Daily national Democrat., 1860-01-18
Shall we Invade Mexico 2

This inquiry becomes quite pertinent,
when we read that portion Of the Presidents
Message which recommends the passage Of a
law by Congress authorizing the President to
employ sufficient military force to enter
Mexico and obtain, by the means most con-
venient, indemnity for the past and security
for the future. There is no doubt that thi.
method is the only one by which any sucI
indemnity or security can be eompassed
The Juarez Governments, which is the Con
stitutional Government Of the country, seem
really favorably disposed towards the United
States and ready to do justice to the utmost
of its ability. But it does not possess the re-
/ ouisite power. 1t is busted maintaining 1t
self against the "fnsurgent government" as
the President terms it, Of Miramon, while
the latter Government, ON the other hand, Is
as busy in acquiring funds for its support
from the robbery of American traders as vel
as Of the Mexieans themselves in taxing and
retaxng, to an exorbitant extent American
residents, and in committing upon them all
kinds Of expressions, even to the extreme OF
taking them up and p1tting them 10 death
under military authority and without the
form of trial. The Miramon Government is
not disposed to settle claims with the United
States against Mexico, because, in order to
pay them it would be necessary to part with
large portions of Mexican Territory. The
Juarez Government is in favor of paying
those claims, at any sacrifice 1t is obvious,
them that it is the interest Of the United
States to continue the friendly relations Mt
present existing on our part, with the Jua-
rez Government. A little help from uswould
soon place the Juarez Government in full
| control Of the country. and sweep the Mira
mon party from the stage. This being done,
treaty of the most favorable character
could at once be concluded with the Constitu-
tional Government thus established and ces~
sions of valuable territory obtained from
Mexico
The plan is entirely feasible, and the only
point to be determined, is-would such a
course be consistent with our National hon
or, or justified by the established policy of
our Government in respect to interfering in
the domestic concerns Of foreign nations?
In regard to our national honor, we think
there would be but little question as to that
point in case of this kind, were the eoun-
try against which we propose to proceed
strong instead of a weak one. But, we are
so abundantly able 10 whip poor sick, old
Mexico, that superficial observers will be
apt to suppose that we are going to war
with her upon a pretext which would not
hold good with u.s. in the case Of a stronger
nation. She being weak, and there being
besides an acquisition of territory possessing
great fertility of soil and abounding in untold
mineral wealth, as the inevitable result of
The war, we shall not fail to be suspected of
other motives than those of desire to right
the wrongs of our citizens or obtain payment
Of our just claims against Mexico.
AS to the other point referred to. it Ger.
tainly would be departure from our uni
form policy, in regard to noninterferenc,
+ with the domestic concerns of foreign nations
to step in and aid the Juarez Government i
establishing its ascendancy. The motive 70
such departure is great-the temptation j
pOwerful-and the benefits to accrue appea
to be Of immense magnitude Yet, the ques
tion is one which ought to be most carefully
and dispassionately weighed by Congress;
and by the people, for, balancing against the
benefits, may come numerous evils. Indeed
nowadays, the very acquisition of new ter
ritory would almost seem of itself to be an
evil, for it brings with it fierce and bitter
struggle upon the question of slavery. Aftel
we have fought foreign power for the pos
session of the country, we then fight among
ourselves as to whether the North or the
South shall have it.
We think it may be pretty safely coniec-
tured, from the branch of the Presidents S Mes
sage relating to this subject, that distinct
understanding has already been had with the
Juarez Government by the present Admins
tration 20 the effect that if the United States
will establish JuArez in power, we shall have
such terms Of settlement with Mexico as we
may desire. But, it muy be well enough
before relying upon such understanding, to
remember what Is the character of Mexican
faith. 1t is strongly believed by many, and
they give revsons for their belief, that, wheI
the last war with Mexico was undertaken
there was distinct understanding betweei
Polk and his Cabinet, on the one hand, anc
Santa Anna on the other, who was then il
exile, that the latter was to be allowed tc
pass into Mexico through the American fleet
and upon the strength of an American pass
port, in order that he might take possession
Of the Government and command of the ar
mics of Mexico, with the view of bringing
the war to speedy close by aceeding to
such terms of peace as should be dictated bv
the United States. If there was any such
agreement, Santa Anna played false to his
promises, for he protraeted the war, and con
sented to no peace until he was absolutely
forced to it at the mouth of the cannon. 1t
may be that Juarez will act in good faith in
his professions of friendship to the United
States, and it may be that he will not. Should
ne change his policy in this regard, he eonld
cause our Government an infinite deal Of
trouble and perplexity.
TYPoeRAPmoAL-The types made Ms sov
in yesterdays issue:
"The Express very much approves the bill
introduced by Mr. Wescoatt, of this county
into the legislature, reducing the tdr in Yu6
county to twenty cents on the one hundre