The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-07-19

ofthe message, it does not expect to stand at all
IDASIEL WEBsTER's Letter 10 the Union Meeting
at IVestchester.
Right OF Way across the Isthmus or Tehu-
antepec.
The interest taken by the people of New
Orleans in the prosecution of this important
work stimulates them into dissatisfaction with
the Government without due consideration, per
haps, of the difficulties which surround the
subject.
The grant Of certain privileges by the gov
eminent of Mexico had been transferred to
American citizens. These privileges have been
Unexpectedly revoked. Rumor stands ready, as
usual to attribute to foreign interference an act
of alleged perfidy on the part of the Mexican
government.
The Administration is likewise blamed be-
cause our Minister to Mexico has been detained
at home by ill-heal,h. Upon this important
subject we should suppose that the position of
the National Administration may be easily
stated
The Government of the United States could
not become party to the interests, nor be
stimulated by the discomfort, of any parties en-
gagged in mere private enterprise. 1t will not
depart in its transactions with a feeble and dis
tracted government from those principles which
would govern its relations with the most power
full nations of the earth. But al the same time
its duty is equally clear to protect against any
injustice the rights of American citizens, and to
make any improper interference with those
rights, on the part of a foreign power, the sub
iect of immediate and resolute remonstrance
The Administration cannot be Justly re-
preached with ignorance of, or indifference to,
the interest of its citizens. To execute the laws
at home in spirit of equal and inflexible JUS
tice, and to maintain with propriety and firm
ness the American character amongst the ma
tions of the earth, has been thus far the purpose
of the present Administration. Nor is the Go
vernment Indifferent TO the importance Of Sc
curing connexions across the Central Isthmus
They are obviously important to establish con-
venient intercourse between the Atlantic and
Pacific systems of rates. They are likewise
of incalculable Importance in determining the
great problem of competition amongst the COM
point Of view, a national object. Nor is it to be
presumed that the Administration has been in
different to the success of the various projects
of connection, or that it would fail to promote,
by proper exercise of its influence or author
ity, an object so important. 1t will evince nei-
ther partiality to, nor disregard of, any of
the enterprises. Its patronage and protection
is alike due-to them all as adventures in which
the nation is deeply interested.
That the absence of Mr.. LETcHER has been
occasioned by severe and protracted indispo
sltion there can be no doubt, but we have no evil
dence that the interests of the nation or of in
dividuals have suffered from that cause The
treaty pending between the United States and
Mexico IN regard TO Tehuantepec did not reach
the city in time e -eceive the action of Con
gress before It's adjournment. 1t is not expected
TO be acted upon by that government earlier
than January next
No injury having resulted thus far from the
illness and absence of Mr.. LETcHER, the Ad-
ministration has naturally preferred to await
some crisis in the negotiations which would
render the presence of minister at the city of
Mexico imperatively necessary.
1t preferred, of course, awaiting itself of the
knowledge which Mr.. LETcHER possessed Of
the preliminary and present condition of the
treaty, of the influence which he has estab-
lished with the government and people of
Mexico.
The Government is naturally unwilling to
lose the valuable services which he may rem,
der, or to deprive Mr.. LEToHER of the credit
Of bringing TO a prosperous termination a treaty
thus far conducted so favorably.
II is not to be expected, however, that the in
frmties of public agent can arrest public bust
ness. We are authorized, in this connexion
TO correct the report that Mr. LETcHER will
not return to Mexico. The state of his health
will not in any manner interfere with the eff
cient performance of the public duties. There
is no danger that either the public service or
private rights will suffer for want of adequate
representation in Mexico
We trust, therefore, that our fellow citizens
Of New Orleans will await with calmness the
regular and systematic action of the Govern
ment upon the delicate and important questions
at issue. II will be found that the Admins
tration has been neither derelct to its high ma
tional obligations, nor forgetful of the domestic
rights involved. These duties it is alike it
province and its pleasure to perform.
Hon. JoHr McKEor has returned 20 New Yorl