Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1872-04-12
NO. Is.
MEXICO.

condition OF Mexico-a country once so
prosperous is exciting the solcitous at
tention # statesmen and phianthropists, a
brief alluson to her history and resources
may not be inappropriate. Her history
seems highly colorcd fictitious narrative,
rather than a sober, truthful record Of
events; presenting a series of vicissltudes
without a parallel in the history of the past.
From about the year 12OO-tho period when
the Aztecs, or Mexicans proper, acquired
possession of the country--until the mid
die Of the fifteenth century, an uninter-
rupt0d warfare was waged between them
and neighborng peoples. When hostili-
ties ceased, they had secured a domain
whose area measured 1,69O,3l7 square
miles.
Then commenced period Of almost un-
Interrupted prosperity. Agriculture was
encouraged; manufactures were estab-
lished communications between the re-
motest portions of the country was main
tanned wise and wholesome internal regu-
lations were adopted, and government
inauguratcd whose code, Mr.. Prescott
states, evinced a profound respect for the
great principles of morality, vna ~ GEAR
perception of those principles as is to be
found among tho most cultivated nations.
But, the glory and masni6cencc of the
sp endid empire they had erected upon the
ruins of other dynasties, was destined to be
crushed by the ambition and cupidity of
the Spaniard.
In 1918, a Spanish squadron discovered
Mex leo and soon after, Cortez entered
upon that brilliant but merciess crusade
which resulted in its complete subugaton.
From 1888 10 1908, Mexico was held in sub
lection by Spain, and ruled by viceroys Of
her appointment. Then commenced re-
volts and instructions, with varying sue
cess, until, in 1924, Republic was pro-
claimed, and a constitution, similar to that
OF the United States, adopted. From that
time until the present moment, with brief
intervals, this ll-fated land has been the
bloody theatre Of anarchy and misrue.
Her agricultural and mineral resources
have been largely diminished; her COM
merce paralyzed, in consequence of the
instability and insecurity of her govern
ment the most fragrant abuses of person
and property have assed uncorrected;
merciless bandits and vindctive guerrillas
have perpetratcd acts Of vandalism and
violence almost unrebuked, and have
roanned her territory with impunity; in a
word, there scarce remains a semblance of
order and established government.
Mexico possesses climate uneXcclled
by any other on the globe, including both
the temperate and the torrid zpnes; and
her products embrace the grOwths of the
frozen climes of the North, as we'll as those
of the burning skies of Asia and Africa
Although her developed wealth consists
mainly in the product of her mines nf gold,
silver and copper, her soil, with the ex-
ception of small districts, is exuberanty
fertile, and, owing to the variety of her eli
mate, there is scarcely known product
which cannot be grown within her terri
toral limits. IN some localities all The
species Of oak. chestnut and pine trees, also
logwood and mahogany, grow spontane-
ously; in others, great variety of dye
woods, medicinal plants, and trees from
which the most valuable gums are pro-
duced, are found in great abundance. The
agricultural productions embrace not only
every variety necessary for the consump-
portant articles of commerce. Among these
may be mentioned wheat, maize, beans,
barley, rice, potatoes, peas, sugar, cocoa,
coffee, cotton, tobacco, pepper, anise, van
lila, sarSaparila, and all descriptions of
fruits and horticultural productions; also
indigo, cochineal teas and silk. Vast herds
of wild cattle and sheep roam the plains
and mountains; horses, asses aud mules
abound in an undOmesticated state, and
numerous tortoise-shcll and pearl fisheries
yield rich returns.
Irrespective of inciden' al considerations
in which the interests of the United States
are concerned, the future of Mexico is cet-
tainly proulem, the solution of which is
of the deepest significance, both as it affects
the welfare of her own citizens and the
cause Of civilization aud humanity. 1t is
to be deeply deplored that II country so
richly gifted with every material element
of greatness, and every natural facility for
the accomplishment of II glorious destiny,
should he the prey of intestine wars and
insurrections, which periodically decimate
her population and bankrupt her national
treasury.
iIti lllt OHllth diV htNPlN
ested, both geographically and politically,
in the speedy deliverance of Mexico from
the overwhelming evils with which she is
afflicted, cannot be gainsayed but how
this can be successfully accomplished, and
our national honor remain untarnished, is
the perplexing question. On the one hand
it is proposed, in the interests of humanity,
to extend the moral support and sympathy
of our government TO the ruling powers, in
the hope that thereby the restoration of
law and order will speedily harmonize the
revolutionary elements which now reign
supreme. On the other hand. it is contend
ed that annexation or prutec .orate is the
only etiectual remedy, from the fact that
since tho adoption of republican form of
government in 1924, her people have uni
iormly demonstrated their incapacity for
self-government. We trust that the wis
dom of our statesmen will devise some
plan for the suppression of her intestine
struggles, and her speedy restoration to
peace and prosperity. York Mercan-
tile Journal.