The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-08-03

flict In Mexico.
We publish to-day two important documents
relative to affairs in Mexico, which will be at
tentively read by every one taking an interest
in the condition of that unhappy republic.
The exposition made by ex-President Comon-
fort of the policy that guided his recent admins
tration of the government there, and Of the prin-
ciples upon which he endeavored to restore
order and liberty to the republic, is an able and
statesmanlike document. 1t exhibits upon his
part clear conception of the only foundations
upon which public order can be permanently
established, and the comprehensive spirit Of a
public administrator rather than of partisan.
The recital of the great difficulties with which
he had to contend during his administration,
carries with il an impression that Mexico is not
yet ready for the establishment of a good and
stable government. A wide spread contest be-
tween the selfish and egotistical interests of the
clerical and military classes on one side, and the
rights of the masses on the other, is being car
ried on there; and any compromise between the
two, upon just middle ground which shall be
beneficial to all, seems to be out Of the
question. This was what President Comon
fort endeavored to effect and 1t raised
incurred the misfortune of bringing wise coun-
sells before either party was ready to admit
them, and therefore he failed.
The views Of Q foreign resident in Mexico,
published in another column, are those of an
observer from an entirely different point of
view. They are characterized by spirit of
impartiality and an air of truth and modera-
ton which will give them weight with the
reader. They are from the pen Of one who has
known the country for nearly quarter of a
century, and who is disposed TO Judge Mexico
more in a spirit of sympathy with the good ex-
isting there, than of harshness for the evil it
contains. The ills that are destroying the re.
public are set forth In clear and dispassionate
manner, and the narrative exhibits in strong
light the adverse elements with which the
patriotic desires Of President Comonfort were
forced to contend. What he has passed over in
silence, probably from wish not TO probe the
sores Of bis country too deeply in the face of the
world, Is touched with a skilful hand. The
fratricidal conflicts of parties, the encroaching
spirit of the State governments toward the
federal power, the Generalization Of all the
ruling classes, the lust for power and plumber,
the intrigues of the slV, the faithlessness of
the army, and the rapacity Of cphemeral go
vcrnments, are all exhibited.
These two documents support each other in a
remarkable manner, and confirm the views that
have been 50 frequently expressed by the
HERALD. The conflict now waging in Mexico is
a conflict between the class theories that ruled
in the sixteenth century and the political ideas
Of the present age. Unfortunately, both are
carried to their utmost extremes. The priests
and the soldiers insist upon the maintenance Of
privileges incompatible with the rights of the
people; while the popular leaders, urged on by
the desperate character Of the resistance they
meet with, carry their advocacy to the extreme
socialstic theories that are inconsistent with
safe government and public order. In this con-
test the people must eventually obtain the VIC
tory, and the old system Of class government
be swept away. II Is much 10 be feared that in
the result those conservative principles which
are necessary for the establishment Of order
and liberty will be swept away with selfish
and wicked clergy and an unreliable military
organization.
II is this fear which induces the great mass of
the Mexicans TO look with hope for the future
only to foreign Intervention. Such an inter-
vention can only be exercised in its moral
capacity, and in this way its influence is already
felt in Mexico. The arbitrary theories of the
church party have recently found their
strongest support in the countenance which
certain European legations have given them.
The partizans Of popular rights have sought Tor
the same sympathy from the government and
minister of the United States. IL this moral
influence is exercised In proper way, II may
yet do much good to that republic, and perhaps
cave IL from destructive war OF races, with
,,h;.h "a IL 40. ,hroatcned These things shOuld