New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-12-17
OUR TRADE WITH MEXICO.

which has been carried on between our North
crn commercial cities and the port of MataIno-
rus, with the ostensiblc object OF supplying the
wants of Mexico, but at the same time in real
indifference as to whether the shipments did not
find their way into Texas to the manifest aid
and comfort of the Rebel Confederacy. The
case of the PctcrhoG, an English vessel, bound
to Maiamoras, with supplies in part, Of
questionable character, which was captured by
our Gulf squadron, brought into this port, and
condemned by o prize court, after an elaborate
trial. brought out into sharp relief the really
Illicit, though seemingly legal. nature of the
traffic. II other proofs were wanting. the
cheapness in Texas Of all articles of prime me-
ccsSity has proved the business OF tie general
suspicion that, though carried on under the
cover of law, the trade was really contraband.
But under the peculiar circumstances Of the
case. the Rio Grandc being border stream, and
our relations with Mexico friendly while the
points AT which the trade WAS conducted-Ma'n-
moras and Brownyille-wcre distant from the
coast, and in close proximity to each other,
there IA, seemed to be no feasible way 10 arrest
il except by the military occupation OF tie
United states bank of the Rio GIandc.
The Chambers Of Commerce and Boards Of
Trade Of our great commercial cities, seeing
clearly that their great interests depended upon
the crushing of the Rebellion 10 the sacrifice oi
any immediate advantage 10 be- gained either by
the saloof products or the obtaining Of cotton,
passed resolutions IN the beginaiusof The present
year urging upon The Government the early oc'
cupa,on Of this line. II is matter for grave
regret that their enlightened recommendation
wa, not earlier followed. !, would have been
still wiser il the Texas ctpor, Of cotton hadbeen
arrested in it, beginning, a. wac supposed would
be the case when TIE Banks expedition sailed
la, December.
Tie occupation of Point Isabel and Browne
Vile will, We trust, soon be followed by a
restoration Of the military posts Of kinggoid
Barracks, Fort Mclntosh and Fort Duncan.
This condition Of things presents an entirely
different prospect for the future, and one which
in the interest Of our mercantile community, a.
well a. that of our Mexican ncighbors and
friends. should receive the immediate attention
of our merchants and d, the Government.
So long ~ the large trade in cotton between
Middle Texas and Ma,anoras was carried on.
there was small chance that the Me1icans
would receive any considerable part Of the arti-
cles which were shipped from England and our
northern ports to that point The high yalne
Of cotton ut Matamoras worked al essential ex-
cluson of the Mexican buyer. He could not
compete with the agents Of the southern Con-
federacy, whose possession Of the King Sta
ple" enabled them to command the preference
Of the inward cargoes. Doubtless much Of the
traffic was in the simple form OF barter-so
much cotton for such quantity Of supplies.
Our military occupation having brought Thu
unusual trade 10 an end, VIC arc now at liberty
TO regard our commerce with Mexico III total
ly different light.
The central and northern States Of Mexico
have SO far shown an unwavering loyalty 10
the Juarcz Government, and We see 10 reason
TO doubt that large majority of the Mexican
people are in favor of republican institutions.
The old Church interest doubtless retains much
Of It's powerful influence, and iayors the French
rule. from which they anticipate restoration to
much Of their ancient privilege; but this inter
eat il strongest at the ccners Of populntion, and
chiefly within the capital itself-thc City OF
Mexco-whicl has always been Sie focus o
reactionary intrigue. In the remotor States,
where The people preserve more Of the simphci'
~ ola rural population, the feeling OF national
ity and the hatred Of the invader If more
intense. In tho northern and northeastern
States Of Mexico this is particularly apparent
In mono of them have VIC seen any evidence Of
a disposition to part with the substantial fruits
Of their real liberties for the empty pleasures Of
strewing "artificial flowers" on the pathway o.
"a national enemy. Two Of these States al
least-Neuva.Leo and Coahuila--arc under the
firm guidance Of O man-GOv. Vidaurri-who
whatever his faults may be, has always shown
himself to be imbued with vigorous and
healthy patriotism.
Here. then. on the borders of the American
Nile. tho two forms Of Government arc brought
face to face; the one monarchical, sword in
hand, promising order aud prosperity, but do
manding submission and national degradation
the other republican, rendering the olive branch
of common fellowship, and seeking the improve
ment and national elevation. Commerce will
settle tho question in favor OF the latter, II,
with the advantages which we possess, we lose
no time in bringing this powerful agent into