The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-09-16

S"Aiio u'SorSouincu auu uoulOrallZe0 cOnOltiOn
of the country that has existed for long time
past. II fact Mexico is going from bad to
worse all the time. When 1t is not In the
midst of anarchy and bloodshed, through the
wars of rival chiefs and predatory bands, it is
torn by political factions and brought to bank
ruptcy by plundering officials. How can such
q population of mixed and conflicting races,
stepped in ignorance and superstition for the
most part, and swayed first one way and then
another by rich and powerful priesthood or
by military chieftains, establish settled gov
ernment9 How can they understand or main
tain freedom and republican institutions? It
is impossible. 1t would be contrary to the
nature of things and all history. Mexico has
passed through every phase of political exist
ence and failed in all. The civilized nations
of the world are Disguised and tired with
the spectacle, and pray for its removal
by some means. The press of Europe
calls upon the United States to put an
end to the evil and to make Mexico respecta-
BILE country. The trouble that country has
already given us in one war and in the immi-
nent danger of another and greater one, our
own peace, the highest considerations of
broad and statesmanlike policy and the public
sentiment of our own country, all call for an
nexation OF provisional government over
Mexico.
We have had it in our power twice to ac-
complish that object. Mexico was actually in
our possession in 1Si7 and lS4S, until given up
in May Of the latter year by the treaty of
Guadalupe Hidalgo. The Mexicans wanted
General Scott then to hold their country either
by assuming control himself or for the United
States. But the Southern politicians, who
controlled the government of that day, Presi-
dent Polk, the Cabinet, Congress and all. gave
up the magnificent prize holding only Calfor
MIA and New Mexico. These politicians were
narrow minded and short-sighted. They were
haunted by the bugbear of slavery and the fear
of acquiring vast territory in the southern
part of the Continent that might be erected
into free States. They were incapable of
looking beyond their own day and narrow
sphere. They could not see the inevitable
lost a glorious opportunity.
The next time Mexico was within our grasp,
without the danger or cost of a great or pro-
longed war, was when the French and their
ephemeral empire was forced out of the country
by the moral power of the United States.
The Intervention and war in Mexico were, as
General Grant said, parts of our rebellion.
He wanted to send Sheridan or to go himself
to finish the rebellion on and over the line of
the Rio Grande. He wanted to make a tho
rough and clean job of the whole matter before
our large armies were disbanded. A small
force at that time could have taken the whole
country and have given that peace, stability
and prosperity which Mexico needed and still
needs SO much. But the firr-seeing and states
manlike views OF General Grant did not suit
Mr.. Seward. The trimming and timid policy
of the Secretary Of State prevailed. Seward
and that cunning little half-brce Indian, Ro-
nero, defeated the grand programme of Cen
eral Grant and as a consequence plunged
Mexico into prolonged anarchy. 1t was not
the Southern slaveholding politicians that held
back the destiny Of Mexico this time, but our
short-sighted and weak Secretary of State
But forbearance with Mexico is exhausted,
and both humanity and policy now demand
either the absorption of that country or pro-
tectorate over it. Absorption would he best
because that has to come sooner or later, and
would put an end to further trouble. Should
General Grant be elected President we have
no doubt he will inaugurate policy looking TO
the annexation of Mexico. That would be in
accordance with the views he has expressed
already and with his lofty patriotism. Itwould
satisfy the ambitious aspirations Of our people,
would give employment to swarms of restless
and adventurous spirits, and would allay politi-
cal and sectional asperities at home by turning
public attention in another direction. Such
was the policy that ancient Rome always pur-
sued to unite her people and to give peace
among her own citizens. Our destiny is to
become o continental Power, from Central
America or the Isthmus of Panama to the Arctic
circle. Mexico is now ripe and ready to fall
into the lap of the United States. BY and by
Canada and all the British American posses.
sions will follow 1t would be folly to delay
in the case Of Mexico. Annexed to the United
States that country would become in few
years richer than any other on the globe. IL
would soon eclipse California, with all the
surprising resources and progress of that
State; for the wealth of Mexico in minerals,
richness of soil and variety of productions is
almost boundlesa Our con,rnerca uyouId TO
ceive wonderful development and the general
wealth would be vastly increased. The Next
cans themselves would rejoice at delverance
from anarchy and at the grand future opened
TO them. In every point OF view. therefore,
both for the welfare OF Mexico aud the interests
of the United States. the absorption of that
country has become a necessity. To accom-