The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-01-25
THE SITUATION.

Our readers will remember that we took oc-
casion some time ago, to show that Maxi
milan had succeeded in gaining secure foot
ing in Mexico, notwithstanding the enuncia-
ton of the Monroe Doctrine by the school
master, " who is now abroad" William H.
Seward
The policy OF restoration, as attempted by
President johnson, if carried out, speedily
and in good faith, would have relieved the
country from witnessing the humbling specta-
Gle of the Monroe Doctrine being kicked over
board, by the French Emperor; not because he
felt strong, but because he knew ace were
weak, so long as the South was unrecognized
as an integral part of the country
The evidences are unmistakeable that we
are either drifting into war, or into disgrace
full backing out.
But what care Messrs Summer and Ste
phens, as to the calamties that may overtake
the country. They are busy with the negro.
and if, in the meantime, you or | are ruined
in business on account of the unsettled state
of The country, it matters but little the mig
ger must be looked after before our case can
be considered
The intelligent correspondent of the Balti-
more Evening Gazette, writing from New York
under date of the 22d, states some interesting
facts, in confirmation of the position we have
taken some time ago, in regard to Mexico
He says:
| Private adyices from Washington, emana-
ting from most reliable sources state that Presi-
dent johnson has given-up all idea of enforc-
ing the so much talked of Monroe Doctrine,
and that plans, with his sanction, are slowly
but steadily being matured for the recognition
of the Imperial Government of Mexico by the
United States authorities. The President has
actually been forced to this policy by the cir
cumstances now surrounding his administra-
ton, and that it has been decided upon, there
can be to-day, not the least doubt, as the
events of the next few months will show Mr.
johnson, at the outset of his administration
was perfectly willing to secure, as far as laid
in his power, a Republican Government for
the Mexicans, and at one time he was even
willing to risk war with France to carry out
that idea. But then, he thought he could rely
on a strong, united country. Now, however,
that Congress has succeeded in keeping the
country disunited now that the radicals have
triumphed in both Houses in their opposition
toward the Executive policy of reconstruction
Mr.. johnson dare not, neither is he willing to
risk a foreign war. The South is discontented
because its representatives are MOI admitted
on the floors of Congress the country, as
things now look, will actually remain divided
for three or four years longer. Mr.. johnson
knows and feels it, and in accordance with
this internal state of affairs, like true states
man, shapes his foreign policy.
He is not disposed to enter sngle-handed
upon war with France, which must natural
ly result from the present anomalous state of
the Mexican question, and hence Mr.. Seward,
under the Presidents guidance, is slowly pa
wing the way for Maximilians recognition.
Now then, mark what has already taken place
to show that this policy has actually been de-
cided upon. Gen. Weitzel, commanding the
United States troops on the Rio Grande, after
his insolent letter to the Imperial commander
Mejia, at Matamoras, has been ordered to be
mustered out Of the service General Sheridan,
whose black soldiers recently crossed the Rio
Grande and captured Bagdad, has been order
ed to severely punish all those that tcere enqa-
ged IN that .flibustering expedition, and there
is report ahoat now that he also is to be re-
lieved from his command In few week.
other straws will show which way the wind il
blowing AT any rate we are not so far of
from diplomatic relations being established
with Macmillan, as most people believe. The
merchants here, those who have trade and
property at stake, will hail such an event with
delight as it will reopen to them channels o.
commerce which became vaueess during {
; reign of anarchy and terror, which they now
! all plainly see has been supplanted by gov
, eminent of law and order. All the "Roman
cero" stories which the newspapers, especially
in their Washington dispatches, print abou
the Strengthened condition of the Empire ar,
constantly laughed at Our Merchants al,
too intelligent not to see that great improve
ments have been made and are still being
made in the new Empire, since the arrival o
Macmillan, and foreign trade especially will
be really benefited by the immediate restora
ton of friendly intercourse with that country
| ------<---1>-$-----