New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-11-17


That tho spirit Of speculation which is now 30 rife
should lay hold on the wise men Of Washington, is
not surprising; and no one would DO astonished TO
learn that members Of tho Cabinet and even Mr.
johnson himself now and then, hazard their little
balances on the little kiteAyng Of the nnocentS OF
Wall.st Human nature is weak, aud even the
chastenng effect of view Of the Fall cleo
tons may not suffice 10 restrain great statesmen from
qualification Of their natural passion for the rouge
nor Of tho stock market. II is sad 70 think that
those whom the nation holds in such unlimited
estoem are thus weak; but We cannot expect TO get
all the virtues for the meager salaries Of our chiefs
They will have their little fling, and We can only
ask that they venture their own money aud cover
their own =" shorts"
In the abstract, they would doubtless conccde tho
justice Of this proposition but If rumor ia TO be bc-
lieyed they arc setting up business on Government
account, which may prove anything but satisfactory
TO those who arc 10 furnish tho margin" MIR.
Lieut. Gen Sherman and Mr. Minister Campbell
have gone to Mexico 10 represent tho nation IN
transaction Of very questionable promise and still
more questionable justice. IL IS reported that they
are open shop at Vera Cruz and that this opulent
and unembarrassed people is TO put up margin of
$50, 900, 600 more or less, for speculation which
will at least, bring diversion, if do not bring US
profit Emperor Max is said to be tired Of his con-
tract aud to be on bis way TO the shades Of MramM
All this is very WE'LL and, il left 10 themselves tn,
Mexcans will adjust the matter to their own sasfac
ton, in their own way. They may not do It very
successfully, but that is their business. If they
choose to continue their old dissensions We may pity
them, bat We have no right to interfere with them.
Let US wish them WELL and give them our friendly
assistance; but, in the name of common decency and
Of common prudence, let us not DO what we seom
about to do.
1t is currently believed, in well-informed businesscr.
Giles, that the Administration brokers 70 negotiate
big thing in Me1cans-being sent for that purpose
on the shrewd hint of NJ. Montholon that there is
chance for a corner. Divested Of blatherskitesuch
as Monroe Doctrine Protection to Sister Repub
lie" " Sheterng folds Of the American Flag" and
similar twadde, the thing is follows: The Mexican
people are to be assumed (by what authority is not
stately to owe from fifty to hundred million dollars
to France, as a compensation for old claims and for
an Intellectual attempt TO enforce those claims by
bloodshed and usurpaiion France having fought for
her money and been whipped on field of her own
choosing, would be naturally glad to iget the money.
nevertheless, and to be paid for the whipping into the
bargain. Campbell ia supposed to play Diplomat
iraLie dietH-snd suggest to Mexico that she ought
to pay the money, and that be will kindly arrange
with Mr. Gen. Casteneau to accept his millions in the
form of United States per cent. bonds which will DO
issued FOR the sake Of peace, humanity, Cancellation,
and all that sort of thing you know and Lower Cali
forna, Sonora, Chihuahua and Coahuila. At this
point in the negotiations, Sherman comes forward, as
mysterious aid of his gentle influence TO the confusion
Of whom it may concern, TO-, ct least, belief in the
prudence of quiet concession. With good backing at
Washington the thing will work. and the outrage will
be accomplished, because Mexico is in no condition to
resist the Establishments and threats which will DO
implied or expressed by our agents, while Juarez is
in condition to buy our assistance at high price.
If accomplished, the United States will have added
largely her territory which is already too large
that boundary; will have acquired a large Spanish.
speaking "Greassr" population; will have opened
an account of which the first millions will be only
item will have decided that Mexico ought to pay 10
France a sum which France fought for and could mt
get, and which Mexico thinks she ought not to pay;
and will have expressed approval of the highhanded
measure by which Napoleon, in our days of sorest
trial. attempted to insert wedge which should aid in
ssyering the Union. Somebody win grow rich and
powerful through this stock, jobbing and Mexico will
foot the bill-or else we shall.