Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1866-11-28
81. ROW, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR
CLEARFIELD, PA, NOV. 2s. 1866.
The Mexican Question.

The mystery, or rather the obscurity,
which surrounds the Mexican Question, has
had the effect of awakening much interest
on the subject all over the country. That
some arrangement has been effected between
the United States and French Governments,
appears to be reduced toa certainty. What
the exact nature of that understanding may
be, Is not quite so apparent 1t seems,
however, that the French troops were to be
withdrawn in detachments, commencing on
the lst of November and ending within six
months, In accordance with the terms of an
agreement made some time in last June.
IF the statements of the N Y HeraM are
correct, we are to receive by this treaty the
territory of Lower California. $50 miles long
and from 80 to 100 miles wide, with an area of
200, 900 square miles, and a population OF
mixed breed-Iniians, negroes and whites
of probably is, 900; and on the other hand,
our Government is to secure the payment
of the indemnity claims, amounting to per-
haps a hundred millions of dollars, which
were the cause of the original armed coali-
ton of France, England and Spain. Ru-
NOR has it also that the payment of Mexi
can bonds held by American citizens is to be
provided for In addition, il is stated that
the United States was to recognize the en-
pire OF Maximillian after the departure Of
the French troops, and this appears to have
been the understanding of the French Min
lister of State The recognition story is,
however, contradicted, and the fact that
Maximillian has announced his intention to
abdicate, the throne of Mexico, seems to
imply complete abandonment of the pro-
ject of establishing an empire" on our bor-
ders Indeed, the latest reports are to the
effect that the decisive step of abdication
has already been taken, and that Maxinilian
is now on his way to Europe e
On the 23d instant, special Cabinet
meeting was convened, for the purpose, 1t is
alleged, of considering our foreign relations.
The telegraphic dispatches, to the Associa-
ted Press, in this connection, say:
1t may be stated that it is known the
French Government has declared its purpese
to disregard the arrangement Tor the with
drawal of the first detachment of the French
troops 1roDl Mexico, during tnls month as
agreed upon between Mr.. Seward and
Drouyn d D'Lhuys. The French Emperor
has notified our Government that he cannot
effect the withdrawal of the troops until
next spring, when he proposes to embark
the entire force at once. In view of the
failure of Napoleon to comply with his
agreement to withdraw a portion of these
troops, and inasmuch as the notification of
this forfeiture of the agreement comes at
this late day. our Government is not dispo-
sed to put full confidence in the furt her
promises of the French Emperor 1t is in
timated in official circles that instructions
have been sent to our Minister in France tc
demand the immediate withdrawal of the
French troops from Mexico.
A telegram from New Orleans, dated Nov
oath says a steamer sailed with dispatches
from the Government, for delivery to Gen
Sherman end Minister Campbell, at Tampi
co or Vera Cruz
We give these rumors and dispatche.
without vouching for the accuracy of either
If our readers can draw from them a salts
factory solution of the Mexican muddle, We
confess they are able to do more than We can