The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-04-01

ecutive business.
The Union has discovered that the press
and the country have greatly overrated Mr.
EvERETr's recent speech on the question o.
foreign policy; and in its yesterday issue sets
forth some of the grounds on which this con-
clusion is founded. Let us look briefly at the
objections, that we may ascertain the reliable
ness and title to credit or respect possessed by
the director.
Our contemporary objects, firstly, that Mr.
EVERETT is $50 solicitous to serve British
interests in Central America that he even
approves the Webster Champion projst Of
April, 1852" to the prejudice of Nicaragua
Now, the prcjet referred to is one which, in
many important particulars, would rebound to
the advantage of Nicaragua; while in Other
and comparatively small matters, it would
benefit Costa RIGA. In the former class Of
results is included the cession to Nicaragua Of
the much coveted port of San Juan, with full
sovereignty over nearly the whole,of the large
territory now covered by the Mosquito protec
torate. Mr.. EVERETT advocates the PROPOSE
ton as compromise, about equally fair to
Nicaragua and Costa Rica, tending to salts
factorily settle the complicated points now al
issue between them. That Mr.. EVERETT is
not Indifferent to- the interests of Nicaragua
nor bound hand and foot to the interests Of
Britain-as the Union alleges-may be safely
inferred from the fact that, during his brief
huth bril- Cd ;p;c Sc Al. n.
partment, he objected to later proposal made
by the British Minister; and objected in part
because the latter project is the less advantage
ous of the two to Nicaragua.
The Union objects, secondly, that "Mr.
EVERETT maintains that the United States
should not have sought an exclusive control
over the interoceanic canal through Central
America" In this regard Mr.. EVERETT
occupies exactly the position which was
assumed long ago by General JACKSON, and
subsequently, carried into effect by Mr. POLK
in the treaty with New Grenada, which, as
Mr.. CLAYTON has shown, received the support
of every Democratic Senator. General JACK
SON, Mr.. Polk. and Mr.. BUCHANAN, are on re-
cord in favor of the principle that the route be-
tween the two oceans should be thrown open
to all nations; two Of them at least are on re-
cord as emphatically repudiating the "exclu-
sive control' which Mr.. EVERETT opposes; and
we imagine, therefore, that the structures Of the
Union in this regard are not likely to pass cur
rent even amongst its Democratic readers.
The Union objects, thirdly and lastly, that
MIR. EVERETT "contends that Great Britain
has valid claim not only to the Balize, but
to the Bay Islands also!" Mr.. EVERETT
contends for nothing of the kind. He con-
tends, in truth, for position quite the oppo
site of that imputed to him. If our contempt
rary had taken the trouble to peruse the speech
which 1t ventures to criticise, il would have
found that Mr.. EVERETT distinctly declares
that "as TO the validity Of that clain"-to wit,
the claim Of Britain to the Bay Islands-he
had mot ,cord to say" He said further that
the organization of the Bay Islands colony was
"a very i'll advised STEP" and he expressed
belief that it will be retraced so soon as know
ledge of the facts shall be brought to the atten-
ton of the Home government.
We will only add friendly hope that before
our contemporary again attempts to depre-
clate the efforts of Wing statesman, it
will take time to consider, firstly, whether
its comments are not based upon false prem
lses, and therefore ridiculous; and, second
ly. whether its anxiety to exalt the DOUGLAS
order of politicians does not involve condem-
nation of bright and shining lights of the De-
nocratic party. If this consideration had been
beforehand, the Union would not
have perpetrated SO egregious piece of self
qualification as that which adorned its columns