MEXICO.

Of outrage and domestic violence in Mexico there has been no end; but of actual revolution on a large scale, there has been comparatively little during the past four or five years. As yet, the Sonora rebellion does not seem to require any immediate change in this country's attitude; and we hope that no such necessity will arise. The upheaval only furnishes one more proof of the futility of transplanted ideas of government. Whole sections of Mexican constitutions have been copied almost verbatim from our own; but unfortunately the development of actual institutions has not been the same on both sides of the Rio Grande.

Mexico's failure is explained simply enough by her utter lack of tradition. In government, above all else, the past is of supreme importance. So long as there is a succession of selfish military dictators, and so long as the populace remains illiterate and irresponsible, orderly traditions are impossible. A sound electorate cannot be evolved in a single year, or even in a single generation, especially in a generation filled with constant strife and revolution. Even in France, where conditions were far more favorable, a stable republic was not assured until nearly a century after the fall of the Bastile.

Under existing circumstances, the Mexican disorders are not altogether surprising. Mexico has enjoyed a nominal republican regime for nearly a hundred years: but it is doubtful whether, in all that time, she has ever had a single leader who combined sound common sense with unselfish aims. A single term of decent government would do much toward developing the traditions of which the country stands so sorely in need, especially if good government is supported by education for the people at large. In the course of time, under leaders of a better type than at present. Mexico may work out her own salvation. Meanwhile, it is our duty to give what aid we can, but to keep our hands clear of actual meddling or interference.