tary's correspondence, it appears that if an imperial government were firmly established in Mexico, by the consent of the Mexican people, the United States government would hold friendly relations with it, as it was doing with Brazil. But the course of the Washington cabinet toward Maximilian's government, and its continued recognition of that of Juarez, made it evident that in its estimation the empire lacked stability, and its fall, after the French intervention should cease, must follow.
ister in Paris he stated that the U. S. 'have neither a right nor a disposition to intervene by force in the internal affairs of Mexico, whether to establish and maintain a republic, or even a domestic government there, or to overthrow an imperial or a foreign one, if Mexico chooses to establish or accept it. The U. S. have neither the right nor the disposition to intervene by force on either side in the lamentable war which is going on between France and Mexico.' To Minister Adams he used these words: The U. S. can do no otherwise than leave the destinies of Mexico in the keeping of her own people, and recognize their sovereignty and independence in whatever form they themselves shall choose that this sovereignty shall be manifested.' Much discussion was had in the U. S. congress and press on the Mexican question, many seeing in the European proceedings a violation of the Monroe doctrine; but a perusal of Monroe's words will clearly show that there had been as yet no attempt at violating that principle. U. S. Govt Doc., Cong. 37, Sess. 3, House Ex. 1, 307-441, passim; Id., vol. vi.; Id., House Journal, 702; Id., Cong. 38, Sess. 2, Sen. Ex., 11, 33; Id., Foreign Affairs, 1862, 193, 338-40, 350-7, 377-8, 384-5, 392, 400-5; Id., 1863, pts i.-ii., 638-762, 1335-41; Id., 1864, pt ii., 710-11, 936; U. S. Govt Doc., Cong. 37, Sess. 3, Sen. Journ., 578; Id., Sen. Miscel., 13; Mex. Affairs, in President's Mess., June 16, 1864; N. Am. Rev., ciii. 137-42.
