354 MEXICO. 
Mexico, must not, however, flatter herself, that the world is humbly on 
Its knees seeking admittance at her portal. Not so. She has too long 
exhibited the picture of an ill-regulated and quarrelsome household to 
tempt mankind to become her inmates, notwithstanding the allure- 
ments of her beauty. I do not believe that she will ever advance to any 
degree of greatness, without foreign emigration to her shores ; yet, in 
order to attract an influx of artisans and laborers, ripe from the improved 
fields and the skillful workshops of the rest of the world, she must prove 
herself worthy of their advent by the peaceful and prosperous future she 
promises to secure them. 
If Mexico, however, sees fit to pursue a narrow system of exclusion, 
akin to that under which she suffered while a colony of Spain, I confess 
that I behold but little prospect for her future. She will want the illustration 
of example — the virtue of emulation. As long as Santa Anna remains at 
the head of affairs, and is able to retain control over the army by pay or 
by its attachmejit to his person, — so long will that remarkable genius 
continue to preserve tranquillity. But it may be the peace of dread, — 
the subordination of fear, — the muteness of slavery. If, in the meantime, 
he chooses to bring the people gradually to a knowledge of their rights 
and a habit of self-government, while he destroys, for ever, the disturbers 
of their peace, — he will deserve a high place in the story of this Con- 
tinent's progress. 
But if, on the other hand, he is seduced by the possession of power or 
only continues to hold it for despotism and plunder ; — if the result of his 
administration is unsuccessful, and those who came into authority under 
solemn pledges to purify the Government shall prove false to their trust ; — 
if such are to be the only results of so much tumult and warfare, the 
downfall of Mexico is, indeed, close at hand ! 
The clouds of rebellion which have so long lowered over the country, 
will descend in showers of blood, — and a war of retribution, or, of castes, 
as in Guatemala, must end the circle, and give up again the fair territory 
of Mexico to the forests and its beasts or to be the spoil of some foreign 
invader. 
In every event, her fate must be most interesting to the people of the 
United States. If peace, and its train of attendant results, are to bless 
her with success and happiness, our stake and sympathy with her repub- 
lican system must be great and enduring. If anarchy, and dismember- 
ment of her States ensue, we will be burdened with a dangerous neigh- 
bor and annoying enemy. But \^ foreign occupation be attempted, the 
bloody war that must ensue, will only be ended by the expulsion of the 
intruder, and the reestablishment of republicanism on this Continent. 
