The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1877-05-31
THE MEXICAN MOVEMENT.

THE MEXICAN MOVEMENT.
Lerdo, the expelled President Of Mex
loo, who Ia now in this country, does
not appear to make much progress IN
his counter movement against Diaz
His efficient and active chiefs, Esoobedo
nnes yelasquez, have not met with
much encouragement on the Rio
urande. The leaders on the other side Of
Che river have not rallied to the support
OF the Lsrdo cause. Cortina, the most
active and popular of the Rio Grandc
chieftains appears to have been secured
by Diaz and Is passing his time luxurl-
ously In the Mexican capital. His name
and influence would be all powerful on
che Rio Grande In any cause he might
assume. AZ the most successful plumber
or and agitator In the country, the vaga-
bond cattle-stealers OF that region and
general depredators and desperadoes
would flock to his standard. But Cor
tina IL not there and there Is no rally,
and Lerdo's movement will not have q
decent start unless he makes the left
bank OF the Rio Grande and American
territory the base Of his operations,
Gen. Ord, the commander Of our forces In
that neighborhood, has recently made a
hAsty visit to Gen. Sheridan, at Chicago,
10 communicate this fact, and to ask for
Instructions In regard TO the proper
course to be pursued by him toward the
Evolutionary movements which have
their origin and chief support rom the
American side OF the dividing river.
All these are unfavorable indications
Tor Lerdo, and give no very hopeful
aspect to his cause.
Meantime. Diaz. who Is an active and
energetic political and military chief
tain, IL strengthening his position. He
has already enlisted no little favor In
Washington by his prompt payment of
the first installment of 100000 Of the
Mexican claims and by his quick con-
cession Of and promises of compensation
Tor the false Imprisonment OF an Ameri-
can consul on the Pacific.
Lerdo's case, therefore, without Amer
lean aid. has forlorn outlook. He has
rather precipitately rejected oil propo-
sails OF such aid, and yields to the al
ways false and prevalent idea Of Mexi-
can revolutionists. that certain ruin and
defeat await any revolutionary move
ment which calls to its aid foreign as
distance. Juarez's eventual triumph
over the Macmillan invasion and
usurpation has confirmed this false fall
lacy. It ought to have exposed It,
Juarez's success was due to the mani
fest sympathy and encouragement of
the United States and to the sagacious
war diplomacy Of Seward. The success
OF the Union party and Of the Federal
government against the Confederates
brought Juarez forward from his re-
tirement into q remote corner Of Mex
leo and forced him on to victory
and the resumption Of the execu-
tive. The French were driven out by
the menaces Of the successful party
In our civil war, and that alone, and
Juarez regained position which he
could not have held with any Mexican
force he could command. In like manner
only can Lerdo ever succeed. If he
would rally around himself sufficient
force OF American colonists, not inva-
ders, and enter Mexico from the Rio
Grande and the Pacific sides, with a
proclamation in favor Of American colo
nization and OF the ideas of modern
progress and freedom. wisely and judi
oiously adapted to the circumstances of
Mexico and to the pride and prejudices
OF her people, with the counte-
nance and supporting sympathy and
aid OF our government Lerdo might
achieve for himself and country and
for civilization great and glorious
victory. Otherwise, his movement is
destined to the same inglorious conclu-
sions OF all preceding ones, and Mexico
must continue, for many years more,
the opprobrium Of American civilization
md Republicanism.