The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-12-13

not appear TO be 30 easy as Il seemed short
time ago. Yet it has to be solved, or to solve
ITSELF very soon. Neither Napoleon nor the
United States can secede from the ground they
have taken. He has not only agreed to with
draw all the French troops from Mexico by
March next, which is near at hand, but he has
reiterated his assurances TO our government
that he will faithfully carry out the agreement
And we have no doubt the news from Europe
Of large French feet being about to sail to
take the troops home is perfectly reliable. |
The Emperor cannot back out from this posi-
ton without great danger and succession Of
fresh troubles. He is too wise, we think, to
attempt it, Our government, at the Same
time. could not permit him to detain bis troops
there beyond the time fixed without being dis
honored in the eyes of the world. Having
gone so far in defending the integrity of the
Mexican republic and in negotiating for the
evacuation Of the French, we are bound,
even to the point of war, to maintain our
ground. So far, then, the question is clear.
But there are serious complications still con-
nected with this matter that may prove very
embarrassing to the administration at WASH
ington; and these now begin to loom up IN an
unexpected manner Let us see what they are:
Napoleon sent General Castelneau to Mexico to
find some party, some authority which he
could recognize there, with view of handing
over the control of affairs to it and securing
the French claims. Probably Napoleon hoped
the United States would become that RESPONSE
BILE party in the name and for the Mexican
republic. We have no idea that there had been
any definite understanding between him and our
government to that effect, and therefore
we do not believe the withdrawal Of the French
forces was in any way contingent upon that;
but we have no doubt he hoped to draw the
United States into such a position. We see
clearly enough the delicate and difficult situa-
ton Napoleon is in The failure of his Mexican
and visionary Latin race adventure must be
very painful to him and very damaging to
his prestige both at home and abroad but to
be forced out OIL without securing the French
claims, the French war debt, and the debts Of
the French people whom he led to inyes.
money in tho Macmillan empire scheme, might
raise such q furious storm in France as he could
hardly withstand. But the republican govern
ment Of Mexico, that Of Juarez. which we re-
cogniz,, does not admit these enormous war
claims or The claims created by Macmillan;
and the United States seems to have no intcn-
ton OF supporting them.
In this difficulty what is Napoleon to do?
How Is he 10 satisfy The French claimants and
the public OF frsnces Looking at This
dilemma aud judging from information we
receive, we think the Emperor is going
10 try another plan aud perform another
rifle. lie is probably going to play
Miramon. Marquee, Santa Anna, Ottcga or
others as prominent actors. With Miramon
most likely, as this man, who is one of the
ablest in Mexico, has been and is thoroughly
devoted TO the French cause. In order to have
u government Of some sort with which
he can negotiate 70 save both the old and
new claims against. Mexico as well as
the French boudholders, his agents 10
that country may be instructed 70 make
form OF an election by which Miramon
or some other convenient tool may assume the
reins OF government. Not having been able
10 get the United States, directly or Indirectly,
through its agents, Mr.. Campbell and General
Sherman, 10 take the responsibility OF assuming
tho claims, and knowing that President Juarcz
will not, what can Napoleon do but abandon
Them altogether or sc! up anoshes government
Of its own in the person of some Mexican?
That is The only alternative, and we think the
Emperor viii try the democracy or republican
game in Tho manner indicated. But what will
our governm al say to that. [; would still be
French Intervention and French rulo in
Mexico
There is still another highly interesting
phase Of this Mexican muddle, aud that is 10
be found in Washington. II Is mol unlikely
there will be powerful party in Congress
opposed 10 the course OF the administration in
the matter. Il is minated that those very
leaders of the radical party who have been
heretofore ciamorous for driving The French
out at all hazards may now take different
ground and condemn the administration for
Intervening in any way ia Mexican affairs. OF
course tins would be mere political partisan
| ship arising from determined hostility TO every
thing the administration does; but Il would.
nevertheless, very much complicale the ques-
ton. In the meantime we have put our hands
into the diticulty-we have taken positive
stand FOR the existing republican government
Of Juarez aud against the French remaining in
Mexico, and we cannot recede without dis
grace. Under these circumstances we shall
watch with great interest the further develop
ment Of events on that fruitful field of changes
and complications.
| The SUaRArr CAsE-SENsArioSAL REPoeTs.--
| Until The trial of this important case shall have
actually brought the facts TO light the public
is liable TO DO bewildered by all sorts of start