The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1867-07-10
THE EXECUTION OF MAXI.
MILAN.


at the issue of this affair. The Mexi-
cans are semi-civilized people and
have hitherto, made it part of their
martial code to shoot prisoners of war
whenever, according to their crude no
tons of safety, the public welfare de-
mands it. We know that they bayo-
Melted Lieutenant Colonel Henry Clay
at Bueba Vista after he bad fallen into
their hands alive, and other tales of
like cruelty were related by our off,
during our own war with Mexico
Such being the law Of war with them
land international law being so unset
tied that each nation adopts its own
code) we can see no distinction between
the shooting of a foreigner, and that Of
a domestic enemy. And in this case
the country to which the Archduke
owed allegiance, the Austrian Empire,
had unfortunately set Juarez an exam
pie in the execution of the Hungarian
patriots in 1s49.
But the Mexican code is a bloody
and barbarous one, and should not be
tolerated by civilized nations, as these
same nations should have interfered in
the case of the Hungarian Generals in
the rebellion of 1S49. 1t is shame on
the nineteenth century that such acts
are tolerated now which would have
been considered disgraceful and inhu-
man two thousand years ago. A des-
cendant of one of the oldest European
houses, the brother of the occupant of
the 'throne of the Casars," allied by
blood to many Of the most powerful
sovereigns, and placed on throne by
the Emperor of the French, is shot
down on the Western Continent with
out shadow Of right or justice, and
his body treated in such manner on
ly as sayages are accustomed to treat
those who fall into their hands. Will
the sovereigns of Europe sit still and
submit to such an outraged If SO the
world might as well be consigned at
once to its primitive state Of ignorance
and barbarism.
But, whatever action foreign nations
may see fit to take in this matter there
can be no question as to the duty Of the
United States. This government is to
blame in a measure for the establish
ment of a savage in the Presidency of
the Mexican Republic, andthe continu-
ance of the anarchy, chaos and revolu-
tons which have reigned in that coun-
try ever since it's separation from the
Kingdom of Spain. It's countenanee of
the Liberal cause gave to it that conf
dence of the people which led to the
success of the Republic, the overthrow
of the Empire, and the execution Of the
Emperor. If, therefore, any govern
ment has o right to interfere and settle
the political affairs of Mexico on a firm
ana enduring basis, it is the govern
ment of tie United States. We have
reasons enough, Heaven knows. Juarez
has just contumaciously refused to lis
ten to the wishes Of the government
with respect to the disposition of the
Emperor, after all the aid, sympathy
and encouragement he had received
from the authorities Of the United
States. The conduct of Santa Anna,
Ortega and other ambitious native agi-
tators leaves no room for doubt that
soon another revolution will be set on
foot and that the usual routine Of revo-
buttons, bloodshed and anarchy will
contince to be repeated in that unhap-
Ply country. In short Mexico is "a sick
man, a very sick man." and will never
get we'll until the surgeon shall apply
remedies more severe than any he has
=
yet been called to undergo. Let the
scalpel be used freely and every dis
eased portion be cut away entirely.
The United States government, as an
act of humanity and mercy, should at
once either organize q protectorate
over Mexico, or else should, take pos
session of the country and give it the
benefit of 'the best government the
world has ever known" We are rath-
er in favor of the latter proceeding
Since the days Of Montesquieu the idea
that a Republic cannot make foreign
eonquests, and hold conquered terrific
ry has been thoroughly exploded. The
United States conquered the South,
which was to all intents and purposes
a foreign country, and is now holding
it with as firm grip as Rome ever
held q subdued nation. We believe
that there are more people in Mexico
to-day in favor Of annexation to the
United States than there were in the
South at the time of the surrender Of
the Confederate army. An orderly
government once established in Mexico
peace, quiet and prosperity would for.
ever reign in country which has been
blessed by nature with as many re.
sources as any other land under thu
sun. 9fa 6
Such a proceeding on the part of the
United States would also have a happy
effect on our own internal disorders
1t would tend to heal our own unhap.
by divisions at home. It would oper
up wider field over which discomfort.