The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-12-02
The Poant ne Issue In thu MEXICAN Questlo ,
What We are Called Upon TO DO.

What We are Called Upon to DO.
The chief point in The discussion Of the Mexi-
can problem which is now occupying the stten-
ton Of the whole country, is what position
should the United States assume in regard to
the republic Of Mexicos
THERE'S but one position that we can assume
without bringing about complications in both
our foreign and domestic policy, which are nei-
ther necessary nor desirable. We must support
the independence Of Mexico against all foreign
aggression and Intervention. Menaced as she
now is, or is likely soon to be, by foreign fleets,
which, under cover Of demanding satisfaction for
alleged outrages, will probably endeavor to
thrust foreign agents into power there, and thus
in reality overthrow her national independence,
she may become the instrument Of great annoy
ance to us, and constant bar to our intercourse
with the routes across the isthmuses Of this con-
tinent. To US her independence is peculiarly
desirable We do not want to bring her into
the Union for she is by no means prepared
for such a consummation. 1t is not de-
si,able TO us to see her broken up into
several petty States in continual war with
each other. And much less do we wish for
continuance Of the present intcrnecine strife
within her. borders, where one Of the parties
makes virtual war upon us, under the counte-
nance and counsel of an intriguer who, in his own
person. represents the Cabinets of France, Spain
and Prussia in her capital
The struggle that is now going on in Mexico
is in reality conflict between the political ideas
| Of the present age and the religious despotsm
| which ruled Europe centuries ago. There the
Reformation began its overthrow, and planted the
seeds Of religious and political liberty In this
| country the political idea overslaughed the ty
| ranny of the church from the moment of our ex-
| istencc rs a nation The political rclgonists OF
l716 were forced to succumb to the men of intel
| lect, and the Church was made subordinate to
the State. while the clergy were excluded from
the political arena. 1t is only within the last
| twenty years that under the pretence Of attack
ing the institution of slavery, set of religious
| fanatics have endeavorcd to introduce among
our political elements the rule of religious des-
poism, under the fallacious title of moral right
If these clerical politicians could have their own
way among us, they would soon force upon this
country contest for our political liberties SINH
lar to that which is now raging in every part Of
| Mexico.
| In that republic this contest will moi cease
until the temporal organization Of the Church
there is destroyed, and the great hold il has
| upon the property Of the country is broken up.
4 zeal for the Church underlies every one of her
| elements Of discord, and stimulates them to ac-
lion. While il appeals to the religious element
| in the minds Of men, it has no connection what
ever with true religion 1t aims only at supre-
macy for the Church, and recognizes in the
priest who has forcsworn all the ties of family,
all the affections Of paternity, all love OF country
and all interest in The temporal institutions Of
society, superior being, who should dictate to
his fellow man the rules Of right and wrong. In
poism and the enemy Of all political as well as
religious freedom. 1t has been the same every
where, and under all crceds. The political rcli-
| gionists OF Professionalism are every whit Is dog
matte and overbearing as are those Of Catholi-
cism: and the moral theorists here would rule by
power rather than by reason rs is the case in
Mexico. The higher law Of Seward is nothing
more than the rule of the Church, which he
would make superior TO our political institutions
II is to be hoped, therefore, that the President
will present in his message to Congress COM
plete view Of Mexico as she stands to-day-in
her midst conflict between religious despotsm
and political liberties, while on her shore hostile
fleets are gathering to maintain the clergy, and
eventually TO overthrow Der national ndepen-
dence This we should not permit. The true
Development of that republic, and of the vast
riches now hidden in her bosom. lie in the main
tenance OF her political liberties. II is with
these that We are allied by sympathy and by
interest and If the government does not act the
people will. Congress should take up the sub.
jet in fearless and enlightened spirit 1t
should give expression TO the national voice in
favor Of Mexican independence, and should con-
| fer upon the President full power to act, with
authority to use both men and money, should his
! judgment require il. The defence Of the princi-
pie Of political liberty in the countries contigu-
Gus TO US is part Of our own defence and we
| should not wait till they are subjugatcd before
We awaken to knowledge of the necessity of
action in our own behalf
AMERICAN PASSPORTS ABRoAp.--C Complaints