[From La Liberté.—Translation.], October 3, 1866.

[From La Liberté.—Translation.]

The recent news from Mexico is of a serious nature that does not surprise us, but requires prompt action on the part of the government. Why should we be longer deceived by words and illusions? Everybody believes that the Mexican empire is near its end, and we need not try to prolong the agony of a dying government. The truth is we had better wind up the unfortunate affair at once. It is plain that France only makes additional sacrifices in endeavoring to carry out an expedition that should not have been commenced. To keep up the empire we must support Maximilian with fifty thousand men and five hundred millions of francs, and risk a profitless war with the United States: and it is certain France will not consent to such a sacrifice, so the business better be closed up at once. First, let Maximilian resign. On this point there will be no trouble. He accepted the place reluctantly, and he will give up without hesitation. His ignorance of the country, and what he was to undertake, will excuse him before the world.

When Maximilian is gone France will be in the same position towards Mexico that she was before the vote of the notables electing him; that is, she will front an enemy, with whom she will have to treat on the best terms. She will not venture to start another government, but will treat with Juarez, because he is our opponent, and his re-establishment is the only-way to get out of the difficulty. But will Juarez grant us the conditions we want? We are not sure, but it is certain he will purchase our evacuation on the best terms. Another question is, will Juarez’s terms be enforced by Mexico? We fear not. But as it would be the same with any other ruler, better trust him.

What he can grant is the lives of our countrymen, and that is of the most importance at present. The Mexican expedition will be a serious loss in money, and it will be a check to our progressive policy, but it cannot be prevented. But we must not shock the world, with the sad sight of our murdered countrymen, when it is known the expedition was got up to protect them. That would be worse than all, and our last duty now is to prevent it.

We have conquered the Mexicans wherever we have met them, and all we have to keep us there is our regard for Maximilian, Let him abdicate and restore us to our liberty, and all that will remain for us to do will be to secure the safety of our countrymen.

But the most important, what is absolutely necessary, is a prompt and energetic decision to put an end to the crisis instead of prolonging it.