New-York tribune., 1866-12-26
ANATLONAL GOOD MIME.

Iago, in the play, had his private reasons whom
he said to the Moor: "Good namein man and woman,
"dear my lord is the immediate jewel ftheir souls
for Iago had been wounded in a delicate point for
which we do not think the critics have made sufficient
allowance. II is curious that while fair reputation
is considered priceless by tho majority of mankind,
and is even more valuable to the vicious than the
viruous nations, which only aggregates Of indi-
viduals, and which talk quite enough, as Heaven
knows about their honor they nevertheless prodi-
gal of good character whenever political point
is to be gained taking it for granted that their own
historians will defend them, and eyincng sublime
scorn for tho opinions Of future ages 1t is humili-
atng fact that there is not government ia the world
which has not occasionally done dishonest things IL
is fact cheering to the moralist that in almost every
case peccant nations have been forced to pay the PEN
atty Of their nisdeeds. Sooner later, in some mo-
nent of imminent emergency, the bad name which
was acquired with such Indifference proves source
of embarrassment if not of disaster. Wewere covetous,
for instance of tho Province Of Texas and to secure
it we went TO war, upon the most frivolous preenSes,
with Mexico We knew, when We annexed It, that
annexation was itself act of war; and that what we
wanted was not territory simply, but more terri
tory to hold slaves in. We out of the tight sue
ccssul and what did We care then for the opinion OF
the Mexcansi No more than Antonio cared for the
opinion Of Shylock. upon the Riato. But the time
came when the Sgnor Antonio needed three thousand
ducats which Shylock had to lend, as the time has
now come when we need, or think weneed, apotontal
influence in tho adjustment of Mexican affairs; and we
find that at least of that nation however other
wise contemplate, have very respectable memories
The placards upon the walls of Vera Cruz tell tho
story Who took one-third of your territory m lo4oi
Who chased you from Texas, calling you greasers
Who called you nation Of wantons and thieves
Who treated you like slaves and pushed you from the
sidewalks, except Americansl
"Well, then tnow appears you need my help"
said the old usurcr to tho borrower We take 1t ior
granted that our avowed national policy is good one;
that il is for interest to keep this continent clear
OF royal dynasties; that the French occupation Is
substantial grievance; and If We could have profeFed
our nssstanceto Mexico with clean hands and clear
conscience, or five had simply kept that good char
acter which gives weight to good advice, 1t
is hardly probable that France would have
yentured upon her interpostOn, that the Austrian
would have grasped the Mexican scepter. An old
head like that of Napoleon hardly likely to dis
card from us CaculutlOnS tndl uhllcu VI
which the armies OF Scott and Taylor LETT behind
them when they evacuated Mexico, or so much OF it
as we were pleased to permit its inhabitants to retain
He knew what excellent haters were the hal:breeds
Of these latitudes and how he could play upon long
cherished and sedulopsly nursed resentments. Ills
gnme has failed but 1t by means follows that the
field will be an open one FOR our own. If we have
faction in our favor. we are pretty sure 10
have faction against US; and under the
most fayoring circumstances, shall get fresh proof
of the fact that confidence is plant OF slow growth.
However kindly and honorable our intentions may
be, for of these not speaking, we are to most
Mexican minds, only the invaders of their soil, the
destroyers of their cities and the partoners of their
ancient territories We need not hold up our hands
with wonder to find that there is, at this most ncon-
venient and untimely moment bitter feeling in Me1-
leo against the United States, and we may be sure
that Maxmilian will make the most of it; for it may
provo the straw which will save him from
drowning, as it is certainly the sole string in the
Mexican heart upon which he can now play. 1t may
not be very profitable in public matters to dwell upon
what might have been; but the most cursory OBJ
server must see how much better would be our posi-
ton now, for ali those purposes which most fondy
cherlsn, ii We hGu hol s'Oen AeA"S' an" auo "9' in
defense of the great larceny. Texas, in time, we
should have had, as well California, without the
waste Of one drop of blood and how much more of
the Mexican Empire would have peacefully followed
by the cheap process of diplomacy As it is, our
great, glorious and triumphant war with Mexico has
not only cost US the good will of the Mexican
people when we want it, but il was one
Of the causes of the Rebellion Of the South.
Who says that honesty is not tie best policy