The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-12-01
The Mexican ComPlicati0ns-What VIII the
President Recommend In His Message

President Recommend IN His Messages
The press is very generally specializing upon
what will be the recommendations of the Presi-
dent in his message, on the complicated questions
of our relationship with Mexico. A large majo-
rity of the journals admit the necessity of some
action on the part of the government, while
others foreseeing that any movement in our
foreign relations will override the questions of
domestic policy that have 20 long distracted the
country, deny that we have any motive for alarm
or interference in the complications that are
gathering over that republic.
While it is evident to all reasonable minds
that il would not be wise policy on the part of
the United States to withhold that influence
which it is naturally called upon to exercise in
the difficulties Of sister republic, and that even
if the government were so disposed to act it
would be impossible for it to avoid being COM
plcated eventually in questions that SO nearly
affect our own policy and interest, still it is
not at all clear what course would be the
safest and most proper for us to pursue.
That the Anglo-French alliance is endea-
voring to work out some scheme in the
Gulf of Mexico, to stop, if possible our
progress in that direction, there is abun-
dant reason to suppose. The fulminations
of the London Herald, lord Derby's organ,) and
of La Patra, (thc Ministerial journal in Paris,)
would be quite sufficient, even if we had no
other evidences of this fact But there are other
proofs coming to us from all sides. In these
schemes Spain is now playing the part of the
cat'spaw she being pushed forward by the
Others. to save appearances for time, and to
secure some vantage ground; for there is no fact
more patent to the world than that the Cabinet
of Madrid is governed by the Anglo-French
alliance, Louis Napoleon giving the key note in
Spanish and other European affairs, as Lord
Derby does in those of China. II yet remains to
be seen which Of the two-England or France
rules the policy Of establishing balance of
power in the New World.
On our side the material as well as the politi-
cal interests of the country impel us to the
Development of policy seemingly antagonistic
to the interests Of the European Powers, but
which is really to their advantage No Power
but that of the United States can succeed in
establishing order In that distracted republic
and developing those rich resources which
now lie fallow TO industry and trade
We have proximity and an identity in the
theories of government with those that are des-
tined TO rule in Mexico. Europe, on the other
hand, il distant from the scene Of operations,
and nurtures in her political theories an antago-
nism to those Of the New World. Ours, then, is
the duty Of bringing Mexico into the republic Of
Il "A g. Joua x.-11 ko Cor he
manifest advantage Of all. How this Is to be
done il not so evident There are as many diff
fcrent prescriptions for the sick man." Mexico,
AZ ever there were for any patient. Doctors are
numerous, and every old woman has her nos
trum, all being confident that their particular
method Of treatment is jus, The thing required.
Among these few are worth mentioning. Some
wish to have war declared. and that we should
at once annex the whole country by occupation.
Others would carry out this idea by treaty, in
stead Of war. Then, again. we have the advo-
Gates for an alliance, offensive and defensive,
with President Juarcz: others would only lend
him few millions; some would give him men.
but no money. Then, the Glibusters propose to
do all the work, both for M and for Mexico
simply for the glory Of the thing. Then, we have
the advocates for the Sierra Madre republic.
Another set would purchase only Sonora and
Chihuahua. and third would settle the whole
question by settling Tehuantcpec. All Of these
schemes and many more are no doubt pressed
upon the President. who patiently listens to all
and commits himself to none. And so the qucs-
ton Is before The country: and every one is ask
ing, what will the President dos
To US there seems but one possible course for
him 10 pursue. As the head of the executive
branch Of the government, he no doubt Ia in
possession Of more information on the subject
than any one else but. at the same time, he has
no power to act. He IL like pilot called to ma
yigatc through difficult and perhaps dangerous
channel which is completely unknown. No one
has ever preceded him In II; there are no bcacons
or buoys to guide him. and no preccdcnts to war
rant his making the attempt with the confidence
that he can get through. In this condition Of
affairs the only thing that he can do IL to lay
full and explicit statement Of the facts before
Congress and ask for its directions in the pre-
misses. These should be taken up by that body.
and discussed openly frankly and boldly before
the face Of the whole world, and the principles
upon which our policy hould be conducted in
the complications which must arise during
the next twelve months In Mexican affairs
should be clearly elucidated. II the critical pc
riod for action should not come up before the
close Of the session, Congress should then give
the President full power TO act as circumstances
may require within the coming six or twelve
months. with an appropriation Of ten or twenty
millions Of dollars TO meet any exigenciee that
may arise.
II may be objected 20 this course that IL would
be confering upon the President the full power
ofpeace or war. That is lust what should be
done. Nc coursc tlipi can he suggested will con