Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-12-25
The British Outrage on the
PrometheuS,

The British Outrage on the
Prometheus.
The recent affair of the Prometheus, 10
which we have before alluded, in which the
Promeiheus, an American steamer was fired
into by the English brig of war Express, in
the harbor of Graytown, on the Nicaragua
coast, has aroused the public feeling, and it is
hoped, will incite our government 10 some
more definite action than it has yet had in re-
laton 10 the final and definite adjustment of the
vexed questions growing out of our Nicaragua
relations.
We have repeatedly had occasion to allude
to the mbecihiy which has characterised the
management of our foreign affairs since the
Clayton Cabinet came into power, which Sir
H. Bulwer laughed at with such derision and
declared to be the ,Ueakest Cabinet that has ever
yet been in power. This outrage on the Pro-
me,heus only demonstrates The entire inefi-
cheney, so far as our rights are concerned, of
the Bnlwer and Clayton treaty, which, we
were assured, settled completely the entire
troubles connected with this Nicaragua ques-
ton. .., -. ...-.. .........., d.. 90. ...
Our rights and interests in the Nicaragua
country, it will be recollected, grew ont of
ragua and some American citizens, for the pur-
pose of constructing a ship canal through the
territory of that State, 10 connect the Atlantic
and Pacific oceans. To secure this object, and
for the protection of onr citizens, treaty was
entered into with Nicaragua, by the then Sec
rotary of Stale, Mr.. Clayton, in which both
governments were pledged 10 protect those
who should engage in and perfect the work.
Measures to secure the completion of the en-
terprise, were speedily put in operation, and
in due season, the route, known as the Mica
ragua route, was opened. The river San Juan
forms part of the canal, and it was found nee
essary to make treaty with the English gov
eminent, which had set up pre.ensions to the
erclusire right to navigate the river, by virtue
of rights guaranteed to them by one of the ma
lions that they had invested with crown for
the purpose, and styled "the Mosquito King"
The Clayton and Bulwer treaty. before allud-
ed TO, it was commended, fully settled the mat
ter, and guaranteed TO our government the de-
sired privileges.
Before this treaty was negotiated, Gen.
Taylor thus alluded to the matter, in his annu-
al address to congress -" The territory
through which the canal may be opened, ought
to be freed from the claims of any foreign pow
er. No such power should occupy a position
that would enable it hereafter 10 exercise so
controlling an influence over the commerce of
the world or to obstruct a highway which
ought to be dedicated 10 the common uses of
mankind"
But it seems, by the Prometheus affair, that
the British government has not released its
silly pretensious, but intends 10 assert them
The particulars of this affair have beer lately
given TO the public by Capt. Churchill, com
handing the steamer at the time. When the
steamer was ready to leave (says Capt. CO. an
English posse came on board, declaring them
selves TO be the authorities of the city, and
constituted such by the Mosquito king This
force came to serve process of attachment on
the ship for the sum of 1923, which they
claimed as port dues. These port charges
were made up of right of anchorage in The har-
Dor and pilotage. Capt. Churchill, denying
the official authority of these selfstyled Brit
ish officials, declined paying the charges, hove
up anchor. and dropped down with the current
having baggage steamer alongside. In this
position he was thrice fired at by the English
brig of war Express, one shot passing over
the forecastle, and not clearing the wheelhouse
by more than ten feet, and the other passing
over the stern so close that the passengers felt
the motion of the air. Capt. C. thereupon
sent boat on board the Express to demand
the cause of the firing, and was told that it was
to Protect the officers of Graytown, and that
unless he came again TO anchor, the steamer
would be fired at with bomb and canister
The steamer went back, when an officer came
on board and ordered her fires to be4ut out
At this juncture Capt. Churchill paid the
claim for port dies, though under protest.
Now this proceeding is in direct conflict
with the provisions Of the treaty, and, it re-
mains to be seen whether the treaty has any
binding effect whatever. Fortunately for our
interests, Congress is in session, and contains
some spirits that win probe this matter to the
bottom, and if we are not much mistaken,
drive the proper powers to demand that re-
dress which our outraged rights demand. The
matter has received the attention Of the SEN
ate, according to tire following extract Of their
proceedings =
in the Senate on Friday. Dec. 10, the Pro-
neiheus resolution was taken mp. M. Cass
spoke a, some length upon the resolution,
and said that he could not determine the
precise point wbere'ihe outrage took place,
but he demanded searchipq Investigation
into the affiir. Much time Of the infancy of
tins republic was pissed in. securing their
fsgl.s upon the sea, and lie trusted that the
'nv,o'abili'y Of ON Aag you'd he maintained
nnd ie al circumstances, and in, all future
time. He hoped That when IN American
vessel should be boarded IL The time Of f,sace