Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/227

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ATTITUDE OF THE UNITED STATES.
207

itself proved inspiring[1] Volunteers asserted their confidence in the cause by ready enlistment,[2] and flattering contributions and recognitions flowed in from different quarters.[3] Juarez had every reason, therefore, to look into the future with a hopefulness which brightened in proportion as the prospects of the empire grew darker.[4]

The pronounced attitude assumed by the United States since the conclusion of their civil war had served, not alone to intimidate Napoleon, but to open his eyes to the illusive nature of this Mexican enterprise. The irresistible advance of his troops had for a long time blinded him to dangers and disadvantages. He now saw that, although defeated, the republicans were never crushed; springing up ever with renewed courage and in larger numbers, or abiding with firm and bitter purpose the moment favorable to their cause, confident also in ultimate aid from the sister republic. His triumphs were sterile, and the end seemed more remote the further he advanced. He had set out primarily to recover an indebtedness; but

  1. It was arranged by J. M. Carbajal and Minister Romero with the house of Corlies & Co., for a term of 20 years from Oct. 1, 1863, at an interest of 7 per cent, and secured by the joint credit of the governments of the republic and the states of Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosí, 500,000 acres mineral lands being hypothecated, as well as the general revenue. The imperial minister Arroyo protested in the states against the loan. Legac. Mex., Circ., i. 77-8; Mex. et la Monarch., 50-6. 'Grant...se han apresurado á tomar bonos.' Iglesias, Revistas, iii. 498; Rivera, Hist. Jal., v. 603-4; Diario Ofic., Aug. 23, 1879.
  2. As instanced in Vega, Ausiliares, MS.; Vega, Doc., pt li.; La Voz de Méj., May 13, 1865 et seq.; S. F. Call, July 4, 1865, et seq.
  3. Notably republics to the south, as Guatemala, Colombia, Chile, and even from Holland. Méx., Col. Leyes, 1863-7, ii. 56–68, 142-9, 170-9, 233-65; Rivera, Hist. Jal., v. 632-77, passim; Legac. Mex., Circ., i. 57, 76, etc.; also journals already referred to.
  4. This he had expressed already on his first arrival at Paso del Norte, in a letter to his former secretary and minister Teran. The day was not long distant when the French would abandon the empire, either from recognizing the impossibility of subjugation or under pressure from the U.S. The very victories of the French would destroy them, wrote another observer. Domenech, Hist. Mex., iii. 337-41. Teran, holding friendly intercourse with Baron de Pont, a friend of Maximilian, the latter was kept informed of these views; but to the advice that he should withdraw, he replied by expressing the utmost confidence in his prospects. Arrangoiz wonders what he means, Méj., iv. 56-7, but preceding occurrences reveal that mere effect was intended.