Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/162

 equivalent compensations which were promised her. This is a fact which we are bound to assert, since it no longer rests with us to keep silence as to its consequences. We are far from not comprehending the obstacles and difficulties of every kind against which his majesty the Emperor Maximilian has had to strive. Although we have often deplored that his loyal intentions were not better appreciated, we have always applauded his active solicitude and his generous purposes.

. . . . The results did not answer our hopes in spite of the skilful and energetic management of the marshal and the devotion of an army which nothing wearies. . . . The French government facilitated the negotiation of loans which relieved the embarrassments of the Mexican treasury, and yet our claims were compensated only by fallacious settlements. Friendly advice has been given, but the councillors of his majesty manifested a systematic resistance in everything which concerned the interests of France. Must we recall what exertions it cost the French Legation to obtain only an insufficient reparation for the injuries suffered by our countrymen, when the English claims were settled without question; when resources were found to discharge without delay and with ready money doubtful and perhaps illegal debts? We found the very principle of the French demands contested,—those demands which had been recognised by the treaty of Miramar as the determinative cause of our expedition; which, too, in default of any stipulation, should have constituted an undoubted and indisputable debt of honour.

After having, in all circumstances, pointed out to the Mexican government the necessity of itself individually providing for its own conservation, and after having many a time stated that the assistance which we were affording it could only be maintained in proportion as the corresponding obligations due to us should be strictly fulfilled, we have acquainted it with the stringent considerations which forbid us any longer to demand fresh sacrifices from France, which also decided us to recall our troops.

Nevertheless, whist adopting this resolution, we have directed that, in its execution, those delays and precautions should be employed which are necessary for avoiding the dangers of too sudden a change. We have been compelled, at