The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-11-09
The Mexican Presidential Election
Peace and Better Prospect.

Peace and Better Prospect.
The election of Lerdo dc Tejada for Presi-
dent Of Mexico by q vote almost unanimous,
there being, as the report says, only a few
scattering votes against him, and the sub
mission of Porfrio Diaz to the now regular
and constitutionally chosen authority, bring
peace and better prospect to the neighboring
Republic. Lerdo is, no doubt, the ablest
statesman in Mexico, and has had great ex-
perience in public affairs. He is too, like the
late President Juarez, civilian, and that has
its significance in country which has hereto
fore done so much military hero Worship, and
where there have been constantly ambitious
generals jumping up to claim the right or
privilege Of governing the Mexicans and
making civil war for that purpose. The sad
experience of many years Of war among the
Mexicans themselves, and against the foreigner
who invaded the country and usurped the
government, seems to have made the
people more sensible and practical.
There appears to be no cause or
pretext for revolutionary movements in
Mexico now. Lerdo is fairly, constitutionally
and almost unanimously elected. He is ibe-
raj, capable and patriotic, and his announce
ment that in governing he will have 'lttle
politics and much administration" may, we
think, be relied on. Mexico has never had,
probably, better prospect Of peace and good
government than at the present time. Mr..
Lerdo feels himself strong enough to forgive
the leading rebel generals, Diaz and Trevi6o,
and to restore them to their rank He is about
to propose reforms in the laws and service Of
the country, and to promote railroad enterprise
and other improvements. 9Eti 91lf4a -
If we may judge from the past history and
liberal views Of the new President, there is
reason to believe policy will be inaugurated
to bring Mexico and the United States in
closer relations with each other. While Mexico
was torn by civil war and there seemed to be
little hope Of peace, we urged our govern
ment to assume protectorate over that
country, with view to annexation ultimately.
But if the Mexicans can govern themselves and
be good neighbors we gladly say God speed to
their efforts. Not but that we think still it
would be great advantage to Mexico and
add to our own trade and prosperity
if that country were annexed and
placed under the powerful epd benign
government Of the United States The MeH-
cans may learn to understand this in time,
and may desire such union. By liberal
and free intercourse, commercially and other
wise, their prejudices of race or nationality
may be removed, and they may learn to appre-
ciate the benefit and honor of becoming citi-
zens of this great Republic We wish Mr..
Lerdo may live long to be blessing to his
country and to maintain peace; but he is not
young man, and there are yet chronic ele-
ments Of disorder. There is, too, that want
Of progressive energy which characterizes the
United States and other civilized countries.
The surest remedy for those defects would be
an American protectorate or annexation. Mr..
Lerdo having large views Of the defects and
wants of Mexico, Of the people, government
and institutions Of the United States, and Of
the surprising developments Of the age, may
see the necessity, or advantage, at least, Of
preparing his country for higher destiny in
connection with the mighty Republic of North
America. For the present. however, he has
the best wishes of the people of the United
States in his endeavor to establish peace in
Mexico and to give that country good gov
eminent A
The Dissipation OF the Horse Dis