Year: 1863

,;cbt hand in the Darkness" We attain some
dim recognition of the finger of Providence,
tinspiring us with hepe and trust. At present


we give but little thought to the grand events


transpiring in Mexico. 1t is well indeed that
we do not, if we SHOULD bring to their consde-


ration the preconceived notions and prejudices


which have heretofore been received by us as


a1ioms Of truth, and formed the basis of our


policy. But if We can divest ourselves Of


these, and open our eyes to the dawn of new
era, IN which old things shall be done away,


we will recognize in the operations of the
French much to approve and encourage.


The old Monroe doctrine, as it is called was
one of those axioms of policy which it is we'll
to be forgotten. If we had remained united
| nation, and continued to belive in that, the
fate of the whole Western Continent, with the
exception of the United States aud Canada
would have remained sealed fer a hopless con-
dition of anarchy and poverty. Had our minds
remained alive to it during our present con-
test-had we believed as religiously in its
right as We have done before, the dangers
which would have threatened its violation
might have again united the North and the
South in opposition to France, and furnished
new and powerful cement to re-unite two
peoples whose union has been curse to them.
selves, and whose vigorous growth and over
shadowlng power have been a blight to the
Western Continent. The United States con-
stituted itself the guardian of ali the govern
ments of the Western Continent, and acted the
part of all unjust and faithless guardians since
the world began.


In our enthusiasm for democratic forms of
government, 50 admirably adapted to ourselves
so indispensable indeed to our higher de-
yelopment, we have forgotten that the mixed
Spanish races were a different people, whom
the garments would not fit. We encouraged
them to establish republics, and threw over
them the shield of our protection, without the
wisdom of our restraints. We declared that
no European nation should ever establish a
foot hold amongst them, or interfere with their
affairs upon the Western Continent Behold
the result, From the Rio Grande to Cape


Horn, the history of the last forty years has
been one of anarchy and bloodshed. Industry
has been paralysed, cities have decayed, and
poverty and degradat ion reigns over the land.
Already in the new world these people have
their antiquities. In startling contrast with
their present weakness, stand crumbling relies
of their old grandeur in the days of the Span
ISh moi Tba iuJ
them of republican doctrines has produced re-
suits similar to those of the fanaticsm of
human equality in Jamaica. 1t Is the verdict
of the Almighty, and there is no appeal Self
government is to them a terrible curse. Hence
it is well that the Monroe doctrine has been
lost sight of in the fierce hand to hand conflict
of the antagonistic races of the North and
South, and has not rung the alarm to unity
It is now forever too late. and the deed of
separation is inevitable. The old Union with
all the old errors which were knit and inter
woven with its structure; is departed. We are
new government, and the food of events
is fast washing away amongst the trash of past
ages, many of the errors which if now





fatal.


Meanwhile, unnoticed almost, the French
have made progress towards an ascendancy in
Mexico, which would have been otherwise i'm
possible. 1t may be the opening of way by
Providence for the regeneration of Mexico.
1t may be the beginning of events which in
series of years may restore the whole contn-
ent of Central and South America to its old
wealth and magnifcence. That the French, if
unobstructed, will succeed in their Mexican
designs, is not to be doubted. The popula-
ton are ignorant, poor, and distracted by par
ties and factions. 1t is only enlightened, free
and virtuous people who can never be con-
quered. We wish the French success as We
wish the Mezicans happiness and prosperity.
These will certainly arrive 10 them under such
stable government as France can afford.
They will come with the protection of life aud
liberty against arbitrary tyranny, and of pro-
perty against rapine and unjust exaclions. It
i. their only way to salvation. They will not
recover of themselves, and God forbid that
that beautiful country, distracted and weak
ened by intestine wars, should be left temp
ta.ion, like the apple in the garden, for the
trial of the virtue of the Southern Confede-
racy. The genius Of our government will not
permit us to hold provinces in subsection. Our
peculiar institution, however expansive over
unpeopled territories, will never minglc with
the Spanish American races. The annexation
of Mexico hereafter would be our sure de-
struction.
The worst of stable governments is better for
Mexico than its constitutional forms and ever
lasting anarchy. Witness the island of Cuba
the appendage of decayed European power,
and one in which the principles of liberty have
| made less progress than in any nation of
Western Earope. Under all disadvantages in
cident to its government, the very fact of its
constancy and stability has elevated Cuba to
an Importance in wealth and trade superior
perhaps to the whole of Central America
| Under such government as France might
establish, the whole fate of Mexico would be
| changed. Capital would be invited from
| abroad by the fact of security alone. Her
mines would be worked again beyond any
former production. Her fertile lands would
| be brought into cultivation, and all the extern
sive commerce incident thereto would flow in
xxuau lor hav;oo -o,Jd oco;~ huao-- q