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262 in the army. It is to be feared that the Mexican priesthood are, privately even more averse to the progress of knowledge than the old Spanish ecclesiastics; yet despite all obstacles and opposition; there is good reason to believe that education will be more generally diffused among the people from year to year; and that it will become the means of producing the noblest and most beneficial changes throughout this degraded country.

It appears highly probable, that the political future of Mexico may be influenced in no ordinary degree, by the government of the United States of America. Since the war between the two countries, American habits and opinions have steadily gained ground; the Mexican republic adopting the United States for its model in many particulars. There are not wanting politicians in the United States, who already "realize," in imagination, the Mexican territories as brilliant appendages to their own; nor are others unfrequently met with, who complacently regard Mexico as lying "in their path of empire."

However this may result, any movement, having the effect of releasing the community from the oppressive bondage of superstition—