[353] effect of the treaty, etc., to the press. Of course, I should only have given it as from a friend of mine, writing from Havana. But, on reflection, I concluded that the public would know who my friend in Cuba was, so concluded not to. I wish, however, you would write the same thing to the State Department. . . . You will learn by the mail that carries this that consideration of the treaty has been deferred until December next. This, I fear, will defeat the treaty in Mexico, where there will be untiring efforts by foreign merchants and diplomats to prejudice the Government against it. . . . Mrs. Grant tells me to say that she is just reading your history, and thinks more of you than ever. She is now in the second volume.
The treaty was not confirmed. In one of General Grant's letters during this period he wrote:
I never would have undertaken the work I am now engaged in for any possible gain that could accrue to myself. But I have been much impressed with the resources of this country [Mexico], and have entertained a much higher opinion of these people than the world at large generally does, and of their capacity to develop their resources, with aid and encouragement from outside. I felt that the development must come soon, and the country furnishing the means would receive the greatest benefit from the increased commerce. I wanted it to be ours. Besides, we want to encourage republican government, and particularly on this continent. Then, too, it is an advantage for us to pay for our imports with the products of our soil and manufactures as far as possible. This we do not now with countries from which we receive tropical and semi-tropical products. Mexico can furnish all these commodities, and will want in return what we have to sell.
This is an epitome of Grant's Mexican policy, and seems to me full of far-reaching political wisdom and large patriotic views. It shows, too, how his mind took in the widest purposes and most various aims; for this same letter contains comments on the Administration of Garfield that indicate how keenly Grant resented the conduct of the Government
