The Sun.
London, England, 1865-12-30 00:00:00

that he also reflects the views of the United States
Government. The only question, indeed, with
Americans is, whether this is the proper time for
them to interfere in the Mexican question. It is
well known that President Johnson's policy is
peace. He will not declare war against France,
but public opinion may force him to take such steps
in . relation to Mexico as will compel France to
choose between the alternative of war with
America or • withdrawal from Mexico. We
strongly Incline to the opinion that, if war
takes place, the fault will not be with the American
Government nor the American people. There are
many. considerations which will prevent the Ameri-
cans -from going. to war at the present juncture.
They have a good many important matters of
doinestic- 'policy. to-settle before they enter upon
foreign .business. . Their currency is not yet in a .
perfectly satisfactory condition, and, while it pre-
sentS no very serious difficulties as things stand
now; another great war would derange it '
almost beyond remedy. The revenue system also-
needs improvement. 'The Ainerican people are not
over-taxed, but the taxes elo not press equally upon ,
all classes and all interests. • The late rebellious
States have been theroughly beaten, and are now
sueing for re-admission ; but they are not yet re-
stored to their proper relations with the National
Government. The labour question in the Southern
States has still to be settled, and the political rights
and privileges of the colored population determined.
These matters are quite enough to engross the states-;
manship of the country for the next twelve montbei
and they are so many powerful arguments against
war. There is yet another grave matter to be con-
sidered in connection with -this question. If the
French are compelled or persuaded to leave Mexico;
what is then to be done ? The last half century Of
misgovernment and anarchy in Mexico have
satisfied the world that the Mexicans, left
to themselves, are incapable of self-govern-
ment. When Maximilian is ejected, as
he surely will be, sooner or later, civil war and
anarchy will be renewed; for political disorder and
insurrection are chronic diseases in the Mexican
body-politic. If the United States were to go to
war to free Mexico from a foreign Monarchical Go-
vernment and then leave it to be torn by internal
dissensions, it would commit a blunder in statesman-
ship and a crime against humanity. The presence
of Maximilian in Mexico is an insult aad a menace
to the United States—his expulsion world be a mis-
fortune for Mexico. There is, then, but two pos-
sible plans for the Americans to adopt in the
premises. The first of these is, to bear the insult
and the degradation of permitting a European
despot to sit down on the American Continent ;
the second, to expel Maximilian, and establish an
American protectorate over the country. u the
Americans are not prepared to do this, then tilueY
had better leave Maximilian where he is. N.' e
believe we 'shall but express the determination
of the American people and the American Govern-
ment if we declare that this is exactly the policy
which will be ultimately adopted in that countrY.
For obvious reasons, America can afford to wait a
little before taking up arms in defence of the Mexi-
can Republic. The Ruler of the French nation is
a wise monarch, and generally favorable to peace..,
It is considered more than probable that Nsl3°Leoli
may be induced to withdraw his troops fronigemiu°
of his own free will. If he should do so, there
f would then be no excuse for American inte erence►
i
and the Mexican Republicans would be abl ~..to take
care of themselves ; but if the Empire o Mexico
continues to rely upon foreign bayonets fo ~upper"
a war with America is inevitable, sooner r later
and the result of a war would be Other t.,0
annexation of Mexico to the United State, or the
establishment of an American Protectorate oyes
that country.