Year: 1873




prise, an eccentric and impulsive policy as to
Mexico


1t is against an eccentric and impulsive
policy in regard to Mexico, however, that we
protest. If General Grant means, in an in
sidious, blundering way, to precipitate upon
the country Mexican question-to allow us to
drift into war as England drifted into war
against Russia, then we say that he can only
bring dishonor upon the country and upon his
most honorable name. We cannot afford to
conquer Mexico or any territory as England
conquered British india as Prussia conquered
Silesia, as Austria conquered Poland, or even
as Garibaldi overthrew the Bourbons in Italy.
The strength, the glory, the exceeding great
renown of our Republic-the reason that it is
now moral influence throughout the world
and minister of that republicanism which
General Grant on recent famous occasion
expected to see spread over Europe-is because
the principles established by Washington and
the fathers were, that we should be just to all
men and all nations. We have never de-
parted from these principles without shame;
for no matter what material success we may
have gained, as in the Mexican war and in
many of our transactions with the Indians,
the shame remains and tinges our history and
is remembered to our discontinue and weakens
our influence among the nations. We cannot
afford to drift into any such situation-to
oppress Mexico under circumstances where
we yielded to the menaces of England.


IT. on the other hand, General Grant means
that the time has come for resolute, mag
unanimous and enlightened policy in regard to
Mexico, we shall support him. We have
always held, and never more earnestly than
now, that policy of this kind ls demanded.
We believe that Mexico has failed in the full
flment of every condition of self-government,
and whether we call it manifest destiny" or
protection of our interests or the s'Monroe
doctrine" the world would applaud and the
Mexican people themselves welcome General
Grant as the chief of q protectorate over that
country. A protectorate over Mexico seems
to us to be the only solution of the difficulties
that surround that people, paralyze the na-
tional energies and make her scandal among
the nations. But protectorate must be
established openly, with due regard to
the national rights and happiness We
cannot enter Mexico like thief in the
night nor invade its territory under the
pretence of Furnishing troop Of Kickapoo In
dian robbers. Nor can we, in justice to our
selves and our national credit, permit the ad-
ministration to drift into a situation that may
lead to war. AS it now stands there is neither
honor nor justice in our recent transactions
upon the Rio Grande. We have dealt with
Mexico as we would not deal with England.
There is danger that we may have comphca-
ton more unfortunate than st. Domingo
more scandalous than our Civil Service expert
ments bringing in its train manifold evils
even war itself. At the same time there lies be-
fore the President q splendid opportunity. He
may do gracious thing for Mexico, for Amer
ica, for civilization. To do this, it seems that
he has only to frankly and kindly say that the
time has come for the United States 10 fulfil o
duty imposed upon it by every consideration,
and in doing so to secure to Mexico the same
freedom and prosperity that has been secured
to Texas and California; to make the Republic
renowned and prosperous by giving it gov
ernment worthy Of the patience and valor Of
the people and the marvellous richness Of
their soil.