New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-01-25
MEXICO.

MEXICO.
THE GENERAL SITUATION - CONDUCT OF THE
ARMY-THE KIDNAPPERs-TRIAL BY JURY
THE CANTO CAsE-MR. LERDo's OPPOSITION
TO Mr.. ROMERO - THE LATTER SUPPORTED
BY PRESIDENT JUAREZ - FINANCIAL MEAS
URES-THREATENED COLLAPSE.
[PRoM OUR own CORRESPONDENT
MEXICO, Jan. 10 - When Juarez returned to
this capital after the siege Of ueretaro in July 1861 only
power had faith in the Mexican Republic one soil
tary nation gave official support and that the great
Angosaxon neighbor In Europe. the heroic and modest
Mexican President painted boodhirsty monster.
and the Mexican people as defcent all
virtues and being utterly incapable of self
Predictions made that after the defeat OF the French
intervention and the downfall of the Empire, anarchy
and disorder would reign supreme throughout this fated
land Now in addition to the Minister from Washington,
we have official representatives in this capital OF the
North German Confederation, and OF the Kingdom OF
Italy and Spain solicited the renewal Of diplomatic
relations The action OF these powers has been voun-
tary their recognition OF the Mexican Republic was un.
solicited but has been received In the most friendly spirit
and there good for believing that the other
European Governments will soon follow the example OF
North Germany, Italy, and Spain.
While all foreign nations excepting the United States,
suspended their friendly diplomatic intercourse with this
country all foreigners have enjoyed impartial protec-
ton their persons and property in accordance with
Mexican laws and probably in epoch since 1921 have
they Tor complaint as during the last
thirty months In this period the great mass OF the
army has behaved most admirably under very trying
circumstances For the restoration Of order and tran
guilty it has unhesatingy. and without murmur.
made continuously long and painful marches campaigned
in not ana most sckly climates fought bravely against
all revOluoDsts Notwithstanding that among the latter
to be found old comrades friends, and rea-
tives and popular leaders of previous BY it
formidable attempts at revolution have been eecuay
suppressed in Yucaan. Guerrero snaloa, Queretaro,
Pueba Tamaulpas Michoacan, and other parts, and at
this moment is reducing order the turbulent but brave
Indian population Of the mountain districts OF Pueblo
while other sections marching 10 suppress the revolt
OF old companions and OF National Guards San Luis
Potosi have travelled much and in many lands, but
nowhere have army that has done so much for
Its country with so little pretense and such small recon-
pense as this brave patriotic and reformed army OF Mex
ico The action of the military against revOuonsts has
been seconded and supported by the population In gen.
eral, in such manner as TO show an unmstakabe de-
termination TO do all that circumstances Will permit for
the suppression OF revolutions disorders and brgandage
and there have been many in which the country peo
pie have unasssed fought and destroyed awless bands
which attempted to proong the practices Of other times
One thing is now very clear namely, that the immense
majority Of the people opposed to all armed revolu
tons that they desire such changes as may be required
effected peaceaby and by constitutional means, and that
they are willing all in their power to secure ORDER
After the war OF intervention very serious crime be-
came general and spread great alarm among all people
above the very poor Gangs OF kldnappers were organ
lied in different parts Of the Republic, chiefly by dsrep
uable men who had been leaders OF guerleros. Many
persons kidnapped in tho towns on the roads, and
in the rural dstrloswere carried of TO the mountains
or other hiding places and subjected to the greatest
hnrdships until heavy ransoms were paid; and when
money could not DO obtained the unfortunate victims
were several remorselessly assassnated Mer-
chants afraid TO leave their homes agrcutursts
abandoned their farms, and travelling was suspended as
much as possible. Consequently there was general
stagnation Of trade and industry and the poor found
themselves without work The operations OF the kdnap
pers favored by two circumstances by tho
proximity OF rowing bands who pretended to be organ
lied for political purposes against the local or Federal
authorities and who afforded ready refuge for all men
with horses and arms and, secondly, the inefficient
action OF the old Spanish laws which, for the punish
ment Of crime required such abundance OF proofs
as could very rarely be obtained and especially In
troubled times law 10 facilitate the punishment
OF this crime presented by the Minister Igesas 10
Congress and approved by majority. In conformity
with its provisions many kdnappers and notorious rob-
beers or assasns have been executed many Of the
reros have pershed and for time past the
of kidnapping have greatly diminished. although tho
public still occasionally alarmed by repetition OF the
crime-as for example, the assassination Of English
man. John Furber in the vicinity Of Guanajuato last
month"; because he had refused 10 give 5000 Neverthe
less some OF the assasns OF Mr. Furber have already
been caught and executed
Trial by jury has adopted in the federal district
and also In the State Of Vera Cruz and TO be hoped
that this important institution will gradually be adopted
I'm all the States order TO effect the requisite radical
reform in the administration Of justice One terrible
crlmo has hitherto remained unpublished Above year
AGO Gen. Don Bengno Canto commanding part OF the
Fourth Division Durango. without form OF trial.
ordered Go PatOni be taken out Of bed separated
from his family and secretly shot. When the judicial
authorities that Canto had ordered the assas
suaton Of Patoni that General ventured TO affirm that
he had acted under orders from the supreme Gov
eminent and although he aiterward withdrew this rs
srton and Il IL believed that he alone Is response for
The crime his trial has been long delayed because both
IN. military and civil authorities In Durango have dc
card that IL il not their duty him, aud apparently
the supre me Court OF Justice II studying by whom the
assassin shall be tined.
The Minister OF Finance. Don Matias Romero has
labored most srenu0usy ~ reOrganLe ana reform ms
aud has proposed Ia Congress 10 abol
,s the interior Custom Houses 10 permit the free cire
latIon of all articles throughout the Republic free ex
of NIL products; aud TO relieve mining industry
from all the burdens which hitherto have prevented the
deyeopmept of this national Industry but regret To
say that he has supported IN bis prasewort"s
aud nnuortan labors by chief of tba Cabinet Den