The Washington critic., 1886-08-04
ALONG THE RIO GHANDE.

ALONG THE RIO GRANDE.
Although the Rio Grande looks upon
the map to be the most natural and ap-
propriate boundary possible between
the United States and Mexico, there is
ample evidence that it Is not 50 consid.
cred by good many people who re-
side along the American side OF the
stream. In fuot, 1t may be doubted Ii
rivers after all form the best lines OF
separation between distinctive nations,
though they answer well enough for
States of the same family. A line of
division which can be seen and quar-
relied over is perhaps less effective than
one which is equally well known, but
invisible. At any rate, there seems to
be q good deal of dissatisfaction with
the Rio Grande as boundary and the
chances are that some day the survey
ors will lay of another considerably
further south.
The border States are Chihuahul,
Sonora, Coahula, Nucya Leon and
Tamaulipas. The peninsula of Lower
California is also to be included in the
same category. All Of these States
with the exception Of Tamaulipas,
which is a somewhat malarious tract of
country near the sea coast, would cou-
stitute desirable accessions to the
United States. Even the immense
sand.spit of Lower California would
answer admirably as the site of penal
colony. But chihuahua and Sonora
particularly, and Coahuila and Nueya
Leon to greater or less extent, are
rich in the precious minerals, besides
possessing grazing and agricultural
features Of the most valuable char
acter.
The American capital that is already
there would no doubt feel safer and
more at home if brought under the
folds of the old flag.
We never took much stock in the
absorption idea; that is, we are unable
to see that the United States would be
the gamer by absorbing the countries
lying between Texas and the Isthmus
of Panama. This Government has
quite enough illiteracy on its hands
already, and quite enough Indians,
The annexation of Mexico and Central
America, though it might add to the
symmetry of our shape and to our gold
and silver product, would also increase
some other burdens to most costly
and perplexing degree. Circumstances
might arise, however, that would rem.
der the acquisition OF the border States
of Mexico desirable.
A war with Mexico, IL waged in
earnest and for keeps" would as Ger.
tainly result in this ggraudisemcnt of
territory as the Franco.German war
did in the incorporation of Alsace and
Lorraine with the C.:rman Empire.
1t may be suggested that we are
speculating upon remote and visionary
contingencies. Possibly, but not nee,
essarily. Take the whole list Of MeXi
can outrages upon American citizens
for the last dozen years. They will be
found traceable to jealousy of Ameri
can oncroachment. Look into all the
disturbances that have occurred along
the Rio Grande during that period
Though to every appearance fomentod
by turbulent and irrepressible adven
turers, they will generally be found tC
have their original inspiration as wei
as encouragement in the idea of annex
alton. 1t is destiny" they say, ant
there is q good deal in that word to {
certain restless class of our border pop
ulation.
Whether the present difficulties be
tween this country and Mexico will lell
to any serious consequences or not, thu
trouble Is pretty certain to come som
day, in the natural order of events
However amicably disposed the tw,
governments and their respective peo
pies may be, fresh border troubles ar
all the time imminent, and bye and by
there will come a acompllcation that viii
not admit of diplomatic adjustment
and the upshot will be the acquisition
of a big slice Of Mexican territory.
Nor will there be the old hue anl
cry against 1t that there was in SLAYER,
times. The acquisition will not meal
the extension of human serfdom, bu
of law, liberty and civilization. North
South, East and West will readily as
sent to terms of peace that will 50 en-
political power 1t may not be thi
year or the next, but the year is comiL
when it viii be.