The Portland daily press., 1865-01-04

The Mexican Question through French
4g epeotacles.
Under the title, "Mexico, Ancient and Mod
ern.n M. Chevalier of the French Institute
has written an elaborate work on the past his
tory and future destiny of the new empire of
Macmillan, which Is interesting as presenting
the French view Of this important subject.
He gives us first glowing picture ofthe
splendor ndpower of the Aztec dynasty, re-
iates In an animated style the story of Cortes'
brilliant conquest, paints the long years Of
steady deterioration under the jealous, selfish
and iniquitous despotism Of the Spanish rule
describes the incidents of the war OF liberty
which threw off the yoke Of Spain, and gives
dreary narrative of the crimes, mistakes and
follies which constitute the miserable history
Of the Republic eliminating in state Of
things which had become intolerable to the
civilized world, and was forcibly terminated
by the French invasion" ~ =
M. Chevalier next proceeds to discuss at
length the probable future of Mexico. BE en-
umerates the great advantages of the country
in geographical position, in mineral resources
and In vegetable productiveness. Communi-
cation is easy with Europe by the Atlantic,
with Asia BY the Pacific, with the United
States by sea and land. Under good govern
ment the trade Of Mexico should be very great,
for the rich and varied products can be car
ried readily to all parts of the globe, while she
should become an important inlet for the man
ufactures of Europe. Such an expansion of
her commerce would not only have the effect
to increase the numbers, wealth and general
civilization OF her native population, but
would induce a stream of emigration from
the old world which would swell her rising
prosperity beyond all possibility of computa-
ton The writer has abiding faith in the cap
acity Of the Mexican people for the attain.
ment Of higher civilization, and in the bene-
dcent effect Of imperial institutions In devel-
oping that capacity. French institutions with
an Austrian prince for their representative
are, he thinks, more adapted to the wants and
desires of the Mexican people than republic.
for which they were united. Under them,
peace will be established, protection to per-
sons and property assured, the chances hon.
estly administered, justice no longer corrupt
ed, the public departments will be placed un-
der efficient bureaus, useful public works will
be set On foot, good roads and railways be
made, agricultural and mineral productions
stimulated, commerce developed, the land
will TEEN with opulence, and the people will
acquire that dignity, that capacity for freedom
and seltgovernment which can alone ensure
them a lofty destiny. ~ 2 sSAoile iisie
That these splendid possibilities may and
will become actual under the fostering care of
Louis Napoleon and Macmillan, M. Cheva-
lier Is sanguine enough to believe. He sees
but one serious obstacle which is likely to in
terpose to prevent, and that ID the adverse in
iuence of apowerful and ianatical priesthood,
which may do much to paralyze and impede
the government in the salutary change which
is to be its policy. If the church chooses to
maintain its present illegitimate ascendancy,
IT. may prove formidable rival to the mas
cent Empire. If true TO its antecedents it is
likely to oppose the federation of other creeds,
the redqetion1of its own ill-gotten wealth,
the subsection of the clergy to law, and the
education Of the people, and "possibly, M.
Chevalier observes. 1.-THE contest may lead to
some disorder" M ss. M. ssB
We leave to our readers the task of exam
ming for themselves the soundness of. these
views, which we have briefly summed up
for the purpose Of showing how the Mexi-
can question looks from a French standpoint.
Whether the gigantic evils entailed upon that
unfortunate country by centuries OF foreign
domination, and the domestic misrule which
was, its legitimate fruit, are likely to- find
their best remedy la new form Of foreign
despotism, however enlightened" and "beneh-
cent" is question which may admit other
and very different solutions.