, 1878-02-15
The Troubles With Mexico.

A few people who are easily scared, and
"A few politicians who have an axe &c
grind, are in tlutter Of excitement over
possible war with Mexico. 1t is plaus-
IDLY urged that the President has found
/ the task of reform 50 beset with difficulty
and his own party so hopeessly divided,
/ that he would not be averse to war
which, whatever harm it might do the
country, would again unite the Rcpubli-
can party and do away with his unpop.
ularity in certain quarters.
The trouble with this theory is that it
takes too much for granted. 1t assumes
that the President is man entirely de-
void of patriotism, and reckleSsly grasp
ing at whatever will promote his own
ease and momentary advantage-that
he is devoid of varacity even, for the
President has expressly denied that he
has ever entertained such ridiculous
project. The theory assumes also that
there is now just cause for war, or that
preteXt for war can be extorted from
Mexico. But the facts disprove the one
assumption, and all probability is against
the other. 1t is true that few ignorant
Mexicans, who nave about as much no.
tion about the power of the United
States as Western savage, are clamor-
ing for war, and are doing all in their
power to provoke it. On the other hand,
no intelligent Mexican dreams of such a
thing-Presden Diaz least of all.
The present troubles had their origin
in cattleraids made by Indians or ma
rauding bands of Mexicans across the
Texas border. The Texans naturally
pursued the thieves, and when the latter
were caught they were summarily dealt
with. These local disturbances became
so serious as to demand the presence Of
United States troops, and for some
months several regiments have been STA
toned on the frontier under the command
OF General Ord. There have been sew
eral skirmishes between the marauders,
and the troops, with heresult to increase
the hostility on both sides of the border
line. A few months ago Secretary Evarts,
1t Is understood, notified the Diaz Gov
eminent that these putrages must be
stopped. 1t is semi-olficially reported
that courteous reply was returned to
the effect that the Government WAS not
strong enough to do this, and limiting
that if the United States chose to punish
the thieves itself, no otfcnse would be
taken.
President Diaz has his hands full in
keeping his somewhat precarious hold
upon the reins of the Mexican Govern.
ment. He has several rivals who wait
only for favorable opportunity to break
out in armed revolt. The declaration of
war against the United States would be
signal for his DOWNFALL and he does not
need to be told of this fact. 1t is evi.
dent that all his efforts will be directed
toward peace. On the other hand,
neither our Government or our people
are at all anxious for another war. War
would be preferable to national dishonor,
but a Congress composed principally Of
proiessed or disguised repudiators is not
likely to be very sensitive about such a
trit1e as honor. We are safe, therefore,
except in the event Of wholly unlocked
for complications, in regardinga a war
with Mexico as u moral impossibility.
The present troubles are capable of
peaceful settlement, and such settle
ment is in accordance not only with the
interests but with the best sentiment of
both cOuntries.-Erdminer and Chronicle.