Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/161

Rh These recommendations do not appear to have been understood. The propositions laid before us by General Almonte sufficiently show this, and, at the same time, reveal a complete misconception of a situation the full explanation of which to the court of Mexico can no longer be delayed.

There is no need to go back to the origin of the French expedition; its justification is founded on our grievances. Compelled, as we were, to do ourselves justice, the experience of the past taught us for the future to seek for guarantees against the return of actions which had so often drawn down on this country (at the cost of burdensome expeditions) severe but always ineffective repressions. These guarantees were to result from the foundation of a regular government, strong enough to put an end to the traditions of disorder bequeathed by a succession of ephemeral powers. However desirable might be the establishment of such a government, we, least of all, could think of imposing it on others, and we have always loudly disavowed any such design. We have not, however, liked to believe that the elements of an indispensable political regeneration were altogether wanting in the Mexican community, and we resolved to further all the efforts which should be made by the country to rid itself of the anarchy which was destroying it. This enterprise was a grand one, and it allured the Emperor Maximilian. Being appealed to by the Mexican nation, without allowing himself to be deterred by the difficulties and dangers of the task, he courageously devoted himself to it. He, like the Emperor Napoleon, thought the great questions of conciliation and counteraction were connected with the independence of Mexico, and with the integrity of its territory when guaranteed by a stable and regenerative government; and he knew that he would not want for our help in aiding him to realise a work profitable to the whole world.

The duties of the Emperor towards France required him, however, to proportion the extent of the assistance that he could offer to Mexico to ensure the success of this enterprise to the importance of the French interests engaged. The treaty of Miramar was concluded to this effect.

. . . Now, in the contract which established our rights and our obligations, France has fully discharged the duties which she accepted, and she has but very incompletely received the