The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-03-25

Important Movement N Central America.
The American citizens at San Juan, Nicara
qua, held meeting on the 28th of February
last, in pursuance Of the following notice
aPUBLIc MEETIHc.-A meeting of the cti
zens of San Juan de Nicaragua, will be held
the American Hotel this evening, at o'clock
for the purpose of discussing the propricty O
applying to the government of Nicaragua fol
certain corporate privileges.
BY request of Many Citizens.
SATURDAY, February 70, 1852"
The meeting was called to order by Mr.. Ben.
iamin Mooney, who nominated Mr.. VIM. Ii. De-
forest as chairman Of the meeting. On the mo.
ton being put to the meeting it WAS carried
unanimously, and Mr.. Deforest acc 0rdingly took
the chair MIR. Benjamin Mooney was then
elected vice. president, and Mr. VIM. II. Quincy
and DR.. II. w. Mackay, secretaries, and Mr.. J.
V. Pevis, interpreter.
The meeting being organized, the chairman
briefly explained the objects of the meeting to
be to endeavor to obtain government for this
town that would be satisfactory to its citizens
and afford that protection to person and property
to which all are alike entitled, and called on the
citizens assembled to come forward and give
their views and sentiments on the subject, that
all may know the grievances we labor under, and
what rights and privileges we desire to obtain.
Mr. w. p. Kirkland then, in an able and
lengthy speech, stated his views; he objected to
the present government OF this town, and urged
the necessity of obtaining more stable, perma
nent and Just and legal government, and con-
tended that it was the duty and interest of the
citizens of San Juan, to appeal to the rightful
owner of the territory, viz the State of Nicara-
gua requesting from her charter of incorpora-
ton, giving and granting to them such privileges,
| land and power, as may enable them to establish
government Of law and order satisfactory to
the citizens of San Juan, and protecting the per-
SONS and properties of all within its jurisdiction.
Mr. Kirkland contended that the present So
called authorities of this town was temporary
government, that they themselves were in doubt
and uncertainty who and what they were, and
how to act that they derive their power and au-
thority from the King of Mosquito, an ndvidu-
al recognized and proteced by England, but hav-
ing no existence or authority accorded or ac-
knowledged by other nations, and whose claim
over this territory, and existence as king, was
even now a matter Of negotiation between the
governments of the United States and Eng
land While these matters are in doubt and
uncertainty, we find ourselves without gov.
eminent and without protection alike in our per-
sons and our property, and it is our duty and
our interests to 60 to headquarters, the rightful
owners of the SOIL the State Of Nicaragua, and
request from her charter of incorporation, so
that we can form government in which our
persons and our property will be protected.
Mr. Kirkand's views and remarks were coin
cided in by the meeting with reclamation, and
he retired with great applause.
The following resolution was then moved
and seconded:
Resolved That the chairman appoint COM
mittee of three persons to draft resolutions ex-
pressing the views and sentiments of this meet
ing, and report such resolutions to the meet
ing.
The resolution was adopted, and the chair ap
pointed Mr.. Geston, William P. Kirkland and
Charles Wendal, as such committee.
During the recess occasioned by the retiring
of the committee to draft resolutions, Mr.. }. V.
Pevis addressed the meeting in Spanish, calling
on all to express their views and sentiments full
ly and freely, and vote according to their knowl-
edge and judgment, yea or nay TO the resolutions
which would be presented.
Resolred, That, whereas, we, the citizens Of
San Juan de Nicaragua being DESTROYS 20 Sc
cure for ourselves the liberty and protection of
our persons and our interests, to which we are
entitled, and desiring governmental which we
shall be represented, and by which our persons
and property will be protected, aud feeling that
action on our part is called for to obtain those
privileges which we do not now possess, we do
therefore resolve to appoint and delegate such
citizens as we have confidence in, to proceed to
the capital of the State of Nicaragua, to treat
and negotiate with the government of said State
for charter Of incorporation, giving and grant
ing to US such power and privileges MS may ena
BILE us to establish government, and elect such
officers as may rightfully and properly admins
ter such laws and ordinances as may by us be
enacted.
Resolued, That the chairman appoint fifteen
delegates to proceed to the capital of Nicaragua
for the purpose of obtaining from that govern
ment'a charter empowering the citizens of San
Juan to establish free port, territorial and To-
cal government.
Resolued, That such delegation pay strict at
tention in procuring proper guarantee and
protection from that government for all property
| for which proper consideration has been paid.
| Resolued, That should any of the delegates
appointed by the chair decline acting, that the
remaining delegates have full power to act in
the premises and call such persons to their aid as
they may deem expedient.
The resolutions on being put to the meeting
we're carried unanimously.
The resolutions were translated and read in
Spanish to the meeting by Mr.. Pevis, and were
unanimously adopted. On motion,
Resolved That Mr.. w. Fl. Deforest be the
chairman of the delegation to the government of
Nicaragua.
| Resolution adopted
The chairman then appointed the following
named gentlemen as the delegates to the Near.
aqua government, to carry out the object of the
meeting: Mr.. Benjamin Mooney, Francisco AL
varado, r. Gelston, Juan Misnin, w. b. Quincy,
R. w. Mackay, Mr.. EIvino, A. Sigand, W. P.
| Kirkland, Don Mancho, ]. V. Pevs, Ramon Ri
vas, w. +. upbam, Chas Wendal.
! These names, with w. II. Deforest as chair
man, were then submitted to the meeting and
unanimously approved of. On motion,
Resolped, That MIR. John T. Doyle and Mr..
John Jeff'ries be added to the delegation.
Motion adopted. On motion,
| RSsolred, That the thanks of this meeting be
returned to Capt. Banker for his offer of steam
boat to convey the delegation to Granada.
Motion adopted. On Otion,
Jolo ,p;n af NJ