The southern press., 1851-12-18


cuse for intermeddng is hypocritcal assump-
ton of general philanthropy Much less has
any European power the least authority or JUS
tifable pretext for adopting system of interna-
tional law applicable to these relations, which
form an exception to those established between
civilized States, and attempt to impose it on
those against whom it will operate so exclusive
ly and injuriously. None of the European pow
ers stand in the predicament of the States on
this continent, with the exception of Russia.
They have no tribes of rowing savages,. neither
knowing or recognizing the authority Of any
laws, municipal, or international, within their
limits or on their borders, and cannot, therefore,
be permitted to decide for those who have a
right to Judge what policy is proper or neces
sary to self.defence. 1t is not, therefore, for
England, or any other European power, to die
tate laws for our government in situation in
which they do not partake, and Of which they
are not competent judges. None Of them have
a right to interfere between savage tribes and
civilized States, on this continent, and by taking
the former under their "protecton," sustain an
Imperium in Imperio of savages, who pay no re-
spect to local or international law, in the idst
d people recognizing both. Such policy. If
acquiesced in by the States of the new world
would b equally fatal to their peace, their pros
perity, and their Independence This is the great
question involved in the protectorate of the
Musquitos, and in my opinion the utter neglect
for i ,Itb 4
to bring it to an issue, is only one among many
indications Of its subserviency to British infln
ence and British philanthropy. The late out
rage on the Prometheus, settles the question as
the United States and England, and distinctly
proves, that England has not abandoned the
protectorate Of tn puissant King of the Mus
quitos There is, therefore, no pretext for furth
er diplomatic manouvering, or splitting hairs in
The construction of langua e, which is as clea,
AS day to the comprehension of common sense
1t is time that the United States should under
stand distinctly whether England means to re.
tain position which will not only enable he
to levy tribute on all the commerce in the
United States, that may pass through the con
iempated ship canal, connecting the Atlantic ard
Pacific, in the name of his Mosquito majesty
who nominally reigns over some five hundred
or thousand yagabonds, half Indian, halfne
gro, the mere tools and cats. paws of my Lord
Pamerston, and the first protegees of his new
code of international law.
he MT tar and ind .1fl
the present administration in regard to this by |
tar the most important of all our foreign rela- |
ions, conceive can only be accounted for in
two Mays: Either they have been so complete.
ly occupied in attending cattle shows and rail
road celebrations, and making eectioneerine
speeches, to have no leisure to attend to such
triles; or they have, as ! previously surmised-
become converts to the new doctrine of univer-
sal philanthropy, patronised by England, and
enforced by the disciples of the " higher law, )"
under her express delegation.
But this important Object of obtaining the
entire control of the Isthmus, is onlypart of the
great scheme Of policy masked under the veil Of
negro and Indian philanthropy. She has long
been aiming at the right Of indiscriminate search
on the high seas, and would probably have &C
quired it from all other nations except the United
States, but for the we'll known letter of Mr.
LEWIS CAss, our Minister to France, which pre-.
vented the French government from ceeding to
that great combination brought about by British
influence and intrigue, and for which that gen.
tlptnan ia anii1iad 10 Tia ofl
his country. Yet, notwithstanding this disap-
pointment, England has made great advances in
the acquisition of this right of search, which, so
long as she maintains her present naval ascen-
dancy, will make her virtually mistress of the
commerce Of the world, by enabling her to board
and arrest any vessel, under any fag-under any
pretence whatever. II was the exercise and
| abuse of this power which occasioned the last
war; for il should be rccollected that the policy
Of Mr.. JEFFERSON and Mr.. MADrsor, which has
been so much ridiculed, actually did produce
revocation Of the British order in council though
the news arrived after the declaration Of war
and that this would have undoubtedly put stop
to il but for this very pretension to the ght OF
search.
Yet, England has not lost, and never will lose
sight of this object She attained it in some
measure when she wrought upon the powers Of
Europe, and last of all, the United States, To-
declare the slave trade piracy which at once
placed every people suspected Of being engaged
in it, out of the pale Of the protection of inter
national law. Next, she inveigled our Minister
into treaty, surrendering the right uncondition
ally, in fact and at this moment she, in con
junction with France, is claimir TO exercise Obi.
right over American vessels, under pretence OF
arre>ting the invasion Of Cuba, and under the
-anction Of the Presidents proclamation, declar.
ing all concerned in il pirates and outlaws. The
President, it is true, has sgnfed, through The
acting Secretary Of State, that he is not pleased
with thia al 10 ayg;.t a.. Halted