The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-06-10
Mexico.

Our government in determining its future
policy toward Mexico may safely assume
that it is one Of self-preservation. We have
already fully shown its legality, and her
continued and constant aggressions on our
Rio Grande border by outlaws from her ter
ritory proclaims its necessity. In spite Of
all our representations the Mexican govern
ment has shown an inability or disinclina-
ton to protect us from these inc1rsions.
To be sure, at the present time there can
scarcely be said to be government in
Mexico. The question Of the Presidency
cannot be regarded as settled, and although
questionable despatch from the capital,
published to-day, states that Germany has
recognized the Diaz government, there is no
foretelling what changes day may bring
forth.
In country like Mexico, of chronic revo-
lutions, where but few years ago it had
five Presidents in four months, and where
we have this very year seen three rival pre-
tenders to the Presidency, it is idle to talk
further Of international comfy, or to expect
that the Mexicans will for moment suspend
their internecine quarrels to fulfil interna-
tional duties or obligations. Yet at the same
time they will very likely protest against
our taking measures to make their ma
RAIDERS disgorge their plumber, and talk
loudly over some worthless lives OF their
banditti, possibly lost in conflict with
our troops, completely ignoring the home
steads pillaged. cattle and horses raidcd
and the valuable lives Of our peaceful citi-
zens sacrificed in their lawless expeditions;
while, indeed, the Indians whom General
jackson followed into Florida, by orders of
President Monroe, were not O whit more
savage and ruthless than those our govern
ment proposes to follow over the Mexican
border. In fact, over and above rigorous
acts Of repression, we should insist that
what is now forced upon us as duty, some
what in o quasi violation of neutral terri
tory, should be conceded to us as right,
and further demand that from Matamoros
to Camargo (indeed, on the whole opposite
border Of the Rio Grande) that our troops
should have the aid Of the municipal au-
thorities in the pursuit Of the perpetrators
Of similar outrages.
Some timid politicians may plausihly
argue that Mexico might be made pecu-
niarily liable for the damages and losses
sustained. but my such promises Of repara-
ton on its part are worthless. With
yearly deficit Of two or three millions
Of dollars in her scanty revenue she has not
even the means ut her disposal. We have had
painful experience Of the nullity and delays
of mixed commissions to settle claims
settle and adjust, probably, but pay
them, never, excepting one solitary sum
lately RENTED by Porfrio Diaz, merely
sent as political do,tce,tr, and that extorted
by forced loan. We have certainly moth
ing to expect from Mexican gratitude. If
Mr.. Evarts had even appealed, as a claim
to their consideration, to the services rem
dered their country by the United States in
freeing it from French bayonets, he would
not have found a single Mexican statesman
or private citizen who would not have in
dignantly repudiated such obligation and
arrogated the triumph to their own valor and
patriotism.
Our patience ct last has been exhausted,
our forbearance even looked upon as weak
ness Our government has wisely resolved
that if Mexico is too feeble or too Indifferent
to prevent the outrages daily inflicted on
our fellow citizens it is strong enough to
protect and avenge them.