The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-03-22

or the first adventurer who lands on the coasts
under the protection of alien guns, he becomes
the citizen Of powerful State. and has oppor-
tunities for advancement and comfort and
security. He wants nation and flag, and
he can find them In the confederation which
has already absorbed Texas and California.
Apart from this there are political consider
ations which cannot be overlooked. Mexico,
as she is governed, Is menace to our peace.
During our war we saw how Macmillan,
under French protection, occupied the coul-
try, the aid he gave to the rebellion and the
danger Of war which we narrowly escaped.
1t required the subtlest diplomacy of Mr..
Seward to prevent our government from send
ing Sheridan with an army across the Rio
Grande to attack Macmillan, and General
Grant himself is belisd if he did not put him
self on record as favoring that expedient.
When as calm and patient man as our Presi-
dent-fresh from war and dreading it-felt
that the occupation of Mexico was q hostile
act what must he think of the danger which
its condition constantly presents to the United
Austrian prince out of Mexico, is it not worth
diplomatic effort to make 1t impossible
for any future adventurer to occupy
the country? Then, as to the Gull,
we must hold the Gulf as we hold
Lake Michigan. Already the flags Of seve-
raj European Powers have footholds on
its coasts and islands. We saw the immense
advantages Nassau and Havana proved to the
South during our rebellion. AS soon as war
was declared we found on the very fringes of
our coast rebel depots of supplies protected
by neutral flags and beyond the reach of
our guns and our diplomacy. It is safe to
say that the possession of Nassau, Havana,
Matamoros and other ports by foreign flags
during the rebellion cost us in money hundreds
of millions of dollars and largely prolonged
the contest. Now, if we felt this injury when
they were simply neutral ports, what would be
our condition if they were in the possession Of
q power with which we were at war? We can
defend ourselves against Canada, because
Canada is within our military lines. But we
cannot protect ourselves from the injury that
would certainly accrue from Vera Cruz,
Matamoros and the ports Of the Antilles under
foreign flags.
For the honor of an administration which
needs some decisive, brilliant stroke of foreign
policy to complete the splendor of its record;
for the sake of that noble, but sadly-used
Mexico, whose people cry for protection and
for the true defence Of our coasts
and seas in the event of war; for every rea-
son that can appeal to an upright statesman
ike Grant, we trust he will give his close
attention to Mexico and establish q protecto-
'ate over the country. He can add no greener
aurel to his fame or make any nobler contri-
,ution to the civilization of the world. As
Napoleon said before he assumed supreme
power, ''The pear is ripe" He saw his OPP
and won France. The pear is ripe
n Mexico. Let President Grant seize the
opportunity and win a new claim upon the
affections and confidence of the people.
Mexico! Mexico!" should be the counter
sign of the administration, and it will close in
a blaze Of glory.