The New York herald., 1864-07-24

Absurofty or an Empire fA Amortca.
The Affairs Of the neighboring republic OF
| Mexico are naturally attracting much atten-
ton throughout the United States The letters
of our correspondent, who was specially de-
spstched to that country to report upon the
actual condition of things. have awakened a
lively interest among the friends of true re-
publican government who, as well in America
as throughout the world, must heartily sympa-
thize with tho Mexicans in their heroic deter
minatiou to defend to the last gasp the free in
Mexican independence and nationality. I've
base attempt of fortunate European ruler to
set up monarchy on this continent is without
precedent or example in the history OF the
world. Since the partition of Poland-inde-
pendent and still struggling Poland-no such
outrage has been perpetrated on free people
as the transfer of Mexico to q German
Prince. The difference in tho present case is,
however, to be found.in the fact that the mill
tary occupation of the latter country has been
attended by acts more insolent and treacher-
ous than nything of the kind ever heard of be-
fore. The French invaders, under the cover Of
English and Spanish bay onets, and the form Of
an honorable treaty, stole across the Chiqui-
huite-one of the strongest defences Of
Mexico-and thus established foot
hold in the capital OF the country.
Alone, and by mere force of arms they
could never have done So but, having
once overcome the greatest difficulties in the
way of their victorious" progress they have
found il much easier to remain in the interior,
where Their treachery, but not their bravery,
carried them. And 50 throughout the whole
OF this French transatlantic campaign,
under the guse OF benedting the people Of
the country they have been deceived by one
pretext after another, the last Of all culminat-
ing in the enforcement Of o needy German to
rule over nation with whom he has no sympa-
thy, aud for whom the majority care just as
much as for the forgotten dust Of 'imperisl
Cgsar," from whom it is his pleasure to boast
that he descends.
But if Maximiian himself, or his French
aiders and abettors really believe that they
viii ever succeed in consolidating an empire in
Mexico, they are most egregiously deceived.
There is no solid element in that country fayo-
rsble to the usurpations of his pretended
empire. The Mexicans are firmly and un-
changeably republican people. Their hopes,
aspirations and future destiny are inseparably
connected with the success Of the republic, and
they have no love or admiration for the aristo
cratic creations of European sovereigns on this
continent. Thus we see that the vast majority
of the Mexican people, led by the frmest and
oct ioh1 Ia h;acu aF fba pafi, i1-
ing for determined resistance to the invaders
of their soil. The occupation Of few cities and
parts of States by the limited forces at the com
mand of the new Emperor does not prove that
the spirit Of the nation has been destroyed
Our advices from tho States under the control
of Juarez show that the liberal chiefs are more
than ever determined TO resist the pretensions Of
the agent OF Napoleon, ''the perjurer," and that
in more than one instance they have repelled
the meek advances of the new Emperor for the
establishment Of dishonorable peace in the
country. The frmness Of Juarez, the consti
tutional President Of the republic, and the un-
compromising DEGREES Of such. men as Por6rio
Diaz and Rivas Palacios, backed up by the
whole spirit Of the nation, will soon discon-
cert the projects of Maximilian, while the
handful Of French soldiers who now occupy the
country will pay the penalty Of their Empe-
ror's folly with their valuable lives.
In the meantime Maxinilian really deserves
our pity rather than our anger. As the servant
Of Louis Napoleon, he Is bound to obey orders
and to make a show Of carrying out imperial
ideas, though no one knows more than he does
that his words find no echo among the people.
His task is, indeed, q difficult and thankless
one; for, having no confidence in his mission, in
his imperial employer, or in the Shiny traitors
who surround him, he scarcely knows how to
navigate the ship Of State. His coronation, an
nounced to have taken place soon after his arri-
val in the capital, still remains matter for |
future speculation; nor has he yet had nerve |
enough to issue q programme Of the motives |
and intentions Of the new empire. His friends,
who are the partisans OF French occupation, do
not fail to invent excuses enough to keep up his
spirits; but with an empty treasury, large
hostile force in the field, the rejection Of his
terms OF arrangement by the chiefs OF the libe-
raj army, and the lurking fear Of poison and
observation-disclosures Of vengeance not alto
gether unknown in Mexico-the Emperor can
not be said to sleep upon bed of{oses. His late
residence at Mramar, Notwithstanding the heavy
mortgage upon the property, was far more de-
sir4ble than the imperial palace OF Mexico or
the gardens, grottoes and groves Of Chapulte-
pee, and If Macmillan still hopes for happi-
ness and rcpose, the sooner lie throws of the
/" imperial purple" he has so foolishly assumed,
and returns with bis amiabls consort to the
quiet but friendly shades Of bis European
home, the better 1t will be for him when the
history OF the future comes to be written.
For the republic of Mexico we have no fear.