
abuses through which the labOrer was deprived OF
greater portion Of the results of his labor liable
to be imprisoned at any moment by his employer, and,
IN word, was held in condition OF serfdOm all his
life lie directs that hereafter the liberty Of the ndi
vidua shall not be nterfered with, and en0ns upon
all officials to see that these laborers are not robbed
but are afforded far remuneration for their work.
Should his directions be compiled with, OF which
there Is unhapply too little probability, they will do
much to soften and eventually do away with sys-
tenn which has for generations kept large portion
Of the population Of the country In condition OF g
norance and slavery.
Senand Santa or Passion Week, has just passed, and
much to the pious joy and deectation OF the faithful.
His Excellency the Governor permitted many OF those
ceremonies peculiar to the Mexican Church. many Of
which, with that wisdom which Rome has ever mani
tested In her conversion Of the heather, were adapt
ell from the religion OF the MOntezumas, making that
Of the Cross much more paatable to the new prose-
lyes These the demon OF liberalism has to q great
extent suppressed, and many are the anathemas re-
sutng from lips whose province IL rather to bless.
On this occasion, however business was dull, every
thing including the candle trade, was sagnant, and
so the Governor graci0usly remarked TO the holy ap
pcanta that 4 harm aud might e.