Year: 1867

determined to hold their representatives to
strict accountability this session.


Exciting Intelligence ON the Mexican Qnes-


tion-The Conflict Between the Empire and


the Republic. --"~


We learn from our Paris correspondent that
Castelnau by the Emperor Napoleon instruct
inc him not to compel Maximilian to abdicate
and to bring back all the French troops that
were not willing to remain. These orders
simply formalize the understanding on which
Maximiiian has been acting and fully explain
his course His quarrels with Bazaine and Cas-
telnau were simply pretexts to gain time to
complete bis negotiations with the Church
party as well as his arrangements with Napo-
leon, the one being made contingent on the
other. Now, the French Emperor fulfils, his
part of the understanding by modifying his
agreement with US in regard to the return Of
the French troops None, it appears, are to be
compelled to come back who are willing to
remain. This amounts virtually to an order
that Maximilian is to be permitted to make up
a foreign legion from the French expeditionary
force. IF the Church and the Mexican impe-
rialists will only furnish him with the necessary
funds there is no doubt that he will be enabled
to retain large portion of it. But what is to
be said of the good faith of the arrangement
entered into with us? Coupled with the direc-
ton that Macmillan is not to be compelled to
abdicate, 1t amounts to nothing more nor less
than reopening of all the difficulties which
that arrangement was intended 10 terminate.
1t Is Of piece, in short, with the diplomatic
casuistry by which the Emperor was enabled
to draw his chestnuts out Of the fire in the
Crimean and Italian wars, and by which he has
made Q pretended concession to European
sentiment in tie withdrawal of bis troops from
Rome = es@.
Az matters stand now there would appear to
be no very near prospect Of q clearance of the
foreign element from the field of contention in
Mexico Supported by a strong mercenary
force and the wealth Of the Church, Macmillan
Is placed in position to give great trouble to
his republican opponents. Complying with
the Letter Of his agreement with us, while he
violates the spirit of 1t, it is certain that Ma
poleon will continue to give al the secret aid
and encouragement that he can to the imperial
cause. The repayment Of the claims which
France has against Mexico depends upon this
course She IL fully satisfied that under no
circumstances, no matter who may occupy the
Presidential chair, will the republicans con-
sent to settlement of them.


But to ensure success for the republican
cause in this changed condition Of things, there
must be an entire alteration In the progra anime
of its leaders. They must remember that they
have now to Hght not foreign but
a quasi Mexican pretender to the throne. So
long as Maximilian is supported by any por-
ton Of the population, the fact Of his having
foreigners In his service will not alter his right
to contend for the supreme power. 1t was the
direct Interference Of Napoleon In the admins
tration Of public affairs that shocked the ma
tional sentiment In Mexico and created the
major part Of the Archduke's difficulties. Had
he been satisfied to limit his support Of the i'm
perial cause to the course he 10 now pursuing
there Is no doubt bat that to-day II would be
in much better position. Macmillan judged
wisely when he said that he would appeal to
the Mexicans themselves for confirmation of
bis rights. II he could give the people strong
central government. II is probable that they
would prefer 1t to the distracted and miserable
condition in which they have been kept by the
claims Of so many rivals for the Presidency.
The expulsion OF Macmillan would In no way
have improved this state of things There are
three candidates ready to contest the supreme
power, and they are all prepared to bring into
the field more or less formidable elements OF
support There is, first, Juarez, with something
Of an army, aud who Is otherwise strengthening
himself by the sale Of Mexican territory and
railroad rights. Secondly, there is Santa Anna,
who has been raising, or trying to raise, mil
lion dollars on his property to sustain him
in the contest; and, lastly, there is Ortega,
who Is said TO be backed by New York capi-
talists. All these only waited tor The departure
OF the French to commence furious onslaught
on each other. II must be- plain to every one
that as long as they are actuated by such a
spirit they can q. but little against Maximllian.
lie has union and concentration on his side,
and they give him additional strength by tbeir
divisions.


The great difficulty with the Mexicans, a. IL
has been with us, has been the increase Of sec
tional dislikes and hatreds. Under the Spanish
rule for century and n halt or more they en-
joyed q strong government In initiating
our institutions and creating so many State
jurisdictions they forgot to note the modiica-
tions which from the period OF the foundation
of the republic down to the present time bave
taken place in them and which now render us
one Of the most united and powerful govern
ments la the world. The new developments
in regard 10 Maximilans position and inten-
tions WILL we trust, bring them to something
like serious consideration of the difficulties
that lie before them Without union and
sacrifice Of individual pretensions they can do