The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-11-15

tween Mr.. Calderon and Mr.. Webster, Of the most
momentous import They involve only question
of international etiquette, to be sure, but yet,
question which comprehends the ultimatum of
peace or war. OF the facts which have transpired
between Mr. Calderon and Mr.. Webster in the
progress of their present controversy, we have been
promptly advised by our ewn correspondents But
the articles from our contemporary assume to en-
tighten the public upon the policy of the admins
tration in the premises; and, when consider that
Mr. March has been officially recognized speak
ing by Mr.. Websters authority, we feel at liberty
to give these extracts from his New York organ
the importance of an authorized exposition.
II would be waste Of labor to review and re-
discuss the international obligations respectively
attaching to Spain and the United States, frsm the
lamentable events resulting from the late disas-
trous invasion Of Cuba. They sufficiently well
understood for all practical purposes The attitude
assumed by Mr.. Webster, upon the point of ETH
quette, at which negotiations appear to have come
to dead halt is the material point at issue 1t is
this position taken by the Secretary of State, and
the objects, designs, and tremendous consequences
involved in it, which demand our special attention,
and will challenge the attention Of our readers
throughout the country, and throughout the civil
lized world.
We find in these semi-oficial bulletins of the
Courier, bold and rather startling defence of Mr..
Webster refusal to grant the salute to the Spanish
Consul on his return to New Orleans, as demanded
by Spain. The revepgeful proceedings Of the popu-
lace at New Orleans, receipt of the news Of the
of the fftytwo Americans at Havana,
explained and palliated-the victims OF that
execution, and their motives and conduct, are de-
fended-their character is vindicated, and their
right to trial uader the treaty Of l79) is boldly
declared The specific article of the treaty appi-
cable to their case is given rrbdti, and IL is un
hesitstingly avowed that the proofs are officially
established of the mutilaticn of the remains of
some of the prisoners after their execution. Such
a reeapitulation Of grievances, upon the Ameri-
can side Of the question, by recognized organ
of the Secretary of State, is significant, im-
pressive, momentous and startling II could hardly
be intended to intimdate the Spanish Minister int
unauthorized concessions. Mr. Webster would
hardly consent to appropriate the influence of the
press in this way, TO aid him in his negotiations
upon point ofinternational etiquette. IL is more
rational and consistent to that be has taken
his Iostion-shat he has recited the provocations
justify ii, and that be is appealing irsm the tech
ncalities of diplomacy to stubborn facts the popu-
lar feeling, and the support of the people of the
United States in view of the possible continge
of rupture and appeal to arms-in fact, war
between the United States and Spain.
Mr. Webster is candidate for the Presidency
According to the latest reports from Washington,
he is the administration csnddate-President Fill
more having generously consented not to stand in
his way. But the late elections, from Maine to
Texas and from New York to California, have
been Overwhelmingly against the administration
and the whig party. Nothing is more clearly fore
Swallowed from the results, than the complete ami
hilatian Of the administration and its supporters
in 1852, unless some boil, dashing, and desperate
expedient il adopted upon which to recover their
lost ground. The compromise measures will not
avail. The opposition occupy the same platform.
The country, the people. the age, progressive.
The cabinet must look forward not backward, for
nothing but n bold, emphatic and progressive
stroke Of policy will save them. The example
| Of the anne ration Of Texas-the splendid, the
inconceivably splendid results Of the war with
| Mexice-suggest the popular course Of action
too distinctly to be 10 sunderstood The Havana
| executions however justified by the Presidents
proclamstion-the decrepid, and dismantled, and
unsafe coalition Of Mexico-the aggressons of
British emissaries in Central America, open . wide
field for the application Of General Jacksons me-
thod Of taking the responsibility" In this view,
and only in this view, satisfactorily account
for the warlike position Of Mr.. Webster. Mr..
Calderon submits his ultinnatum from Spain, requir
! ing inadmissible concession Mr.. Webster
Eases t-takes his pos tion az anst it; and in anti
cipaton Of the Wilma ratio regun-the appeal to the
sword for the solution of the question-he thro VS.
himself before the country. Aud he is right, if he
| feels that, notwithstanding q mere question Of
etiquette may lead to war, the honor Of the
country will be maintained its glory extended, and
| his own popularity imme asurably enhanced.
But, again. Not only would popular opinion sustain
the govern ment, In an issue Of war with Spain
not only do the American people contemplate such
a possible alternative without alarm--but the
/ public jssousy, lest some humiliatipg concession
sbosld be made for the sake Of peace, is as much
! 10 be dreaded by the cabinet, and more, than all
the consequences Of war, upon any grounds Of
Justification whatsoever Hence, it may be regarded
10 vain and empty gasconading to declare
that, upon the point Of etiquette between Mr.
Calderon ard Mr.. Webster, the alternative Of
war is more imminently hazarded than either Of
the parties perhaps, are prepared to believe. Let
these negotiations, upon this diplomatic punctIlio,
be protrscted till the meeting of Congress, and let
| the arbtrament Of the question be involved in the
| concurrent jurisdiction Of the Seuate and the
action Of the House-ra iicaly democraticss they
sre-abd the prospects of rupture, involving the
civilized world 10 srns, will become sufficiently
tangible to copfound the most increduloas. And
there seems be good for apprehending that
these negotiations will not be settled before toe
re-asssmbiing Of Congress. The administration
undoubtedly would be highly grstided to report
he return Of the Americsn prisoners from SPAN,
in the annual message to the two houses. But
| upon point Of h ,nor, or point Of etiIuette, it
may be the safest policy for MIR. Webster Is with
hold any questionable concession for the advice
ard consent Of the Senate. And We repeat that, IT
these spanish difficulties thrown into Congress
I short Of some adiustnent the punctilio bet Heen