Year: 1866

be summarly suppressed at the polls.


American Aid 20 Mcxico-The Neutrality


Laws.


It is evident, from the numerous rumors
afloat, that we are on tho eve OF important
movements in behalf of the republic Of Mexico.
Our people have become dissatisfied with the
piddling policy Of the Secretary OF State
towards that government, and are now prepar-
ing to take this question into their own hands.
They looked to General Banks, as chairman Of
the Committee on Foreign Relations, to investi-
gate this affair and IN comprehensive report
point ont the way to remedy the present evils In
that country. II was understood that he pre-
pared an elaborate report on this subject, but
was not able TO present 1t TO Congress, owing
to some personal opposition. This being the
case, our people are obliged to resort TO some
other plan to save that republic and prevent
monarchy being established at our doors. If
their representatives in Congress and the ad-
ministraton viii not do their duty, then the peo-
pie will take hold Of It, just they took hold Of
our late war; and carry it through in spite Of the
treachery and double-dealing of men in power.
They are unquestionably sick and tired Of the
trucking and toadying policy Of the State De-
partment towards European Powers, and are
determined that there shall be no further fol
ing in regard to Mexico, and that this perplexed
question shall be settled without delay. It is
still hoped that President johnson will seize
upon the present favorable opportunity to ex-
lend the friendly hand Of the government to
that country in manner that will not only
rid IL Of the monarchists who are trying to
fasten themselves upon it, but will also put an
end to the personal feuds and anarchy among
the liberals, and protect them in their efforts
to re-establish their government in the hands
Of the legal and constitutional representatives.


The question, however, very naturally arises,
how are the friends Of law and order and Of
the Mexican republic in this country to accom-
plish anything in this direction, in the face Of
our present statute Of neutrality, enacted for
the special benefit Of Europe9 Had the amend
ed law passed both houses Of Congress all
admit that the way would have been clear But
is there after all, any barrier to movements Of
this kind in behalf Of Mexico in the present
statute? Is there anything in that law
which will prevent our people sustaining
the timc-honored principles of the Mon
roe Doctrine? We believe that fair and
liberal Interpretation of the neutrality
laws will enable our people Individually
to assist the republican cause In Mexico as
against Maximilian in any manner that they
may see st. Section three Of the laws of 1918
provides 'sthat if any person shall, within the
limits Of the United States, 6t out and arm, or
attempt to Ct out and arm, OF shall knowingly
be concerned in furnishing, fitting out and arm
ing Of any ship or vessel, with intent that such
ship or vessel shall be employed in the service
Of any foreign prince or State, to cruise or CON-
init hostilities against the subjects OF any
foreign prince or State, or Of any colony or
district with whom the United States are at
peace, or shall issue or deliver a commission
within the territory or jurisdiction Of the
United States, for any ship or vessel, to the
intent that she may he employed ~ aforesaid,
every person SO offending shall be deemed,
&C." 1t will be seen by the wording Of this
section that the offence consists In fitting ont
vessels to operate against nations and govern
ments with whom the United States are at
peace. When we pass little further along.
TO the sixth section Of the same oct, we find the
same provisions in regard to setting on foot, or
providing and preparing means for any military
expedition or enterprise to operate against any
government with whom the United States are
at peace, shall also be punished as therein pro-
vided. 1t Is clear from the very wording Of
these sections that the provisions do not
apply to our present relations with Mexico.
In the 6rst place these expeditions and
vessels, TO come within the SCOPE Of the
law, must be organized and fitted out 10 attack
. government or foreign Power with whom
we are at peace. To be at peace with . gov
crnment we are obliged to recognize its exist
ence. Now tho United Statss has never rscog-
nized Maximilian's empire or In any way
treated II as being in existence. On the con-
trary, our government has persistently refused
to countenance II in any form, but has adhered
to the fact that the republic Of Mexico II the
only power there, as is shown by the fact that
our Minister is accredited to the republic and
not to MAMMALIAN The deduction therefore
follows that any vessel or military expedition
fitted out to assist the republic In driving Maxi
milan out Of that country and In the destruc-
ton Of his pretended empire, il not violation
Of our neutrality laws, for the simple reason
that II does not operate against government
with whom the United States Is at peace.


Assuming that this Is the correct interpre-
tation Of the statute, we see no obstacle in the
way Of our citizens rendering all the assistance
that they may desire to the republican cause
OF Mexico. II then the President still permits
Secretary Seward to carry on bis long-windsd
do-nothing diplomatic policy, and fails 10
respond to the almost unanimous public
sentiment In this country In resard 70 Naxic0