The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-07-22
Mexico, the Sick Man OF Anne rica--How Can
We Help Herg

We Help Herg
Mexico is the sick man. of America as
Turkey is of Europe, and in many respects the
solution of the problem of her future has
more important bearing in its ultimate results
upon civilization than ever the solution of that
of Turkey could have.
We learn from our Washington correspon-
dent that our relations with Mexico have lately
occupied the serious attention of the govern
ment. The two great questions to be solved
are, what We shall do and how we shall do 1t
The first of these must be solved before we en-
ter upon the consideration of the second; and il
would seem to be no very difficult subject.
Yet no two of the doctors who have so far given
an opinion agree upon the treatment to be pur-
sued. Some desire protectorate, without ex.
aiming what q protectorate il, what we have
to protect, and how we can protect 1t. Others
believe that the only remedy lies In repeal Of
the neutrality laws and unlimited flibusterism.
A third party believe II we cent our ships to
the Mexican ports and demanded reparation for
the claims of our citizens we should take the
right first step, and that the second would fol-
low in due course-they not being exactly
clear ss to what the second step would be.
Others, again, believe in an immediate declara-
ton of war; others in new treaty, loan, a
gift of arms and ammunition-the sending down
of few men to take part In their internal diff
ficultics The great majority Of the people
believe that something must be done, but
nobody knows what II should be.
There Is one great fact that should be borne
In mind in the contemplation OF our relations
with the sick man Mexico. We have
become q great nation without battle.
Our true conquests have been the conquests of
peace. Our national progress has been the
march of material Development, order and In
dividual security. These laws which we, as a
nation, obey are found in only two other Of the
political communities Of America The Camdas
on the North, and the Empire of Brazil on the
South, are each pursuing the same great high
way Of national progress, and promise TO achieve
similar great results. This law of our existence
precludes the idea Of our extending military
protectorate over aneighboring people. Buteven
II we we're 40 disposed TO do, the theory and
practice Of our government prevent II. There is
no clause In our constitution under which the
President can become great protector, and
there is nothing in the whole theory Of our gov
eminent that warrants the idea that Congress
would expeDd the blood and treasure of the ma
ion in behalf Of any other people than our own.
In order TO extend q protectorate Of this kind
over Mexico, we must alter the whole form of
our own government.
As for flibusterism, IL never can solve the
Mexican problem. Mexico is an immense coun-
try. with popuous districts and fortified cities,
and can never be conquered with the revenues
at the command Of individuals The idea Of
loan by our government is merely hope that
can never be realized. We have no money 10
lend IL we we're se disposed; and we have no
disposition to lend IL, even IL we had the
money.
A war with Mexico is out of the question.
with half dozen governments there, as isDow
the case, The suspension Of relations with any