The New York herald., 1863-11-23

Continent-Banks' Occupation OF the
RE Grande.
Aggrsndizement by colonial possessions is
tradition of powerful governments, and ii
seems that there are still statesman who,
despite the progress of civilization and the
spread of knowledge into every quarter Of the
globe, believe that the possession of extensive
colonies is identical with national greatness,
prosperity and wealth. Cicero said of Pompey
that 'his actions and gallantries extended
through the same countries and bounds a. the
course Of tho sum-" That phrase expressed the
extent OF the colonial enterprises that were
originated by Rome and ruined her. Some
one has said the same for Great Britain in the
kindred declaration that "the sun never sets
upon the dominions of the British Queen"
Oppression and enslavement throughout India
is the present development of the British colo
NAL ambtion-that and the Maori war-by
which England asserts her sovereign right to
slay all the natives Of whatever territory she
wants.
France has the same tradition, but has not
been altogether 80 successful with it as England
has; and we may imagine the singular chagrin
with which the French statesman of the present
day, who may chance to have the colonial mad
ness. must run his eye over the map of North
America, especially if be happens to own any
Of those quaint old charts which show to what
an extent this wonderful country was owned or
claimed by France. How the history and fate
Of Canada, French even to-day, must I'LL him
with regrets; and how he must grieve over the
unparalleled loss of the whole country washed
by the Mississippi down to the last foothold
stamped for France by the name of Louisiana.
Napoleon Bonaparte had these colonial ideas,
and he looked to Louisiana evidently with the
fancy that when France, in a moment of weak
ness, had relinquished her last hold there she
ought TO take a new one. Ought we to wonder,
then IL the repossession of that territory should
grow into an idee Nopoleonisaae. and the next
Of the family should endeavor to dcvelope it !?
But now We must call Louisiana by the new
name that large piece Of il has taken-that is,
Texas.
some time ago Richmond was disturbed by
a diplomatic difficulty Of considerable size,
am explanation 90 the people from the Davis
government, and even action on the part of the
government of France. Recognition by France,
il had leaked ont, was possible was probable,
and had its price What was the price. Texas.
France wanted Texas. aud for the guarantee of
its possession would recognize the Southern
government -wouid 6ghl. II there were need
and, as France aud the Southern States together
would probably be too much Tor Uncle Sam,
France would have Texas and the South would
have peace. Negotiations were in progress be-
tween French agents in Richmond and consuls
In Texas. But this plan was known before the
arrangements were mature; the Texans made
row; there was an explosion, and the diplomatic
engineers were "hoist by their own petard;'
for Davis denied IL all, and induced the French
government to dsclaim ON the surface the
action Of it, agents.
So ended the frat chapter. and General
Banks has just now prematurely let the light
in ON the second. France, n would appear, in
all these past months, while she has stood for.
ward a. great champion Of order. I'd has
talked Mexico. Mexico, Mexico, has never
meant Mexico alone. but Texas. too. Mex
leo was the means. Texas the end. But for
France 10 suadcaly place n body Of troops
upon one OF the frontiers Of the United States
without very obvious reason, would be an
act thai would give us the right 10 inquire
what Was meant France, therefore, could not
do that. II, however. there should be revo.
luton in Tamaulipas. and the Mexican people.
weary OF Juarez. Sc., should Invite the French
forces 10 their assistance. could France, as the
friend OF order, permit her forces 10 stay away
Evidently not; and this therefore, was the pro-
gramme. But General Banks, whose whole
management Of this Texas campaign has been
in every respect admirable. came on the scene
jus, in lime aud as the development OF this
plotted revolution depended In some measure
upon the presence OF The rebel forces al
Brownsville. the ''rcvolulioni.ls were forced
10 premature attempt and consequent failure.
Thus the troops now on the Rio Grsnde are ours.
and France can only place troops there By
direct menace to us which we will hardly
make. Thus also the exception of Tsmaulipas
from the French blockahe, which was price
given 10 the confederscy, fails 10 be Of any
benefit, inasmuch as Banks occupation entirely
ends the con,raband trade there. and thus
leaves no port ia the South eAcepl Whining
ton. opca.
TnE PEEslnENf ANp aus R,picN A-Presi.
dent Lincoln Is constantly cutting OF the head.
Of the radical ofhceholders n quiet way.
aud adding new evidences that he intends 10
follow the conservative oour-e marked out in
his Missouri letter on General schodcld. A
short time since he removed all the Opdyke and
f.h.s. ,..c ..,.,...d xU,tl, tla p,.v,.f M...t--,