Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1848-02-24

vessel of war, the Sun, commanded by officer bear
ing English name, Commander Trotter of the
Mosquito navy" he is styled in letter written by
the British consul at Bluehed, and that she is still
further extending herself against the remonstrance OF
the Central American States. But these States, be-
sides being physically weak, are distracted by inter-
nal feuds and if the proceedings complained of be
not the unauthorized acts of British agents. which
Great Britain will dsavow, it is hardly to be expected
that usurpation, unjusti6ably consummated. will
be abandoned appeal to the Justice of the wrong
doer. Whether government should remain quiz
escent under this encroachment upon near and de-
enceess neighbors Is question worthy of consider
alton. Under any circumstances, IL seems TO me 10
afford little assurance of non-inierference with the
affairs of Mexico if forces TO be Withdrawn
without treaty
There is another consideration which ought not to
be overlooked. In July last, Lord George Bentinck
made motion for address to her Britannia Majesty,
praying her to take such measures she might deem
proper the payment of the Spanish govern
ment bonds held by British subjects. Those bonds
amount to about three hundred and eighty millions of
dollars, and about three hundred and forty millions
no interest whatever has been paid: and including
this debt nearly hundred and thirty millions of
dollars due to British subjects by foreign govern
ments-a sum equal to about one fifth OF her nation
al debt. He commended that "by the law of nations,
from time immemorial, it has been held that the
covery of just debts is lawful of war, if the
country from winch payment Is due refuses 10 listen
to the claims Of the country to whom money Is owing"
He quoted authorities to show that the payment of
the debt the interest on 1t, might be enforced with
out having recourse TO arms, though asserting the
right TO resort to force to compel it. He referred 10
the rich colonies of Spain, and especially Cuba
show that there wealth enough IN its annual pro-
duce and revenue to pay the whole debt due by Spain
to British bond-hoders" He referred to the naval
force which Spain possessed to show that there would
not be "any very effective resistance and that 1.-THE
most timid minister" need not fear 1t. Having, in
the course of his remarks called the attention of the
Minister of Foreign Affairs to the subject, Lord Pal
merston in responding his CALL entered into an ex-
tended statement in respect the foreign debt due
British subjects He drew distinction between
transactions by one government with another, by
British subjects with the subjects of another govern
ment and between debts and acts of injustice and
oppression. This distinction, however, he treated as
matter of expediency and established practice. He
assented to the doctrine laid down BY the noble lord
who made the motion for address, and he said, lift
the wise policy of England to lay down a rule
that she would enforce obligations of this character
with the rigor those Of different character,
she would have full right according to the laws of
nations, to do And he concluded by saying that
England had reraned from taking the steps urged
by his noble friend because she was "afraid Ct these
states, all of them put together" that it
TO be supposed the British Parliament, the British
nation, would long remain patient under the wrong,
and that they had ample power and means to obtain
justice.
TNse ineido