The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-05-21
New York, Monday, May 81, ls49.
Foreign Missions and Foreign Policy OF the
United States.

There are two subjects connected with the ad-
minstration of the general government, which are
at the present time receiving a great deal OF
thought and consideration throughout the country.
The first is the appointment of ministers TO repre-
sent the United States in European capitals, and
the other is the policy which General Taylor and
his cabinet will probably take in our foreign rela-
tions-both subjects of great importance.
In regard to the appointment of foreign minis
tiers, we learn that nothing will be done until
about the middle of June next, when the subject
will be taken IN hand by the cabinet, and the
anxiety and curiosity of the public as well as of
the numerous asprants for those important offices,
and their friends, gratihed 1t Is understood that
the mission to England is at the service of the
Hen. Abbott Lawrence, of Massachusetts, but he
has not sgnifed whether he will accept it or not.
The probability is, that he will not, as his health
is not very good. great many names have been
mentioned for the other missions, but nothing de-
finite can be ascertaned concerning them till
about the middle of June.
1t is believed, from certain indications, that the
foreign policy determined upon by the admlnistra-
ton is such as are sure will receive the hearty
appreciation of the people of all parties. 1t will be
one of perfect independence and heightened neu-
trahty. The principle Of non-interference in the
affairs of other nations, unless the rights or in
terests of the United States concerned will be
strictly followed, and will in no case be deviated
from. The nations OF Europe may contend as
they please among themselves; but the United
States will take Sides with none nor will any Euro
pean power, engaged in hostility with another, be
permitted to receive any aid or assistance, on
any pretence whatever, from the United States.
1t was in pursuance Of this policy that the
order, mentioned in the Herald week or two
ago, was issued by the authorities at Washington,
to prevent the departure from this city of the
steamship United States, which was recently pur-
chased by the Prussan government and converted
into vessel of war, at an expense of over three
hundred and fifty thousand dollars unless satisfac-
tory bonds were given that she would not be used
as war steamer, in the struggle between Prussia
and Denmark. We are told that instructions to
the United States officials in all our Atlantic ports
have been given by the government, to the effect
that watch must be kept on all that is going on,
so that the system Of neutrality determined upon
by the administration shall not be infringed upon.
Thus much in regard to the foreign policy
of tho United States, as far the nations of
Europe and their struggles are concerned.
The Island of Cuba has, we are informed,
received great deal Of attention from the
President and his cabinet. 1t will be recolected
that we stated, some time since, that the admins
tration of Mr.. Polk had directed informal inquiries
to be made of the Spanish ministry, as to its dspo
stion to sell or cede that beautiful island to the
United States, and that some correspondence be-
tween our minister at the Court of Madrid and
the Minister of Foreign Affairs had been COM
menced on the subject The fact that such action
had been taken by Mr.. Polk and his cabinet, was
Denied and an attempt was made by several of our
contemporaries to throw ridicue Oh the whole affair."
but subsequent Developments proved that what we
stated the subject strictly correct. We do not
believe that the new President and his cabinet will
pursue the matter any further and will suspend the
negotiations thus entered upon; but they will
not tolerate the cession transfer of that island
by Spain, to any European nation. No interfe-
the part of the United States, in any other
way, need be feared for the presest. No transfer,
however, of it TO England or any other European
power can be made, with the consent ofthe United
States
The interference by the English in the affairs of
the Mosquito territory cannot have escaped the OBJ
servaton Of the administrations and a strong pro-
test against not only what has been done there, but
whatever else may be attempted, must be I'M
medistely made to England. The government
must not tolerate any acquisition Of territory in that
part OF the American continent by the British, and
our merchants hope that Il will not be necessary to
take any farther tosecure the desired end
1t will be recollected that we referred to this mat
ter on Saturday last. We then desired to draw the
attention oil the administration and the American
people TO that important, strip Of land
The recent movements along the northern border
indicate that the cabinet are narrowly watching
the course OF events in Canada. The course of the
administration is clear in reference TO that nro.
vince. 1t has indeed been announced TO the world
and commented upon in Europe In the event Of
any further difficulties taking place, and in case an
effort should be made by the people Of Canada to
sever their political connection with the mother
country, no inducement will be held Out to them by
the United States, and our government will take
all necessary measures to prevent any interference
by our citizens in The struggle
This is sketch of the system Of foreign policy
OF the new administration, if we may believe the
indications in Washington, here and elsewhere.
We have carefully watched the progress OF events,
and are inclined 10 think We are right and we
have no doubt that such policy will be approved
oi by The people Of the United States We hope
That The menacing aspect Of affairs in Europe and
abe probability which exists Of a general continental
war IN that part Of the world will induce the 90
vernmen' TO take all necessary measures for the
protection OF American commercial interests TIN.
cannot be done without apgmeulng our naval
forces in thosc seas, and we hope il will he done
A. we have before remarked, the presence Of t,
large naval force in the European seas rnicb, and
probably would prevent our being drawn into hos
fjlity with any power, while us shacnc. would in.
viie aggression nd neulf, ADD prevent the govern
mrni ION carrying Out The rolicy which x has un
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