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What has been called independence, has only, in fact, been a reme restraint upon the plundering propensities of the Spanish officials. people did not become free; they only changed masters. Under the S

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THE time has now apparently arrived when it becomes important to consider what will be the results of the war being waged against the Spaniards in Mexico. When hostilities exist between two nations, even if they are but savage tribes, it may reasonably be expected, that some terms of accommodation may, ultimately, be arrived at, and the interests of both parties promoted in restored peace. In the case of Mexico, however, it cannot be said that the nation is at war. The body of that unhappy nation consists of the remnant of the people conquered by the ancestors of their present oppressors. The lawless adventurers from Spain overran, and under circumstances of great cruelty, subdued the empire of the Aztecs. The fortunate conqueror returned to Spain, and laid an empire at the feet of Charles V., from whom he, in return, received high honors. After three centuries of imperial rule, the authority of Spain was thrown off, and there remained not the restored freedom of the Aztec empire, but the anarchical contentions of the Spanish military. The state of affairs was no ways dif ferent from what it was after the conquest, and before the weight of Spanish imperial authority established something like order among the conquering chiefs. The strife of Cortez and Narvaez, before the authority of the mother country took effect, was renewed in the persons of Iturbide, Victoria, Pedraza, Bustamente, Guerreo, that genius of evil-Santa Annaand the host of chiefs whom the long war of independence had created, as soon as that authority was again thrown off. A powerful and intriguing priesthood had, however, grown up, to fan the flames of discord. During the three centuries of Spanish misrule, the nation had not grown in strength; no public opinion was formed of a stability to curb the licentious soldiery. The colonial policy of Spain had been exerted only to make imperial rule necessary to the colonies; it was framed for that end, and to prevent any advancement in national characteristics. The Spaniards of Mexico, seeking to acquire wealth by oppressing the natives exacting from them the proceeds of their labor, and compelling that labor-never amalgamated as with an equal race.

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What has been called independence, has only, in fact, been a removal of restraint upon the plundering propensities of the Spanish officials. The people did not become free; they only changed masters. Under the Span

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