Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-11

The Mexican papers have published, with.
in the last few days, an article rather nota-
Bile in its way. Its title is Reflections on
what is needed by Mexico for her defence
against the absorption with which she is
threatened by the United States of North
America = ''by an old officer of the Next
can Army" 1t opens with the assertion
that The natural ercmy, not only Of the in
dependence of Mexico, but also of her mate
rial existence, is the neighboring republic
the United States OF North America" Then
the writer asserts that no prudence, modcra-
ton or rational concession will free Mexico
from the invasion of American troops. which
has already commenced, and adds ITO free
herself from invasion, Mexico has but two
remedies, and they are immigration and
war" The writer says that it is immigra-
ton which has put the United States to-day
in position to threaten Mexico with pop
ulation of 10000 900 of inhabitants. while
Mexico has but 5000 900, 1900, 900 or
1000 900 of whom-the Indians-are use
less. In order to attract Eurolea emigra-
ton, the writer says the contemplate
prejudice against foreigners must be over
come and the loss of Texas forgotten. Fur
Their, he suggests that heavy tax be laid on
all uncultivated lands. in order to force
large proprietors TO sell the thousands of
acres that are now lying idle, and con-
tinues The day Mexico has within her
limits three or four hundred thousand Euro
pean emigrants her existence is insured;
otherwise. if We do not augment our
strength in this manner, every twenty or
twenty years We will have war with
the United States, in which Mexico will lose
a good part of her territory and the best of
her sons" In order to be prepared for
every emergency before the tide of emigrahts
is turned in that direction, suggestion is
made that the army be recognized on
basis Of 10000 regular troops, and a reserve,
of the same numoer, which can be support
ed at an annual expen.e of from $780,
600 to SO, 900 600. OF this force it is pro-
posed to station 20 900 on the Rio Grande.
The regular army and the reserve, it
is asserted, will he sufficient to defend the
country against an American invasion. as the
invading force could only consist of
mob of unorganized men support
ed by a small regular army, mas
much as war would not be popular
in the United Staacs---It i p:a4ased to
make the Mexican reservesuperior to Ameri-
can volunteers, by compelling all the mem
hers Of this body TO meet and be drilled and
exercised by experienced officers every Sun
day and attend theoretical lectures twice
week.
The author of these reflections" is sup
posed to be General j. L. Uraga, who was
for many years an officer in the Mexican
army, but having taken sides with the en-
pire, was banished from the country on the
restoration of the republic, and after passing
some time in New York went to the republic
OF Guatemala to reorganize its army. He is
now at San Francisco, in California, where
this article was written. His object is doubt
less to gain favor with his countrymen in
order to pave the way for his return. But
his plan is perfectly impossible of realization.
If the three or four million Indians in Mexi-
co should be counted out of her army, there
would be few soldiers left. as the ranks of
all the armies Mexico has had since her in
dependence have been largely composed of
Indians. Further, it is estimated that the
proposed standing army will require an ex-
pense Of S25 600, 900 to $50 900 900, annual
ly. Now. when We remember that the total
revenues of the Mexican treasury have not
for many years exceeded 81 200. 900 annual
ly. the isIpracticability of this proposed plan
of protection against the United States be-
comes apparent. Mexico's best protection is
the fact that this country-whateYer may be
the plans and purposes OF some Of the reckless
men along the frontier-has no design Of con-
quest against Mexico; and. while protect
ing its own interests and those of its citizens,
will not allow itself to be drawn into war
with the weak and chaotic republic to the |
South of us