Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-02-19
Napoleon's Plans Against Mexico and the
United States as Explained by Himself,


The Ao,aitEar of January Is publishes
the following letter respecting the French
expedition to Mexico, addressed by the
Emperor Napoleon to General Forey, an.
der date OF Fontainebleau, July 3, 1862
Ny DEAR GENERAL-At the moment
when you are on the point OF setting out
for Mexico, charged with political and
military powers, [ think it useful to let
you know my sentiments.
This is the lire of conduct you will have
TO follow -
Ito Issue on your arrival proclama.
ton, the principal beads Of which will be
Indicated to you.
2.-To welcome with the utmost cordi-
ality all Mezicans who offer themselves to
you.
3.-To side with the quarrels Of no par
ty, declare that erything is provisional
until the Mexican nation has pronounced
itself, and to show great Difference for re-
ligion, but to reassure at the same time
the holders of national property.
40 feed, pay ard arm according to
your means the auxiliary Mexican troops,
and make them play principal part in
the battles
DO MAINTAIN among your troops and
among the auXiiiaries the seyerest disci-
pine, to vigorously repel every act and
every remark that may wound the Mex-
cans, for you must not forget their proud
nature; and to ensure the success Of the
undertaking the disposition of the people
must be c0ncil ated above all things.
When you have reached Mexico it would
be desirable for the principal persons OF
ali parties who have embraced our cause
to come to an understanding with you,
with the view OF organizing provisional
government. That government will sub
NIT to the Mexican people the question of
the political system to be definitely estab-
lished. An assembly will afterwards be
elected according to the Mexican laws.
You will assist the new power in in
Producing into the administration, and es-
peclally into the finances. that regularity
OF winch France affords the best example.
With this view persons capable of assist
ing its new organization will be sent out.
The object to be attained is not to i'm
pose upon the Mezicans a form Of govern
ment which they dislike, but 20 aid them
in their endeavors to establish, according
to their inGlinatiOns, government which
might have some stability, and which
would insure to France the redress of
grievances Of which she had had to COM
plain.
1t is obvious that if they prefer mon
archy it is the interest of France to sup
port them in that view.
There will not be wanting people who
will ask you why we go to lavish men
and money for the establishment of q reg
ular government in Mexico.
Ii the present state Of civilization of
the world, the prosperity Of America is
not a matter OF Indifference TO Europe.
for il is she who feeds our manufactures
and gives life to our commerce. We have
an interest in this-that the republic of
the United States be powerful and pros
porous; but we have none in this-that
she should seize possession of all the Mex
lean Gulf, dominate from thence the
Antilles, as well as South America, and be
the sole dispenser Of the products of the
New Worlu. We see now by sad expert
ence how precariOus is the fate of an liz.
dustry that is reduced TO seeking its chief
raw material il one market alone, to all
the viesitudes of whic it has to submit.
II, on the other hand, Mexico preserves
It's independence and maintains the integ.
rity of its territory, if q stable goverl
msDt is constituted with the assistance of
France, we shall have restored to the Latin
race on tbs other side of the ocean its
strength and prestige, We shall have es-
tablished our benefcent influence in the
center OF America, and this influence, by
presenting immense openings for our com
meroe, viii procure Us the materials indis-
pensable to our industry.
Mexico, thus regenerated, will always
be favorable to Us, not only from gratitude,
but also because her interests will be in
harmony with ours, and she will find a
powerful support in her good relations
with the European Powers.
Just now, then, our pledged military
honor, the exigency of our policy, the in
terest of our industry and of our CON-
merce, all make it duty to march upon
Mexico, and boldly plant there oar fl ag :;
to establish either monarchy, if it is not
Incompatible with the national sentiment
OF the country, Or, at all events, q gov
eminent which promises some stability.
NAPOLEON.
The SEASON dnscr;hao !,