The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-04-17

SAN JUAN u. NICARAGUA, March IL, 1854.
The British Claim 10 the Hfosgu,fo Sbors


The British Claim to the Mosquito Shore
You would be much sstonished were you to wit
nees the petty vexations that we Americans are
obliged to submit to, from those dressed in little
brief authority. We live in hopes Of good time
coming soon, and therefore grin and bear it now.
A brief account Of the British claim in this place
may not prove uninterestng. In my opinion, the
real point (now undiscosed) upon which Great Bri-
tain rests her claim to the possession Of this place,
il, tina. the lands and the power Of governing San
Juan and the adjacent country was granted to
British subjects, and who for the sake of protec-
ton, connive at the possession Of the British. The
first grant was said to have been made in 1888; the
document has date to it. II contains this strange
clause :--"I His heirs or successors shall have the
right to impose and receive contributions, taxes
and Duties" and was made by Robert Charles
Frederick, king Of the Mosquito nation and who
was induced to execute the same for the surprising
consideration Of one whole hogshcad of Jamaica
rum. subsequently, these grants were pretended
to have been annulled by George William Clarsnn,
the heir of Robert Charles Frederick, whs was then
cessionarcs have OBJ aimed said cessions from the
late king when he not sound in judg ment''--or,
in plain English, was drunk, &C., &C." therefore
it IS necessary and convenient for the security, ho
nor, and welfare Of this kingdom, that said ,sions
be annued and abolished" These claims Of terri
tory extends to the northward to Honduras and
inclusive Of this place. But, upon an examination
of the documents, can find no cession further than
Graca Dios. The next point is, that the Mos
quito nation owes British subjects large sums of
money, which they have failed to pay, and per sc,
we take possession Of the country, and assume,
generous act, the government, as the Mosquito
Kings deputy; there are many minor points which
the web OF british diplomacy has in this dis
pute, but the facts believe have stated: it also
should be borne in mind that the British govern
ment claim only the temporary possession of this
country, and have yet put forth no claim to the
claimed by the United States with the same amount
of proprety, that she should have possession Of tho
country from san Juan to Granada and Realeio, as
about the time of these grants to Messrs Shepard,
Haley, and Renwick, similar grant was made to
Il New Yorker to make a canal across the country,
and in consequence of the commercial troubles of
1897 the same was reinquished; that person is
putable title to a canal route the country.
These facts having become known at Washington,
trust the affairs of this place may be settled,
which will allow it to become n country of impor-
lance and wealth. 1t is strange fact, but never
theless true in regard to all the Central and South
American republics, that when they admit of the
protection of a foreign country, they degenerate
into mere colonies-but when they cast off all pro-
lection, and assume an independent action in their
own government, and act in accordance with the
true principles of liberty, they acquire that
stability and permanency which prove that their
enterprise is not a mere experiment; and, in the
accomplishment Of these grand results for Central
America the United States is no unmportant ally.
She should not, by tardy action, and Indifferent
movement. crush that she has the power to sustan
and day other, and trust soon, Hope to see
Central America take her place alongside of her
sister, the United States, the proudes, freest and
happiest country under Gods heaven. ).