Year: 1870

1Hc exC'toueut OI tne week mas Decn an unusual
one, and upon topic which seems to have an alb
sorbing interest for all classes. The local revo-
lutions still being unsuccessfuNy carried on in
various parts Of the republic excite little or no
comment on the part Of the press, the all
absorbing subject of discussion and argument
being the recent arrest of the exGeneral Negrete,
ex-Secretary of War Of the republic of Mexico,
the probable results Of his trial and Of his being
pardoned by President Juarez or the sentence
commuted In case of his being condemned to
death. The recent affair in the Boca de Tecea-
pam, on the Pacific coast which resulted in the
destruction Of the Forward by officers and men
from the United States vessel of war the Mohican,
receives but little public attention, enrapt are
the people and the press in the question as to
whether General Negrete shall be pardoned,
if condemned, or his blood be added to that
already shed In behalf of peace, order and
the established government II might be difficult
for persons not fully understanding this people to
appreciate how it could be possible that this great
revolutionary leader Of year since, who has
cost many lives to the nation and dollars to the
Treasury, has still awakened such universal SYM
pathy among all classes; the simple news of his
arrest by the police early the morning of July
II resulting in the calling up of old memories and
old military triumphs of the nation to which he
contributed so largely, and the committing to
oblivion of his later acts of forgetfulness and
faithlessness to his government and party Yet
such is the case Negrete, as it is claimed by his
friends, had ceased to identify himself with the
revolutionary movements of the past few months,
and especially those of San Luis Potosi and Zaca-
tecas, and had been quietly residing in
this city, employing himself and earning
his living by making earthen cups, pitch
ers, &c., when certain officers of the govern
ment having learned his whereabouts, he was
arrested on the morning of July l2. at half-past
four O'Clock, ina dwelling only few blocks from
the National Palace, and conducted to the public
prison, together with companion and an old and
favorite servant.


As the news of his capture spread throughout
the city and country great excitement prevailed
and measures were Immediately taken by all peo-
pies and classes to save his lfe In all cases thus
tar those measures were of most pacific charac-


ter, and admitting the great guilt of the accused
yet were directed to the President of the republic
praying hin to commute the sentence should his
Judges impose that of death. On the same after
press was held, wherein ii was agreed to unite in
asking pardon On the same and following days
meetings were called and held of the various lite
rary and other societies and brotherhoods of the
capital, resulting in multitude Of petitions to the
President asking Negretes pardon.


Various petitions were also circulated and
signed among mercantile circles, among lawyers,
members of Congress, &c, and at noon, on the
18th, few posters at the corners of some of the
streets invited the public to q popular demonstra-
ton in behalf of Negrete in the grand square in
four o'clock. At the hour indicated the people
began to congregate as suggested, the number be-
ing increased every moment by the bands Of music
present, and the enthusiastic speeches of several
orators. BY half-past five o'clock concourse
had assembled which was estimated by some per-
| sons who were present as numbering between
| twenty and thirty thousand people. A rostrum was
| chosen for the speakers, now at one point md
| then at another, Of the great square, from which
| the people were informed that they had been
called together to express their views in regard


to the fate OF Negrete, and to take such action as
might be proper and as might suit them A


committee was appointed to proceed to
the President of the nation at once and
to request him in the name of the
people to grant pardon to Negrete The COM
mittee, on approaching the palace door, were in
formed that President Juarez was not there, and
therefore could not be Immediately addressed on
the subject. General Garcia, the military COM
mander Of this division, was duty with the
usual palace guard, and the prison of the ex-
Convent OF Santa Teresa near at hand where
Negrete was imprisoned, was strongly guarded by
force OF infantry, while cavalry were patrolling
the streets In all directions in the immediate neigh


borhood. There was however, no indication that
any special use of the military would be required
inasmuch as violence was attempted by the
people, nor the rescue Of Negrete attempted.


The orators of the occasion counselled the
people wisely that it was only a peaceful
demonstration of the people in behalf OF the
life Of human being, and that it was,
therefore, the see duty e of .ss each and every
committed which might result in the loss
of life or injury Of any person. The crowd were
SO well pleased with Mr.. Villalobos, one OF the
orators that at the close of the demonstration, as
evening approached, they took the mules away
from the coach in which he proposed to pass to
his home and drew him there by hand. small
portion Of the press has taken the view that this
demonstration was premature and unwise, as
Negrete had not yet been tried, but the greater
portion of the public writers, and of the press,
appreciating the possibility of his being shot i'm.
mediately after being sentenced take the ground
that the people who then and there presented
themselves had the right, and that it was their
duty to signify in that open but peaceful manner,
how universal was the sympathy for Negrete,
and how genuine was the desire that the President
should pardon him. The petition of that great
concourse is before the President, and they await
its result


Later the Legislatures of several States and the
public authorities of several large cities have
been convened, and have expressed their desire
that the President should exercise his pardoning
power. Some of the above have sent commits
sioners to the capital to convey to the President
their petition. The belief seemed to be universal
during the first days of Negrete's arrest that he
would be tried and condemned within forty-eigbt
hours; but it is possible that the means which
were adopted by other persons to prevent the
trial Of General Cauto for the murder OF General
Patoni have been resorted to successfully by Gen
eral Negrete's friends and counsel. Up TO this
moment his trial has not been held, and 1t Is now
rumored that judge of the courts Of Puebla has
demanded the person OF Negrete, that he may be
tried there. The result is not yet known.


It should be said, in justice to true narration
of events now passing, that the rumor reaches
your correspondent that in the trial soon to come
off it will be shown the part OF the government
that General Negrete has not abstained from revo-
luton and conspiracy during and since the San
Luis Potosi and Zacatecas revolt, and further that
he has quite recently been attempting TO seduce
certain Of the troops garrisoned at and guard
ing the capital, positive proofs of the same being
in the possession of the governments. The truth
Of the above rumor will be known in q very few
days. The following are extracts from articles
kox, L., -.