The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-07-25
FROM EUROPE BY STEAMER.
THE MEXICAN QUESTION.
HOrd STANLEY on England's Diplomatic
poaittou tn Mexico

Position In msAIcOs
In the House of Commons, on the llth OF July,
pir T. Paik asked the Secretary OF State tor For
eiqn Affairs whether II was his lntenuon 10 take
anv stems TO record the opinion of the House OF
Commons on the murder OF the emperor MAXI
milan and his Generals.
Lord stapley-Sir, it is not the intention of
her Majesty's Government TO ask the House to
take any steps of the character proposed by the
honorable gentleman. (Hear.) / am sure we
all sympatbize with his feelings, aud every one,
/ think, will agree IN lamenting the violent and
untmely death OF a gallant and amta6le gentle
man, whose high spirit and enterprise, under
happier circumstances, might have rendered
him distinguished either on the battle-telds or
in the councils of Europe. (Hear, hear.) But
If we are asked to record Judgment OF
this House upon mis- execution, confess l see
very grave objections to a step of that kind,
(Cries of "Hear.") ] do not see how we could
come to any such resolution, or how we can
discuss II without entering into general debate
upon the merits and policy of the Mexican
expediton--into the position and status of that
unfortunate prince, aud the right by which he
claimed the possession s OF supreme power.
(Hear, hear.) All these circumstances would,
i think, have a necessary and very material
effect on our Judgment l do not think this
would be the right moment to choose Tor q dis
cussion OF that kind (hear, hear), especially as
it is one on which great difference of opinion
might arise. (Hear.) Then again comes the
question OF precedent, We might, / think, If
we accepted my honorable friends suggestion
set precedent which might embarrass us very
inconveniently on some future occasion. This
is not the first case, and, unhappily, it is not
likely to be the last, when the triumph of
one party, after a protTacted civil war, has
been followed by an unwise, a lamentable,
and a sanguinary act of revenge. Are we in
all these cases to take notice of such acts in this
House and pass vote of censure upon them? If
we are not to do so in regard to them all, on
what principle are we to draw distinction
That is a question which the House would have
to consider. And lastly sir, would say, though
say it with great respect that, great as are our
power and our Influence, we are the Parliament
OF the United Kingdom, and not the Parliament
of the world. (Cheers.) We are in no sense
responsible, directly or indirectly, for the lament
able event which has occurred; and / think it
very doubtful whether habit of international
criticism in PaIliamentar debate would be
found practically useful, or conduce to good
understanding between nations. (Cheers.)
Mr.. Otway wished TO ask the noble lord
whether her Maiestys Minister accredited to
the late Emperor of Mexico is not at present in
England, and whether, after the statement
recently made by the Prime Minister, that the
execution of the Emperor MaXimilian was "a
base, cruel and unnecessary MURDER" 1t is the
intention OF her Majesty's Government to advise
her Majesty to accredit the minister to the Pre-
eident of the Mexican republic, or to Withdraw
her legation from Mexico?
Lord Stanley-It is true that her Majesty's
Minister accredited to the late Emperor of
Mexico is now in England on leave. His duty
was discharged during his absence by the Secre-
tary of Legation acting as Charge d'Afares.
But that gentleman was only accredited to the
late Emperor, and with the death of that unfor-
tunate Prince his credentials lapse. No ques-
tiOn, therefore, has arisen, or can arise as to
his withdrawal. This gentleman had received,
before this lamentable event occurred, instruc-
tions not formally or officially to recognize any
new government which might be formed in the
case OF the downfall or overthrow of the Mex-
can empire, but to confine himself, pending the
absence of official Instructions, to looking after
any matter which might arise affecting British
interests. The question whether anybody
should be accredited to the government of
President Juarez is not, l think, one on which
we are called TO decide in haste or under the in
huence oil temporary feelings. (Hear, hear.) We
hardly yet know what is the real state of Mexico,
how far Juarez is really de fGct0 master of the
country, or what are the chances OF his power
being permanent. Upon that ground-setting
aside altogether what has lately happened-I
should object to any precipitate suspension of
diplomatic relations with Mexico. But as to the
permanent suspension of those diplomatic rela-
lions, the objection to that course is, think.
very obvious one. 1t would do no hurt, or only
very little, to the Mexican Government-for I
believe the principal business of a British
Minister IN Mexico is to urge upon that Govern
ment various British claims, to which 1t is not,
perhaps very acceptable TO them to listen. 1t
would do no harm 10 that Government to sus-
pend Diplomatic relations with them, but it
would be q very serious thing for British inte
rests, and for those British subjects who have
claims uDon them. (Hear, hear.) They are not
responsible for the late deplorable proceedings,
and 90 not think it would be fair to punish
them for them. (Cheers.)
The Franco Mexican BOndhOlders.
In the Legislative body of France, July H. NJ.
ROuher said, in reply to Nj. Picard, that semi
official communication relative to the position
of the Mexican bondholders would be made to
the Chamber by the Marquis de Moustier.