The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1859-08-31
WHAT SHALL WE DO WITH HER :

Minister was well enough as far as it
went. 1t certainly gave Juarez and his
friends a prestige which they could not
have acquired if our cabinet had found
reason for Withholding such recognition.
But beyond this limited and transient
moral influence we now see that the re-
cognition has been without any note
worthy effect upon the rival powers which
hold tMee.ffths of Southern Mexico in
spite of Juarez and his troops. Who
governs Mexico at this hour? Surely not
Miramon-nor Vidaurri-nef the agents
of Santa Anua--nor, yet Juarea. Oppo-
sition to the central dictatorship is not
adhesion to any other leader those who
revolt against the rule Of one military adj
venturer do not thereby declare their al
legiance to his rival.
The truth is that the only Influential,
governing power in Mexcois that of the
clergy. They are intelligent /; they are
actuated by unity of motive they all aim
at getting for the church her share of ip-
fuence in civil affairs they all have pro-
perty interests at stake they are all in
terested in vast corporate joint stock
clerical fraternities, whose property be-
longs to no individual while it has the
effect Of making every corporator wealthy
and independent Some of these clerical
brotierhoods were wealthy corporations
forty years ago Their landed property
has enhanced in value. Their-domain has
been enlarged by purchases and by dona-
tons. Thrift In management, the judi
eious investment of incomes, the dona-
tons Of the pious and the favors Of sue
cessive governments have rendered these
clerical associations the controllers of
vast wealth. Some Of the most magnili-
cent churches of the republic are located
ON their lands, adding to their value as
well as ornamenting them. They have
colleges, libraries mills, mines, stores,
workshops, insurance companies, publish.
Ing houses, military ornaments, arsenals
and foundries, depots of ammunition, mag
azines of arms and clothing, cattle in
vast droves, heaps Of bullion which has
been laid UP for years, unlimited credit
with the bankers Of the city, and every
thing which may be needed to arm, move
aud pay q mescenary army.
Besides this material wealth they have
a moral power over the minds and hearts
of the people to which no other governing
class can lay claim. The catholic Mexi-
cans are devont people and they love and
honor those who wear the consecrated
robes OF the church. There is no country
where the priesthood are more respected
OF more implicitly obeyed. Whatever
may be said Of abuses committed by
priests, their'immorality and their ambi-
ton. the influence they exert shows that
the Mexican people. believe them to he
honest worthy aud pions.
The game of ambitious men in Mexico
for great many years has been ~ divide |
the church party and set one portion of it
at war against the other; u.tii the late
decree Of Juarez We have seen no Mexi-j
can leader bold -enougi or rasI. eaougli
to take a step which is equivalent to
declaration Of war upon the entire priest.
hood Of Mexico. Ills decree of conRsca.
ton is throwing down the glove to the
whole church. Will the clerical Corpora
tons quietly submit to the transfer of
their property into the Golfers of the State
or the Military chest Of Juarez? Wilt
they turn their faces sorrowful!y but SUBJ
mlsslvely away from their splendid
churches, their vast halls, their wide do
mains, their rich libraries, their comforta.
bic homes and all the social and fraternal
ties which bind the members of each cler-
ical lodge or guild to his brethren? What
chapter in the biography of clergymen of |
any denomination shows any such meek
aud quiescent bending down before lay
authority Have they not as good a
right to what they own as any individual
ranch owner in Mexico? Will they, in a
word, submit to be robbed
To suppose that Juarez, withor without
the aid Of two or three regiments OF Ameri-
cans, is going to put his decree Of eondsea-
ton in force, is an idle dream. He has in our
view, committed a capital blunder which
will compel some one OF his leading adj
herents to repndiate what he has done
, nh m dorlara n r,ins t him mi I,iS a1,ois,