The Nashville Daily Union

Santa Anna's address to the Mexican people.

General Santa Anna arrived in Vera Cruz from St. Thomas about the 12th ult., and issued an address to the Mexican people. He reminded them of the situation in which he left the country, charged the misfortunes of the State upon the Liberals, and, in respect to the invasion by foreign powers, said:

It is unquestionable that the excesses of the party who ruled brought about the armed intervention, and that it appeared at a time when our society was disturbed. Honest people feared for their lives and property and the honor of their families. They sought, like the shipwrecked mariners, any plank whatever to save themselves.

That party having proclaimed an exaggerated constitution, which they carried out, despair had reached its climax. Two of the allied nations now suspended their demands, and withdrew. Then the afflicted people had recourse to the other that remained in the country, and proffered it a friendly hand; the soldiers of the Republic by hundreds joined in brotherhood with those whom they looked upon as allies to destroy the domestic tyranny and substitute a better order of things.

Mexicans, who had always given proofs of their patriotism, appeared in the same ranks, and even the capital, despising the prohibitions and penalties imposed by the so-called constitutional government, welcomed the legions of the friendly nation with enthusiasm.

The people, wearied with the anarchy of half a century, with false promises and fine theories, anxious to have a paternal government just and enlightened, proclaimed with enthusiasm the re-establishment of the empire of the Montezumas by a dynasty of royal extraction, voting at once for emperor the illustrious Prince Maximilian, Archduke of Austria. The demagogues in their desperation are exhausting the resources that they are able to use, believing that by combating they are defending Mexican independence; but the day will arrive when they will find out that patriotism was not on their side in the present struggle. The States that have not yet made any manifestation will certainly make it as soon as they obtain any protection, and the Mexicans who are now with arms in their hands will lay them down on being convinced that nothing is attempted against the nationality, and that they are only aggravating the evils which we all lament.

A government, freely elected by Mexicans, being already installed in the capital, good patriots are under the obligation to group themselves around it to clothe it with prestige and strength. So sacred a duty brings me here. I come, therefore, to give new proofs of the respect I owe to the national will now so in agreement with my belief and conviction. The orders that may emanate from that supreme power I shall treat with the decision and loyalty with which I have obeyed the nation on all occasions. When peace is re-established, the country settled to its satisfaction, I shall only ask, as a favor, that I may be allowed to enjoy, in my last days, the quiet that I have not been able to secure in any of the situations of my life. Fellow-citizens, guard in your memory the magnanimous monarch who has extended to you his powerful hand so opportunely and generously. Without his assistance you would groan under the depressing and barbarous yoke of the most uncontrolled anarchy. Gratitude is a virtue peculiar to noble minds.

The attempts that until now have been made under the republican form, have only brought discredit and desolation to the countries of the American continent, while constitutional monarchy has given, and continues to give, everywhere, better and more lasting fruit. If the flight of Liberty is not so lofty under the monarchy as in the republic, the former has an advantage that the second does not possess, of being away from political disturbances.

I am not the enemy of democracy, but of its extravagancies. In our history it is shown that I was the first to proclaim the republic. I thought that I was doing a great service to our country, the object always of my adoration, and nothing stopped me until the object was attained. But the illusions of youth have passed in presence of so many disasters produced by that system, I will not deceive anybody: the last word of my conscience and my convictions is, the constitutional monarchy.

At last I return to our country without aspirations of any kind and I assure you that all the labors of my life will be recompensed if I finish my days among you in the midst of peace and prosperity.

The publication of this document led to an order from General Bazaine, the French commander, directing Santa Anna to leave the country. He obeyed after explaining that the manifesto was not published with the intention to violate any regulation of the French commander, and that it was innocent in its sentiments. He said:

"Your excellency will consider the unpleasant feeling that the supposition of having broken my word has caused to me, and that upon this is partly based the outrage done to me in expelling me immediately from the territory of my country, after eight years and a half of ostracism, and when my health has become lately so bad. In consequence of such procedure, which I cannot but notice, and using my right, I protest in every manner against the expressed act of violence attempted against me, which is both unjust and inhuman, and will appeal to the government of his majesty the Emperor Napoleon III from whose justice and wisdom I do not doubt to obtain redress."

Gen. Bazaine, the French commander, ordered Santa Anna out of the country for publishing the foregoing address.