The daily union., 1852-12-15
The French In Sonora and Dominica he
Monroe Declaration.


The recent extraordinary intelligence of the revolt of
French colony ia the Mexican province OF Sonora, of
the defeat of the federal troops by the nsrgent forces
under command OF Count Raousse Boulbon and the an
nexaton of the department 10 the empire OF France by the
proclamation of the victorious adventurer excited throush
the country mingled sensation of doubt and astonish-
nent. Viewing the announcement in connexon with the
sPeculaons Of portion of the French press respecting
the propne,y Of encouraging European colonization in
Mexico to prevent its absorption by the United States
some OF journals disposed credit the singular
story, and to anticipate attempt on the part of the
French government 10 accept and make good the con.
quest By subtle and ingenious method of reasoning,
other circumstances adduced support of this posi-
ton The New York Herald ncnes 10 this view Of
the case in article which transfer 10 our columns
In our opinion the Importance Of this affair is very
much exaggerated and its aim and tendency altogether
misapprehended. We have no idea that the French gov-
ernment is in the least implicated in the movement or
that originates in any concerted plot do we upprs
bend that it will receive the sanction OF the Emperor of
France. We take it to be one OF class Of adventurous
and indefinite outbreaks OF ambition or cupdi,y by which
the supremacy Of law and social order in the republic of
Mexico is prostraed and the fields OF industry made
desoate It is agreed that the immediate provocatou Of
the COnnCl OelNteu AOuut lOHOWeT- Tue
Mexican authorities grow out OF some misunderstanding
in relation 10 the title to The mine Of Arizona; and that
the origin OF the French colony in Sonora accidental
and for commercial ends, rather than formed by design
and for political effect Moreover by one, and in our
judgment the more probable account, Boubon has sim
ply proclaimed the independence OF Sonora without ref
erence to its annexation 10 France The account
intmaes that the probable result Of the affair will be
the annexation of Sonora to-ihe United States
The view here presented Of the instruction in Mexi.
can Sonora strikes The correct view OF The matter
However ambitious Napoleon III may be OF colonial
conquest he is hardly stupid TO believe that this
government will suffer him TO plant his foot the con-
fines Of California He would not expend his energies
IN so foolish and futile an effort this Sonora plot
II he covets foothod on this hemisphere he will doubt.
less seek to compass his purpose by surer, safer
and wiser scheme,
That The French government does entertain the pur.
pose OF extending its power on the American continent
Is scarcely matter OF doubt in fact. at this very mo
ment this purpose is in process OF accomplishment
Some time since, il announced that a French
squadron had taken possession OF the peninsula OF
Samana in the republic OF Dominica, with the avowed
intention OF ortiiying it and converting it into a ma.
val station. This is most significant and import
ant event BY incredible effort the foce Of the French
navy has been increased. until II is scarcely inferior
TO iha, Of the British marine. As basis for the
operations OF this immense navy in the waters OF the
American continent the peninsula and bay Of Samana
are appropriated by the French government, under the
plausible preexl o protecting the Spanish population Of
Hay from the rayagcs OF their negro neighbour the saw
age Sououque II said that The President Of the Do
ninican republic is entirely in the interests Of France,
aud that he has surrendered the independence OF his
country 10 French domination The effect oil the csssion
OF Samaaa to France and the establishment Of French
station 10 It's bay, will undoubtedly give that gov
eminent supreme control over the Dominican republic
BY il contended that France has in prospect the
sterior object OF subjugatng the empire Of Hay and
reducing the entire island TO its dominion bat do not
believe this to be the policy Of the French government
Its object is the establishment Of naval depot in the
bay OF Samana, whence il may securely exert lis infu
ence the affairs OF the American continent The bay
OF Samana affords OF the finest harbors in the world,
and by the forfcaton Of the peninsula be made in
accessible to any hostile assault by Il commands
absolutely the Mona passage between Hayt and Puerto
Rco and would enable any naval power possessing il
10 harsss, il not destroy, commerce round Cape
Horn, and with the West Indies and Central America.
With naval force securely stationed in the bay Of Sam
ana, France might exert powerful influence the po-
ical condition of the West India ses and in the event
Of war with this country might easily ravage our com
merce and deaolate our coasts