The American Government has, we believe decided not to intervene
forcibly in Mexico, unless absolutely compelled by massacres of American citizens. The leaders of both parties consider that invasion would be followed by annexation, and that the addition of sis or seven niilliOns of coloured and Catholic voters to the Union would make the difficulties of the Republic intolerable. The only alternative would be to relieve them of taxation, as is done with the Indians of the West, who neither vote nor contribute ; but thii would be too- expensive an arrange- ment. Texas is already the most difficult State in the Union, and it is believed to be wiser to eat the artichoke leaf by leaf. This decision, which is that of the leaders of both parties, may be con- sidered final, with the reservation mentioned, and orders have consequently been issued to arrest intending filibusters by military force.
