The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-07-02
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If IL be true, as our dispatches affirm, that
Macmillan has been shot, then the Liberals
If Mexico have stained with unnecessary
pruelty the young Republic SO gloriously
established. Gloriously, we say, for the per-
Eistent courage of the Mexican Republicans in
the attempt to overthrow the Empire has not
many parallels. The Mexicans were divided,
and in the early part of the war the Republi-
cans were merely rebels, insurgents, the rem
nant Of State, thrown against the borders of
America. and prepared at any moment to
escape to our territory. With what energy
and trustfulness, with what unpausing vigor
the little Republic fought the French, the Bel
pians the Austrians and even domestic enc
mics like Ortega and Santa Anna, the history
of the last few years will tell. Juarez shows
what perseverance, combined with courage may
do, for Juarez, after all, was the Leading spirit
in the war. He was the ablest of the Mexican
chiefs, and his triumphs have been worthy of
his cause.
We trust we do not speak Extensively of
Mexico when we say that but for the United
States this triumph might have been doubtful.
America was always with Juarez. Resolu-
tions Of sympathy were popular in our legis-
lative assemblies. Napoleon was regarded as
an intruder, and the popular feeling demanded
reinforce Macmillan, the Government directed
our Minister to protest and withdraw. Aus
tria, with Prussia menacing her, and Sadowa
looming up, dessted. When 0rtega attempted
to cross the Rio Grande and oppose Juarez, he
was arrested by Sheridan. The moral senti-
ment of America was so earnest, and the de-
mands of our Government so PRESSING, that
Napoleon was compelled to evacuate so hastily
that his retreat was virtually humiliation.
To America, therefore, more than any other
agency, Mexico owes her freedom. AS allies,
we eventured to implore Mexico to be generous
in her triumph. This voice has not been
needed. Perhaps, owing to Mr.. Stewards cir
cumlOcutiOn, it was never heard. This re-
mains to be known. Certain it is that in spite
of the prayer Of the American nation for the
life of Macmillan, he has been executed.
: We regard this execution as disaster to
Mexico. Whatever may be said of his imperial
enterprise, Maximilian was liberal and en-
ightened prince. When Austria made him
! Viceroy of her Italian provinces, he was so
generous towards conquered Lombardy and
Venice that he was recalled. In Mexico such
q rule as was permitted to him showed pro-
gressive craftsmanship. He was an accom-
plished gentleman. The end of his life shows
that he was brave and self-denying soldier.
To take such man, prisoner, in broad day,
and shoot him, merely because he had been
unfortunate in war, is blunder. To do so in
defiance Of the civilized world is a crime. To
America it is an insult. We merely ask the
poor boon of this helpless, unfortunate young
mans life, and it is denied. We gave Mexico
national triumph, and in return she spurns
even our counsels of mercy.
We feel this more keenly because OF our
treatment of Jefferson Davis. We had class
of people here who insisted that war was not
complete until we had hanged mana poor
old man of sixty. Like the cannibals OF Africa,
the only fruits of their victory were the wasted
bodies of their enemies. The clamor was so
, loud that even wise men bowed their heads
and Joined in it. At one time it was feared
that our triumphant and glorious war would
be dishonored by a gallows. But the better
sense of people prevailed, and the leader of one
of the greatest Rebellions in history was set
free. How much nobler in the eyes of the
world will America appear with Davis free
than Mexico with this dead body of an
amiable and unfortunate prince. Is Davis
living any more dangerous than Maximilian
dead Is America weaker than Mexico because
of this magnanimityY Rather does not Maxi
milian's name receive glory from the cir
cumstances of his death which Davis may
have reason to envy? The worst we can do
with traitor is to make martyr OF him; and
Macmillan, bereft of crown, sceptre, king
dom, army-nay even of his wife and his
native heritage from his capital, con-
quered and betrayed, could wish nothing more
than the chance to show the world that he
could die like soldier and prince. Mexico
has gained nothing by this execution. Maxi
milan would have gone into obscurity. She
has made him a hero. Juarez, we see, states
that the clamor for the execution of Maxi
milan was so great he could not resist it.
The statesman who governs by clamor is q
coward. If Juarez permitted this act against
his better judgment we have no assurance
that he may not be again controlled in great
emergencies.
1t is not pleasant to speak thus of Juarez
or of nation with which we are in sympa-
thy. But Mexico to-day has lost one-half o.
the moral value of her triumph by shooting
the Austrian prince. At the same time we
may also see that so much as Mexico has lost
we have gained by our own generosity and
nagnanimity in the case of Jefferson Davis.
Mr.. JOhnsOn's Two PIIgrlmages "A
Cheering Contrast.
LFrom the Herald.
We congratulate Mr.. Johnson upon having
arrived at the National Capital with Mr.
Stewards seal still unbroken upon his lips
upon having passed triumphantly through tn
temptation of several assemblages in severa
cities, never uttering anything but the meres
oommonplaces, and without being guilty of
sinple speech that could even be tortured int
a political policy. He has wisely followed tn
advice we gave when he started upon his tour
There was q moment when we trembled fo
the result, fearing that his efforts to hold hi
tongue would lead to greater evil than ths
-bia silence was intended to avoid. We feare