New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1867-07-01
THE EXECUTION OF MAMMALIAN.

THE EXECUTION OF MACMILLAN.
If it be true, as our dispatches affirm, that
Macmillan has been shot, then the Liberals of
Mexico have stained with unnecessary cruelty
the young Republic 80 gloriously established.
GloriOusly, we say, for the persistent courage
of the Mexican Republicans in the attempt
to overthrow tho 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
gians, the Austrians, and even domestic enc
mics like Ortega and Santa Anna, the history
of the last few yearswill 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
We trust we do nothspeak Extensively of Mex
leo when we say that but for the United States
this triumph might have been doubtful. Amer
lea was always with Juarez. Resolutions
of sympathy were popular in our legs-
latiye assemblies. Napoleon was regarded
as an intruder, and the popular feeling de-
manded his expulsion. When Austria proposed
to reinforce Macmillan. the Government
directed our Minister TO protest and with
draw Austria, with Prussia menacing her,
and Sadowa looming up, desisted. When
Ortega attempted to cross the Rio
Grande and oppose Juarez, he was arrested by
Sheridan. The moral sentiment of America
was so earnest, and the demands of our Govern
ment so pressing, that Napoleon wascompeled to
evacuate so hastily that hsretreat was virtually
a humiliation. To America, therefore, more
than any other agency, Mexico owes her freedom.
AS allies, we ventured to implore Mexico to be
generous in her triumph. This voice hasnot been
needed Perhaps, owing TO Mr.. Stewards cirCum
locution, it was never heard. This remains 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, Macmillan was liberal and
enlightened prince. When Austria made
him Viceroy of her Italian provinces, he
was SO generous toward conquered LON
hardy and Venice that he was recalled. In
Mexico such a rule as was permitted to him
showed progressive craftsmanship, He was
an accomplished 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 lfe 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 the 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 wars would be dis
hOnored by gallOws But the better sense of
people prevailed, and the leader of one of the
greatest rebellions in history was set free.
How much n0bler in the eyes of the
world will America appear with Davis
free than Mexico with this dead body of
an amable and unfortunate prince. Is Davis
living any more dangerous than Macmillan
deadf Is America weaker than Mexico because
of this magnanimity9 Rather does not Maxi /
milian's name receive glory from the circum-
stances of his death which Davis may
have reason 70 snvyf The worst we can
10 with a traitor Is TO make martyr of him
md Maxipilian, bereft OF crown, scepter, king
ION, army-nay, even of lis wife and his ma
i've hertage-driven from his capitol. conquered
md betrayed, could wish nothing mere than |
he chance to show the world that he could |
lie like soldier and prince. Mexico has |
aimed nothing by this execution. Macmillan
Tould have gone into obscurity She has made
i'm hero. Juarez, we see states that the clamor
Or the execution of Macmillan was en- oroat