The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-06-18

| Tho Cord Ian Knot OF NaPOio0n's Destiny.
We publish to-day very remarkable letter
from General Prim to Napoleon, in reply to an
autograph letter from the Emperor on the
Mexican expedition It has been translated
for the HERALD from the Spanish papers, and
now fos the first time is printed in this
country. 1t is polite and respectful, but the
honest, straightforward utterance Of an intelli-
gent, candid soldier. 1t contains some salutary
truths which Napoleon will do we'll to lay to
heart before he takes another step in a course
that must provo fatal to him unless he speedily
recedes from his position. General Prim fully
corroborates the views of Sir G. Wyke con-
tanned in his dispatches to Earl Russell. 1t is
clear that no considerable portion of the peo-
pie are in favor of monarchy, much less of
one imposed upon the country by foreign
monarchical sentiments" in Mexico, says
General Prim, and the reasons he
assigns are very conclusive Under the
dominion of the Spaniards the Mexicans
never knew monarchy except through vice.
roys, and at the revolution, when the Spanish
powcr was overthrow, there were no vast in
terests of nobility nor any moral interests left
behind TO form party for the resuscitation Of
monarchy. Nor is there anything to cause the
present generation to desire the re-establish-
ment of institutions which it never knew. All
the habits and the very language of the coun-
try are republican. Even where the allied ar
mics were present to protect the people in the
expression Of their sen ailments there was no
man found TO raise his voice in favor Of king.
General Prim significantly hints that "the
proximity of the United States" has caused an
intense hatred Of monarchy in Mexico; and he
adds:-"Therefore, and for other reasons which
cannot be hidden from the deep penetra-
ton of your Imperial Majesty, You will I'M
derstand that the vastly prevailing opinion
Of this country is not and cannot be msonarchi
cL." What the sother reasons" ore Is not
stated but there can be little doubt that in
this delicate manner the General warns the
Emperor of the danger of coming into COLI
sion with the United States He tells him that
at great cost Of treasure and blood he may
bring MAMMALIAN to the capital Of
Mexico. But cai bono? He would have
no other support than few rich, and
the beaten exiles who never dreamt OF
a monarchy till they were banished the coun-
try. And then he utters this pregnant predic-
tom" The monarch will fall from the throne
raised by your Majesty, as other potentates Of
the earth will fall the day that the imperial
mantle of your Majesty ceases to shield and
enveiop them" These views are full Of good
sense, and General Prim is evidently sound
statesman as well as brave and skilful sol
der.
Subioined to this letter is an extract from
smother letter. on the other side of the question,
written by friend Of Almonte, from Orizaba,
to friend in this city, who has sent it to us
for publication. According to the latter Al
monte is the Solomon OF Mexico, and wisdom
will die with him. lie is the man for the crisis.
who will renovate all things by achieving
revolution by the aid Of French arms and by
overthrowing tie government Of Juarcz, though
it is both the government de tacto and DC
j,re Of the country; and it contends
that as the Mexican Congress has
issued q manifesto against the French,
the Emperor must issue counter manifesto, as
we'll to stir up the passions Of the French peo-
pie and army as to justify himself before the
world Napoleon, it concludes, must fight to
the last, till he has conquered Mexico, or be dis
graced, ruined and dethroned.
There can be no doubt that Almonte and
those persons in his interest will do their ut
most to induce Napoleon to enter into their
views, and to support them at any expense.
But the Emperor is sagacious, and can see as far
into milestone as any other living man. He
will be swayed ultimately by his own interests,
and not by the interests of General Almonte
or Of the Archduke Macmillan. He has got
himself into one Of the greatest dilemmas that
any crowned head was ever placed in; but he
is just the man who knows how to extricate him
self out of such a scrape. He has, however.
but two courses to follow, and he must adopt
either one or the other, or 60 to the wall.
The prestige Of French arms must be restored
at any sacrifice.
First, he may face the music in Mexico, con-
tending with all the difficulties of distance,
climate, mountainous regions with fortified
passes, and, above all, people lighting for
their independence, their freedom, their every
thing. Bitterly as they fought against Ameri-
can troops in the campaign of 1867, they will
fight ten times more desperately now; for we
did not seek to subvert their liberties or med.
die with their independence. The outrageous
audacity of Napoleon in urging war to en-
slave them will unite the people as one man;
and it is beginning to move and unite
the American public. As soon as their
domestic troubles are settled (and that
cannot be now very long) they will
sspouse the Mexican cause with a vchemence
that will astonish the Emperor Of the French
and bis army. Indeed the tendency Of the
proceedings Of Napoleon is to hasten the re-
union of North and South. From Mr.. Rost's
letter to the Confederate government as well
tl..aaa La hit