Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1866-01-17
The Eng View of Our Relations with
Nannlean.

The London Times discusses American affairs
for once in a spirit of fairness and good sense
In dealing with the question OF our relations
with Napoleon. After commencing the digni-
ned and statesmanlike language of President
johnson in his message, in regard TO the affairs
of Mexico, the Times proceeds to say:
''The truth is that a war at the present moment
between France and the United States would
open such disastrous prospects to both coun-
tries that prudent men on both sides will resort
to every possible means in order TO avoid push
ing matters to calamItous an extremity.
Strong as is the power of France, and stable as
may be the Emperors government, the shock
of war with the United States might prove a
serious trial both to France herself and her in
stitutioHs. Even If she succeeded in carrying it
10 a successful conclusion, it could only be at a
ruinous charge, for which no acquisitions in the
thankless soil of Central America would offer
any adequate compensation. Nor, on the other
hand, could anything be more unfortunate for
the United States at the present moment than
war with powerful foreign country. 1t is
evident from the lamentable accounts which
reach us from the southern States that nothing
but complete rest and close attention to mat
tiers of domestic policy can afford any chance
OF recovery TO the South, and the United States
is but half itself until that great wound Is IN
falr way OF being healed. They, TOO, might
find that a war with France on their southern
border would increase their domestic Difficult
tles, and they are as little able as france TO al
ford 10 add another vast item to their national
debt. The interests, therefore, OF the two
Governments are exactly identical 1t is the
interest of France to withdraw as soon as pos
sibe from perilous position, and il is the in
terest of the United States to render that with
drawal, as far as possible, spontaneous, instead
of having TO enforce it. Whatever language
the Emperor may have used in 1862, the people
of America may be sure that he can have no
intention of sustaining an Austrian prince in
Mckee by French bayonets, against the wish
Of the Mexicans. at the risk of serious
embodiment with the United States, and
1t may be added, in spite of the constant
ity indicates that he will peaseably withdraw
sooner or later. Either the Government of the
Emperor Macmillan will prove so welcome
10 the MeXlcans as TO need no foreign support,
orelse 1t VIII demand an amount of support
which the Emperor will be unable to give. In
either case the French cannot fail to withdraw,
and II is the interest of the United States to
tural means. The only course which would
tend 10 prevent this natural solution would be
the adoption of bullying tone on the part of
the United States, which would rouse the sem
sluyeness of French honor. The Emperor
could not consent TO retire from Mexico under
n threat, nor, If he were disposed to do so,
would the French people allow him. 1t is,
TO the interests of the world that American
statesmen should abstain at the present time
from inconsiderate expressions of feeling on
this subject. 1t would be worse than folly to
expend blood and treasure in the pursuit of an
object which may be equally obtained by fair
words and cancellation. European interference
In the affairs of America is impossible in the
will hut quiet for the while a not unnatural
sensitiveness they wilt find all their difficulties
on this score disappear probably without the
necessity OF any serious eXertions.