The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-10-15
Henacing aspect Of the Relations Bstweca
Great Britain and Mexico.

Our last accounts from Mexico represent that
government as in somewhat Of fix. The Bri-
ti4h Charge dAffalrs, Mr.. LettsoIn has closed The
Legation and retired TO Tacnbaya TO await the
final decision Of President Comonfort aod his al
visers in the Topic affair. The government in
the hope Of gaining time, has announced to the
British agent thai it i abou. 70 despatch Gene
raj .ilmonte 10 London, with full powers 70 nc
.gotiate it, settlement, and thus matters stand for
further instructions from Lord Clarendon before
he finally demands his passports; but there i
reason 10 believe that Almonte's mission viii no.
alter in any respec. the decision already arrived
at by the British Cabinet, unless, indeed he b.
furnished with instructions to coIccde tho in
demnity demanded by Barron, FORBES & Co., the
particulars OF whose case have already been laid
before or readers. Although the claims OF this
flm are stated to be the immediate motive for
the threatened demonstration against Vera Cruz,
there i but little doubt. from what ra9pr-
I'd a. the recent meeting OF tie Mexican bond
holders in London, that il i intended to have a
wider scope. Il i probable that, having resolved
upon taking this decided step in the one casc,
Great Britain viii not withdraw her s4uadro,
from the Mexican coast until all the outstanding
claims Of her subjects against the republic are
put in fair train Of settlement.
To this VIC have nothing 10 object. This coun.
try, as well a. France, has been compelled 10 re.
sort to similar measures 10 cStort from the Punlc
faith Of Mexican rulers the satisfaction Of obliga,
tons which could not De wrtng from them b.
any other means. If Mexico claims the priv.
leges, immunities and confederation or an indie
pendent nationality, he cannot DC allowed t.
ghiTk its responsibilities. international comfy
imposes the s1me duties and obligations upon
sovereign States that society does upon indv.
dgals If they ar allowed TO participate In rs
benefits, they must b. content TO submi. then.
selves 70 rs moral and legal restraints. McXic9
cannot therefore. under thc Plea that shc j. weak
and entitled to lenient consideration. lc allowed
to play forever tic par, o. tic knaye who prey
upon the public, and who only shows evidences
Of repentance when he Is in the grippe OF the lAe
Where there is will there Is n way; aid D.,
one doubts the ability Of Mexico, If her al Ala
were properly managed, 10 discharge her j1.t
obligations. IL Is no answer 10 her creditors 10
sly that he Is herself plandcrcd ly corrup.
rulers who SuaDder away her resource
Il i The business or the Mexican people
10 guard against such mal-adminisiration
and If they have neither the patriotism nor IN
nerve TO do Il, their creditors must take care or
their own interests BY being subjected to out
side pressure their eyes may be opened N the
consequences Of their own Indifference AMI they
may be taught The necessity Of prDdcncc, econO
my and watchfulncss for the future. Without
some such lesson they cannot expect 70 maintain
their independence; and therefore the steps
taken by Great Britain to enforce the claims Of
her citizens are 10 BE- regarded in the Light o. rs.
fll eorrcctivcs TO Mexican vices and weaknesses
Whilst going thus far, however, we must not
be understood a. approving Of any proceeding
on tho part Of foreign Power which might b.
calculated TO trench upon the Just rights Or
dignity Of another State Our observations are
INTENDED to apply only to cases Of wrong doing
where no other means Of redress are available.
The moment that Great Britain, or any other
nation, attempts to overstep this distinction.
and to ncroach upon the Independence or
territorial domain Of any Of the American States
VIC shall be az ready 10 def nd their interests a. we
are 10 protect our own Whilst this country con
cedes to other Powers the same latitude for the
assertion Of their rights which II claims for it.sf
II will ever resist the slightest show Of Int g.
renee with the internal affairs or sovereign priyi
leges Of any Of the nationaitics Of this cont o1t
The foreign governments having claims 70 On.
force against Mexico viii do well 70 bci ttis
truth in mind.