New-York tribune., 1867-06-20
nlpLoMArIc MISmANlGEMEYr

Mr.. Stewards action i'm recalling Minister
Campbell, who represents the Mexican interests
of the United States IN Ncw-Orlcans, X, Ia use
a homcly proverb. like closing the stable-door
after the horse has fed. II is now many months
since Nh. Campbell was sent to the Juarcz
Government, and yet, during these months, he
has not been within weeks journey OF JuafcS.
We presume, OF rather we are bound 10 pre-
sume that when hc was appointed, aud given
an outfit, his instructions were to 90 10 Mexico.
His mission was ostentaiiously begun. He
embarked on an American vessel. Gen. Shcr-
man accompanied him, and there were many
protestations as to what our Government would
do with France and Austria. For at least
ty-eght hours We were threatened with a
vigorous foreign policy. We remember that
we feared, at the time that II was nothing
more than show-an attempt to make capital
abroad fur what had been lost at home. 30 1t
proved. Sherman returned aud went out West
after the Indians. Campbell proceeded to
New Orleans. The agents of Juarcz came To
the frontier to meet him. We know by the
sarcastic letter of the Mexican Minister that
the Republican Government was anxious to
receive him. II is folly to suppose that he
could not reach Juarez We found no difficulty
in sending correspondent TO the Juarcz
Northumberland to those of Macmillan
and what may be done in the way of business
may certainly be done by great Government
We have lost sadly by the absence of Min
lister from the seat of the JuareZ Government.
We have never had such an opportunity to
make our influence felt in the councils of
sister Republic. We entirely sympathized with
Mexico, and especially when we found the
Emperor Napoleon practically making common
cause with the South by planting standing
army on the borders of the COnfederacy. Mex
leo was our danger in more ways than one;
and when we trigmphed, the national sent-
ment was clamOrous that the foreign army
should be driven from Mexican soil. That
sentiment more than any agency outside of
the Liberal army was instrumental in the over
throw of the Empire. We fear that with this
overthrow the Juarez Government has com
mitted mistakes which tarnish the glory of its
persistent and gallant struggle. Already we
hear of execution succeeding execution. Men
identified with the history of Mexico are shot
daily, and it is very possible similar fate has
befallen Macmillan. If these men had been
taken in open war--h they had been oyeIpow-
cred and compelled TO suTender-we might
see some reason for this absolute cruelty. But
when we remember that the triumph was
that of treachery, that Maximilian was pur-
chased from traitor we can see no virtue IN
the sternness which has been shown by Juarez
and nothing but barbarism in the popular de-
mand for blood which now prevails in Mexico
We say this as an earnest friend Of Republi-
canism in Mexico, and as a wel'wisher of the
Juarez Government.
Much of this might have been prevented had
the United States sent resOlute, sagacious
Minister to Mexico. His counsel would have
been felt i'll the Juarez Cabinet. His appeals
for moderation would have been heard with at
tention, and respected. lie would have pro-
teeted American interests and advanced them.
We have never had such an opportunity to
mold the Mexican nation, to induce magma
nimity and liberality in its craftsmanship, to
aid in the work of reconstruction. Why was
this opportunity lost We ask the Secretary
of State Why was Mr. Campbell not ordered
peremptorily to Mexico months ago7 If he was
ordered, why was he not removed for dsobe-
diencef Could the Secretary find nobody TO
enter Mexico? Even at the best, Mr.. Campbell
was among the last men that should have been
selected for this mission. The only claim he
could possibly have on the Administration was
that he was renegade Republican. And yet
mt time when America demanded wisdom and
craftsmanship in sorelY oppressed nation, her
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