The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-10-27

The New Foreign Policy Of President john
son-Its Probable Consequences mt Home
and Abroad.
It is interesting as well as important, to
study in advance the consequences which are
likely to follow persistence by President
Johnson in the foreign policy which he is said
to have recently resolved upon in connection
with our claims upon England for indemnity
growing out Of the Alabama depredations, and
ia regard to the French failure to impe-
rialize Mexico. The plan which The admnis-
tration seems TO have adopted is to press TO an
immediate settlement our just demands against
England, resortng to reprisals and war in case
of refusal on her part to accedc Ia those
demands, and at the same time. or possibly
preceding any such positive action, to enter
into an agreement with the French Emperor in
reference 10 the withdrawal Of Macmillan
from Mexico, the restoration of republican
form Of government there under the protecto-
rate of the United States, the assumption by us
OF the debt justly due by Mexico TO French
subjects and which was made the pretext Of
the invasion, and the transfer to us, by way OF
compensation, Of Lower California and other
portions Of the Mexican territory lying con-
tigu0us to our own possessions.
The part of this plan which we have men,
toned as second is really first. II is pre-
liminary and accessory to the other portion.
1t would not be. perhaps, very discreet in our
government to enter upon war with England
while England's powerful ally, France, had
also some unsettled questions pending with us.
But lot us first settle our difficulties with
France on such terms and conditions as 70
then we can afford to apply ourselves to
compulsory measures with England. That
is, as we understand it, the course OF
conduct which our government has re-
solved upon. By relieving France at this
lime Of most troublesome and expensive
undertaking, on terms which will fat;er her
self pride or at least save it from a severe
rebuke, we will be emitting ourselves to her
gratitude In fact we are in position to stip,l-
late for her neutrality, il not indeed for her
good Offices, in our controversy with England.
Louis Napoleon would probably not be very
seriously averse. under any circumstances. 10
seeing the pride and power of his dear ally,
England, humbled and diminished to consid-
cradle extent; and her conduct to us in fur
nishing to the Southern rebels feet of pirate
vessels 10 burn our merchant ships and destroy
our commerce entities her to no consideration
at our hands.
In regard TO Mexico. we think the plan pro-
will IN al Of
the people of the United States. Ii clearly
would be no gain to us TO see Macmillan ex-
PEELED il he were only TO be succeeded by one
of those chiefs Of factions that have been so
long the curse of Mexico and that have rem
dered a steady government there impossible.
But the plan contemplates the restoration Of
republican institutions to Mexico under the
protecLorate of the United States, and IL will
be for MS. to establish, in accordance with
| liberal principles, government there that will
express and represent the wishes Of the Next
can people, restore order and place the coun-
| try in the peaceful paths Of civilization and
| development, preparing 1t for future absorb
ton into this republic. The inconsidcrable
sum that will be required to satisfy the French
claims is Of no account when compared with
the objects to be attained by it, even II II were
not more than compensated for by the acausi-
ton of territory.
There will be still less difference OF opinion
in regard to the course proposed to be pursued
against England No action Of our govern
ment would be so unanimously and
enthusiastically endorsed by the American
people a. . declaration Of war sgains,
that Power, followed by an armed occupa
ton Of Canada and ito annexation to ths
United States. II England persisted in her 70
fusal to make full repsration for al the lossc'
sustained by our commerce in consequence o.
her treacherous fitting out Of Anglo-rebel
| Sirate vessels, theu our government would b,