Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1856-11-21
AFFAIRS IN MEXICO.

One can hardly understand how it is that the pop
ular mind Of this country, 80 susceptible OF impress
sion from the trashiest trans Atlantic gossip, Is utter
" indifferent TO the most important events OF war
and evolution among the nations of our own CONT.
nent The affairs Of Mexico, for instance, with whom
our relations are 80 intimate and multiform, seem
to concern us less than transactions Of the pettest
principally in Europe
The condition Of Mexico is the most interesting
study that can engage the thought Of the citizen Of
this country. its destiny is the most momentous
problem in American craftsmanship. For, in any
event. whether of adversely or OF national triumph,
the fate of Mexico must decisivey affect the welfare
of our own republic.
Living contiguous to our Southern border, and mid
yay between our Atlantic and Pacific possessions
touching us in two principal points, and interposng
it's immense dominions into the heart of our territory
embracing 80 considerable and so desirable portion
Of tie continent, and competing with US for the con-
troll of the American Mediterranean-capable of con-
ributing with prolific prodigsty to the aggrandize-
ment Of our commerce, and, il successful in its ex-
pertinent Of republican institutions, promising its
sympathy and support in the great cause of popular
povernment-by the necessities Of its position
enemy if torn from its natural alliance by the hostile
counsels of other Powerssble to help or to harm us
beyond the calculations of short-sghted diplomacy,
and claiming vigilant regard even in the quiet
est moment of its eIstence-the condition of Mexico
should be at all times and under all circumstances
the chief study Of craftsmanship and the constant
care OF our government.
Since the cessation Of hostlites with this country
In 1913, Mexico has been the prey Of anarchy and
revolution In the capital the usurpaon of one mill
tary adventurer has succeeded to the short lived
sway of another in such sudden and violent transit
ton, that the people have lost all conception Of the
stability Of government. In the provinces, what
with perpetual political disturbance, the license OF
brgandage, and the capricious tyranny of the GEN.
tre authority, there is neither security of pro-
perty, commercial enterprise nor industry in agri-
culture Every interest in the country lie langush
ing under the bghting effects Of administrative in
capacity, social disorder, and the popular despair of
better fortune for the nation.
1t happens at the present moment, that these dos
mestic embarrassments aggravated by complica.
tions in the external relations Of the Mexican govern
ment. Both Great Britain and Spain threaten the
enforcement Of certain claims IN behalf of their sub
iects by demonstration Of violence. The govern.
ment has resource but in negotiation; and it is ex
trsmely doubtful if the ruling Power survive the
crisis. The Church, heretofore the only conserva-
tive element, the only stable institution in Mexico,
has been e1asperated against the Administration oy
the secuarzation of it's property.
In proportion a, Mexico appear. to stagser on the
brink of ruin, do its claims 20 our regard multiply
It duty to succor i, by all possible assistance;
and, in the extremity, see that it fall, prey
to the ambition of no Europeon power.