The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-02-02
Mexico the Sick Man Of Amcrica-N
Remedy but in Annexation.

hcmcOy Dut IN Auucxwssous
There are few people either in America or
Europe who give any thought to the condition
and destiny of Mexico that do not see annexa-
ton to the United States is inevitable All
admit it is only question Of time. 1t is for
the statesmen and leaders of public opinion in
both countries, and especially in the United
States, to say when the time is ripe and an
nexatiOn shall take place. Public opinion evil
IDENTITY is drifting strongly in that direction.
In Mexico even the question is discussed,
though the politicians and press there are eau
tious in their expressions. Never was the
saying that ''comng events cast their shadows
before them" more applicable than in this
matter. For our part we are convinced the
time has come when the United States should
close up the tragedy of disorders and farce OF
a government in Mexico and give both the
Mexcans and the Test of the world the bene-
fit of the boundless latent wealth in that
country.
Among the movements having In view the
annexation of Mexico we notice one in Con-
gress from rather an unexpected source.
While the question of Cuban belligerency was
before the House of Representatives on Mon
day Mr.. Brooks, of New York, submitted
resolution as an amendment to the bill intro
duced by Mr.. Voorhees,, declaring ''that in
the interests of civilization, philanthropy and
Christianity the interposition of the people of
the United States is demanded for paciicatlon
among the people of Cuba and Mexico" True,
this is not direct proposition to annex these
countries, but no one can doubt that the in
terposition of the United States would lead to
annexation, and that, undoubtedly, is what
Mr.. Brooks contemplates. Mr. Brooks has
always been one of the most conservative
members of Congress on questions relating to
territorial expansion, filibustering or main
tanning the national honor by enforcing the
neutrality laws. He has had no filibustering
gentleman is strongly impressed with the fact
that there is no hope for Cuba and Mexico
but in the iuterpostion Of the United States,
and that to interpOse is a duty this country
owes to civilization and humanity. Mr.. Brooks
travelled lately over many countries Of the
world, and, in India and other parts of the
East particularly, he saw the happy results of
the active and progressive civilization of the
West upon the elfete populations Of that part
of the globe. His mind has become enlarged
and his views expanded He sees that the
rich and fruitful territories of the earth can
no longer be left in ruin and unproductive
under the control of anarchical and decaying
nations. ''Be fruitful and multiply and re-
plenish the earth, was the Divine injunction
originally, and every large-minded statesman
sees that it is the duty of civilized and pro-
gressive nations in this age to enforce this in
junction The will of God accords with the
voice of civilization and humanity. Decaying
populations must be rejuvenated or swept
away, as the wilderness is made to blossom by
strong and progressive nations.
Mr.. Brooks couples Cuba with Mexico in
the resolution referred to, and, no doubt, the
same argument applies generally to both coun-
tries but we deem the question Of the annexa-
ton of Mexico eminently a practical one just
now, while the action our government has
chosen to take with regard to Cupa and the
complications involved make the immediate
acquisition of that island more question of
the future. The destiny of Cuba to become q
portion of this great republic some day is as
evident as that Mexico will, and we hope, as
preliminary step, the long-sufering and
struggling Cubans will shake off the Spanish
yoke but the practical question that concerns
us Immediately is that Of Mexico.
The Mexicans, themselves though SEEM
ingy unwilling to look the facts of their de-
plorable condition in the face and to admit the
inevitable destiny of their country, are greatly
exercised upon the subject of annexation.
While some of them appear to argue against
it from q feeling of national pride, their argu
ments are really in favor. We have before
us, for example, curious article from
the Too Republics, a journal published
in English in the city Of Mexico.
Commenting on the hopeful expressions of the
Diario Official that the exhausting and crush
ing civil strife would end within year, this
journal says that it lean see nothing in that
sanguine and hopeful article that the anarchy
will end before another year" Then 1t
adds:-'Tn the meantime the people-we
| mean those that follow honest and industrial
pursuits, those who have property and great
interests in the country, those who have fami-
| lies to support and desire to raise them de-
Gently in society, those who aspire to the
civilized advancement of the country-wil
turn with disgust and dismay from the pros
pect Already are intelligent and respectable
Mexicans beginning to ask leading questions
What is to become of the country? Will
not bring about annexation? When are tn
Yankees coming?"
Then the Mexican organ, while preteudn
to be opposed to annexation, which is ev