The Portland daily press., 1864-05-27
Macmillan and the Mexicaa Crown.

The Emperor Of the French has been long
at work in clearing away obstacles, and pre-
pairing the way for Macmillan to assume the
crown and preside over the new Mexican En-
pire. Many of those obstacles were quite
formidable, and their removal required all the
power, wit and adroitness of Louis Napoleon.
Spurred on by Eugene and his own ambi-
ton, he has finally succeeded in accomplish
ing the object. The greatest marvel is, that
he could persuade Macmillan to forego the
fixed position he had in Europe for the uncer-
tain gift of crown to which he has no earth
ly right. and which must necessarily sit un-
easy on bis head. A thimbleful OF common
sense, if he had possessed as much, ought to
have convinced him that his prospects in Eu-
rope were far more desirable than any posi-
ton the power of Napoleon could give him
in this hemisphere, and especially high place
In poor, divided Mexico is the last thing this
Arch Duke ought to have exchanged for his
brilliant prospects in Austria. But we sup
pose he is too ambitious and restless to wait
for dead mems shoes. He is the elder of the
brothers of the Emperor of Austria, and was
the heir presumptive to the Austrian crown
until the birth of Francis Joseph's only son
who was born August, 1858. If this boy dies,
and his father also, without other male issue,
Macmillan, surviving, would succeed to the
crown, which would henceforward descend
through his family.
The probability is that the present Emperor
Of Austria will not become the father of any
more legitimate sons, for be is not a strong
person in either body or mind; besides his
habits of life are far from adding to his physical
energies. Francis Joseph has consented that
his brother Macmillan should accept the
Mexican throne, on condition that he abjure
all right, in any event, to that of Austria
To this he has agreed, through the influence
of the French Emperor, who has fattered
and coaxed him into that unwise agreement,
assuring him moneg, and all the means and
appliances necessary to his brilliant career on
this continent.
How well Louis Napoleon will keep these
pledges and iulhll these promises, time will
disclose. We are inclined TO the belief that
tile time is not far distant when he may con-
slider these pledges and promises "more hon
ored in the breach than in the observance
But aside from these prospects of becoming
an Emperor of Austria, the position of Arch
Duke Of that empire gives opportunities for
the exercise of political influence and power
quite equal to anything which a Mexican
crown would be likely to furnish. Nothing
short Of bayonets and money can keep the
Mexican crown on the head of Macmillan
and where are all these essentials to come
from? Mexico has been taxed SO severely
for the past few years that her power to fur
nish material aid is well nigh exhausted
Mexico is a magnificent country, but she is
really poor. Nature has done enough, but the
people of that country have been so much en-
gagged in domestic troubles that they have
neglected to improve, in a proper manner, its
great resources.
In view OF such circumstances the question
may be asked, when will Macmillan be able
to carry on his imperial government without
foreign aid? The question is more easily ask
ed than answered. 1t is quite problemst:cal
whether this new Emperor will ever see the
aoy WINCH hC Ndh clahd SOuls NdpOic-
on, instead of furnishing money to Mexico to
bolster up the empire, will be calling for it
nom that country.
1t is generally believed in high circles, and
among men Of great political intelligence aud
foresight, that the French Emperor has work
enough to do at home, 10 press down the ris-
ing spirit Of liberty which now quickens the
blood Of Frenchmen and demands reform in
tones to which Napoleon cannot much longer
turn deaf ear. But this is not all.
The Mexican people are not yet absolutely
conquered by French arms. They are con-
stantly rising In different sections Of that I'M
fortunate country and struggling to throw off
French rule, and sometimes those struggles
are crowned with success. The last accounts
inform US that that country is good way from
being conquered. What will the new Em-
peror do when the French troops, or any con-
siderable portion of them, are Withdrawn p
Surely Macmillan, under such circumstances,
would hold his crown by very feeble tenure
He has but feeble hold upon the hearts of
the people. The priests and the church party
do not, by long shot, constitute the people
the bone, muscle and sinew OF that country
and Macmillan will End it so ere he has
been on the throne many months. Some one
has wisely said, that Louis Napoleon, from an
adventurer, has become an Emperor, and Is
now turning Emperors into Adventures. The
time may come when the Arch Duke will see
and feel the force OF such expressions.