Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1866-03-11

The Monifeur (oficiaI organ Of NapO-
leon of January 16, 1868, contains the
following letter respecting the French
expedition to Mexico, addressed by the
Emperor Napoleon to Gen. Forey, under
date of
F-0NTAINEBLEAU, July 3, 1852
q Nh Dear General: At the moment
when you are on the point Of setting out
for Mexico, charged with political and
military powers, / think it useful 10 let
you know my ideas. This is the line Of
conduct YOU will have 10 follow
]. To issue, on your arrival, a procla-
nation, the principal points of which
viii be indicated 10 you.
>. To welcome with the utmost cor
dialitv all MeXicans who offer them
selves to you.
3. To side with the quarrels of no
party, to declare that everything is pro-
visi0nal, so long as the Mexican nation
has not pronounced itself, and TO show
great Difference for religion, but to reas-
sure at the same time the holders of ma
tional property.
4. To feed, pay and arm according to
O n meansthe auxiliary Mexican troops,
and to make them play a principal part
IN the battles.
3. To maintain among your troops and
among the auxiliaries the severest dis
cipline to vigorously represa any act or
word insulting 10 theM eXicans, for you
must not forget their proud nature and
10 secure the success of the undertaking,
the disposition of ~thepeOpie must be CON
ciliated above all things.
When you shall have reached the City
of Mexico, it would be desirable for the
principal persons Of all parties who have
embraced our cause to come to an under
standing with YOU, with a view of organ
izing "a provisional government. The
government will submit to the Mexican
people the question of the political sys-
lem 10 be definitely established. An as
sembly viii be afterward elected Il ac-
cordance with Mexican law.
You will assist the new powers in in
Producing into the administration. and
especially into the finances, that Tegu-
larity Of which France affords the best
example. With this view, persons capa-
bic Of assisting its new organization will
be sent cut.
The object to be attained is not to i'm
pose upon the MeXicans a form of gov
eminent which they dislike, but TO aid
them in their ~endeavOTs to establish, ac-
cOrding to their ~inciinations, a govern
ment which may have some chance of
stability, and which can secure 10 France
the redress of the grievances of which
she has had To complain. It is obvious
that if they prefer a monarchy, IL is the
interest Of France to support them in
that view.
There mil not be lDuating people 70Ho
lniH ask y0U arhy ne 90 10 {crish men and
money to JoHad Il regular government ne
BcricO.
In the present state Of civilization Of
the world the prosperity of America is
not a matter of Indifference TO Europe,
for it is she who feeds our manufactures
and gives life TO our commerce. We
have an interest in the Republic of the
United States being powerful and pros
porous, but not that she should take pos
session of the whole Gulf of Mexico,
command the Antilles as well as
South America, and be the sole disburser
of the products Of the New World. We |
now see, by sad experience, how preca-
rious is the fate Of AN industry which is
reduced TO seeking its chief raw material
IN q single market, TO all the vicissitudes
of which IL has to submit.
If, on the other hand, Mexico MAIN
her independence and the integrity
Of her territory; if a stable government
be there constituted with the assistance
of France, we shall have restored to the
Latin race, on he other side Of the At
all its strength and prestige we
shall have guaranteed security to our
West Indian Colonies and 10 those Of
we shall have established our be-
neticent influence in the center Of Amer
lea, aud that influence, by presenting
openings for our commerce,
viii procure US the raw material indis-
peusable to u industry. Mexico, thus
regenerated, will always be well disposed
toward US, not only from gratitude, but,
also, because her interests will be in har-
mony with ours, and because she will
find a powerful support in her friendly
relations with European powers.
At present, therefore, our military
honor engaged, the necessities of our
policy, the interests Of our industry and
commerce, all combine 10 make it our
duty 10 march upon Mexico, 10 boldly
plant our flag there, and TO establish
either a monarchy, if not incompatible
with the national feeling, OF, at all events.
4 government which may promise some
stability.
NAPOLEON.