The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-12-03
THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICo-wHAT IS TO
BE DONE?


THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICo-WHAT IS TO
BE DONEl
1t would be silly affectation to say that the people
apd government of the United States are not deeply
interested in the conduct and fate of the neghbor-
ing republic of Mexico. If that republic had shown
ability to maintain ITSELF to preserve order and
fulfil the obligations of independent State, the
government and people of the United States would
have aided them in all reasonable and effective ways
But, in truth, Mexico is in sad condition of disor
der. 1t is not too much to claim that her govern
ment is radical failure. She has become prey to
intestine quarrels and, if this state of things shall
long continue, it is highly probable that the benevo-
ence and philanthropy of the world will have to be
taxed to feed aud subsist her population. 1t is
rank folly, under such circumstances, to pretend
that are indifferent to Mexican affairs. We oc-
cupy the continent in partnership with her people.
They owe to us special obligations growing out OF
cotermnous relations and interests. We have sought
to open the interior of the continent by roads and
safe conveyances, to connect the Atlantic with the
Pacific States to develop the resources of our coun.
try and to consolidate, Far possible, our material
and political interests but with border territory
sweeping along our whole southern line in utter an
archy or IN possession Of hostile tribes who find
safe retreat ON Mexican SOIL this work cannot
be accomplished, If we appeal to the govern
ment Of Mexico the answer is always the same
we have the disposition to preserve order but we
hack means Of enforcing it," The federal govern
ment has purchased, at high. rates. of the Mexican
republic, the Territory of Arizona or portion of it
but it is extremely questionable whether we can
render it available without commanding the districts
of Sonora and chihuahua. Those countries were
once inhabited, and to considerable extent cult
vatsd and worked but small bands Of Indians whose
original homes We're north of the Gila have made in
cursionsnto the border Mexican countries driven out
the settlers and now permanently occupy the Terrific
ny. In point of Fact the tribes make use of Sonora
chihuahua, and other Mexican States where thew are
masters as secure retreats against the armies of this
country. We cannot send troops across the
line, because that would be an act of war; nor can
we command peace and protection TO our border set
Elements, because the foe is lodged safely within the
Territories of friendly nation.
This problem is one which can be solved upon
rational and just principles. The government of
Mexico should be required to maintain order and
secure complete ascendency the feeble tribes
who now command absolute jurisdiction over the
States referred to. We ought not in other words |
to be called upon to respect territory which is
used by hostile people to rob, plumber, and muir |
der within our own jurisdiction. If Mexico cannot
enforce her laws upon her borders to project our
frontier inhabitants, the right to exercise the means
OF selfprotection becomes obvious indeed. We
a., I'LL 4. Al.
upon the general subject Of our relations with Mex
leo and the proper course to be adopted by the gov
ernInent:
To us there but possible course for him to
AS the head of the executive branch the govern
ment he doubt is ia possession of more information
on the subject than any else but ut the time
he has power to act He is like pilot called to nav
igate through difficult and perhaps dangerous channel
which is completely unknown No one has ever pre-
coded him in ii there beacons buoys to guide
him, and presidents to warrant his making the ut.
tempt with the confidence that he can get through In
this condition of affairs the only thing that he can do
lay full and explicit statement of the facts before
Congress, and ask for its directions in the premises
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 policy should
be conducted ia the complications which must arise
ring the next twelve months in Mexican affairs should be
clearly calculated II the critical period for action should
come up before the close of the session. Congress
should then give the President full power as cir
may require within the coming six twelve
months, with an appropriation of ten or twenty millions
of dollars 10 meet any exigencies that may arise.
q IL may be objected TO this that il would be
comforting upon the President the full power of peace or
That is just what should be done Nocourse can
be suggested will conduce powerfully restrain the
adverse schemes which the European powers are now
plotting in and around the American Mediterranean and
tend more strongly to maintain the peace of the world
than which will show that arc ready meet the
issue at all hazards The President will then be enabled
to act advscdy and with energy in the Mexican aues-
ton aud TO bring about the great ends which il is desi
rabe to attain with the least expenditure and ex.ron
the port OF the countryat large"
These the views of leading public journal
unusually well informed in all Mexican affairs and