The New York herald., 1870-01-02
M e X IC O..
The Grand Demonstrations in
Honor Of Seward.
The BALL AT THE NATIONAL THEATRE,
~~~~>~~~>~~-->~"~S~~~D
SenOrs Tejada and IeO-
xnerO's BanQuetS.
Tho Zona Libre Question in the
Mexican Congress.

Tho Zona Libre Question in the
Mexican Congress.
The steamship CITY Of Mexico, from Vera Cruz
December 2l, via Havana brings as tine following
news from Mexico the purser win receive thanks
Tor favors received.
Hon0r Of Mr.. Seward-The Decorations
Numbers Present-RomerO's BANQUET to the
Allustrious American-senor Lcrdo de Teja-
da's Entertainment-spcech Of Romero
and Seward.
CITY OF MEXICO, Dec. 10. 1Se8
Tho grand ball given last night in the National
theatre by the government caps the climax OF the
series Of compliments which have been showered
upon MI. Seward In Mexico.
For several days heavy force OF men were en-
gagged in preparing the decorations Of the building.
The whole capital was ransacked for articles with
which to beautify the house. The entire length
OF "Calle de vergaran was decorated with
Chinese lanterns and thousands OF lights
m the national colors OF red, white and
green, Illuminated the front OF the house.
Mirrors, Italian vases, chandeliers brackets without
number were borrowed from the Palace Tor the In.
terror. Plants founta MS, 1ags and lanterns deco
rated the grand portic0 and patio. The National
theatre OF Mexico, when 1t was finished, at cost OF
$4000 In 1S44 was considered the finest structure
Of the kind on the Continent The ioor seats nearly
1000 people, ana the stage corresponds size. The
noor can be raised to the level OF the stage present.
ing an extensive noor. upon which, 1t Is said, 500
couples may dance at once. The palcos were hand
s0mely furnished, every one being lifted up with
gauze curtains Of the Mexican coors, and during
the ball were nlled with all the elite and beauty
OF Mexico. 1t is estimated that 5000 or
1000 people present at this grand en-
tainment which was probably by tar the most
extensive which has ever taken place In this
country or which will take place for years 70 come
Supper was served in the halls Of the theatre to the
Immense company, while Mr. Seward and frends,
the Cabinet and diplomatic corps we're entertained
In smaller room apart Many toasts were pro-
posed on all sides and the best Of feeling prevailed
The ball began at ten and continued untll daylight
Fabulous sums are spoken OF the or this affair."
Certainly the government OF Mexico could not have
treated Mr. Seward In a more princely manner than
It has, and as an expression OF It's sentiments to-
wards the United States 1t could not show In more
generous manner its appreciation OF the assistance
which II may consider that 1t received from that
country.
On the 80 OF this month Mr. Seward was enter
tanned by Mr.. Romero. A limited number were pre-
Az the close OF dinner MIR. Romero began the
t0asts, as folows:-
SENIOR ROMERo's TOAST.
GENTLEMEN-Ir TO every American who loves the
Independence OF his country It gives the most POSI-
tive sar1slacu0n TO see among us as guest OF the
nation the Hon. William H. Seward, IL Is more espe-
cialy SO to me, from the fact that having had the
honor Of representing Mexico at Washington during
the period OF the international difficulties had
special opportunities Of knowing his elevated aims
respecting Mexico and his political foresight, which
from the outside, was able to reesablish the Union
within the United States, without involving his
country IN Foreign war, ana at the same time
operate In a pacific but eflcaclous manner towards
the evacuation of Mexico BY the French forces. l
l were to allow the present opportu.
nity TO- pass in which I enjoy the honor OF
him in my own house, without manfestng to hlm
my acknowledgment as = Mexican and friend, Of
ms dlslnterested services to my country, ana for
the direction OF the foreign policy OF the United
states. feel double satisfaction in seeing him
among US, because his visit TO Mexico Will nave
proved my good faith when gave my opinion
respecting aals In Mexico, and OF the political and
social state Of the republic, should the result llself
to satisfy him on that point. The presence among
% waa noaoraSs SSsfng%asa
and his elevated patriotism In the United States Is
an event upon which the republic should congratu-
her defence impartial and authorized voice which
will contribute towards dlsslpatIng the incorrect
L.,
fore think IT opportune gentlemen, TO propose .
toast, which have doubt viii be received by all
with satsfaction:--May the visit OF Mr.. seward be
"a fruitful IN beneficial results towards the honor
credit pubic good as his stay In the state Depart
ment Of the United States proved to be in contrl-
buting towards the happy issue OF independence
and sell-government OF Mexico.
Mr. Seward then responded-
SPEECH OF MR. SEWARD.
Although my memory does not go back so far yet
know historically that the world accepted with
gratlficatl0n and hope the revolution Mexico
xuh0 lAo.fp Inr fhn m J5frtrr
moreover, that Mexico was favored by the patience
ana expectation OF the nations until independence
was secured and established under the lead OF itur
Dde. But when 1t was that although indie
pcndence and sovereignty had been gained, yet
and the Mexican people became involved in pro-
tracted and turbulent storm appearing one year
above the waves IN the form OF an unsettled
monarchy, the next taking on the majesric prestige
Of an empire; then constitutional republic,
and that republic afterwards giving place to
gave way to despondency and ultimate despair In
al courts and capitals the uniform exclamation
Mexico is IN anarchy and s incapable OF self
vennon.n Even in the Congress OF the Uniled
States proposition for a United States protecto-
invasion which was finally adopted by France.
That Intervention occurred at the moment when the
United States themselves were struggling with re-
bellion the most fearful that any nation was ever
called 10 encounter The people OF the American
e saen m i11 t 're mrs. m ~ ont
less might seem, was nevertheless essential the
salvation OF the United states Nevertheless,
neither nation was at that time able to give
armed assistance, or other than moral sup
port to the other. Each was Obliged, by
supreme necessity TO fight It's own military battles.
while to effect the necessary concert In its moral
action was the great trial OF the Administrations
both countries. In all revolutions who preside
over the movement on either side may reason q
Dyt0rt, and they may respectively ground their ex-
pectations OF triumph upon principles which tbey
regard Us elementary The masses arrayed on botn
sides. on the contrary, may reason rrom the events
and developments OF the hour. was able TO MANI
tala at all times as all the world knows, an entire
confidence In the success OF the government OF the
United states and no less confidence in the triumph
OF the government here. While 4 could sufficiently
nj all times explain the reasons OF my confidence In
the former case, you. Mr.. Romero, remember
how often and now profoundly 1 expressed my
regret that the want OF personal, ACQUAINTANCE IN
Mexico disabled me from assigning satisfactory rea
sons for my Ialth In the success OF the republican
government here and how constantly assured you
that If life ana health should be vouchsafed me l
intended at the earliest moment TO study II pract-
cable Mexico the foundation Of my hopes OF peace
and republican government, AZ last have seen
Mexico. l have stood on the fatal hill or the Cerro
DE las Campanas IN Queretar0 and beside the graves