The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-04-14
Our Relation. with Mexico.


rather, now the Minister OF Mexico at Wash
ington. announcing the recognition OF the
Diaz government by the United States and
the re-establishment Of official relations be-
tween the two countries, is confirmed by the
Department of State. Mr.. Foster, on his re-
turn to Mexico, received authority to make the
recognition provided he found condition
of affairs that would warrant such course,
and, while no official intelligence OF his
action has yet been received from our
Minister, the reliability of Mr.. Zamaconas
despatch is not doubted. This policy has
been adopted after mature deliberatlon
and is justified by the circumstances OF the
but Mexican governments do not often boast
clean record of regularity, and the right
of the strong arm has always been more
powerful there than constitutional pro-
visions. AS the close neighbor OF the
Mexican Republic, having an interest IN
her peace and prosperity, we are bound
to respect the will Of her people when
clearly expressed, while we cannot be ex-
pected to decide for them those domestic
questions which belong solely to them
selves. If President Diaz won his power
by revolution he has held it for year, and
is now the dc tactic ruler OF the nation
without any serious opposition. 1t is not
our province to go behind this fact to ascer-
toin whether he holds his Office on
good or bad constitutional title any
more than it is the province of the
Mexicans to inquire into the truthiulness
of Montgomery Blairs allegations respect
ing the title Of President Hayes. All that
rights Of American citizens will be re-
spected in Mexico and the peace of the from
tior protected under the Diaz government
We have already satisfied ourselves on
this point The Mexican side of
the Rio Grande is now patrolled by federal
troops instead of by m inefficient militia
possessing neither the power nor the desire
to preserve the peace. The consequence is
that the border raids, with theiraccompany
ing robberies and murders, have almost
ceased The two instaln,ents of the
Mexican indemnity falling due since
y
have been promptly paid recent
attempt to levy forced loan on American
residents Of Matamoros has been checked
by the government and we have received
official assurances that every precauion
shall be taken to prevent such uni ustifalle
exactions in the future. Under such cir
cumstances we could not do less than recog-
nize the government which is the only gov
eminent in Mexico at the present time
which is acknowledged by the Mexican peo-
plo, and which, moreover, expresses the
most friendly feelings toward the United
States and has thus far substantiated the
sincerity Of such expressions by its acts.
The revolution which placed Diaz at the
head OF the government followed immedi-
ately after the Presidential election Of
1876. That election was conducted with
nearly half thoStates OF the Republic under
martial law. The friends Of President Lerdo
declare that this was rendered necessary
by attempts on the part OF Diaz to over
throw constitutional election and to usurp
power, while the friends of Diaz as
sert that his opposition to Lerdo was made
within constitutional limits, and that the
proclamation Of martial law was u high
handed and lawless act, designed to pre-
vent fair election in States known to be
uniriendly to Lerdo's cause. The result Of
the contest was declared by the govern
ment to be in favor OF Lerdo; but Iglcsias,
the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Of
Al.
ton, the Vice President of the Republic
and the successor to the Presidency in the
event of vacancy, pronounced against
the election ms fraudulent and unconstitu-
tional. 1t has been alleged that the object
of Iglesas was to secure the Presidency
for himself under the constitutional pro-
vision But Diaz availed himself of the OPP
portunity TO incite q revolution, and his
military successes soon compelled the flight
OF Lcrdo. The ex-President left the capital
in the latter part Of November. 1876,
four months after the election, and
Diaz made his entry a few days
afterward and was proclaimed Provisional
President. This was followed by his elec-
ton by the popular vote In February, 1877,
when, of course, no opposition to his rule
could be successfully made. Popular SYM
pathy in the United States was at that time
Enthusiastically with Lerdo. When he was
chosen for his first term in 1872 it was be-
lieved that lie would make an admira-
bic President. He was recognized az
man of superior intellect, and it seemed
then that civilian with some ability
as statesman might accomplish more sub
stantial good for his country than could be
expected from a military ruler. This an
ticipation was not entirely disappointed.
The laws we're better enforced under Lerdo
than they had been under previous admin
istrations. The public peace was for some
time undisturbed and the country was
fairly prosperous. But early in 1876
I,prdo bepan to develop policy