New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1853-04-01
THB TROUBLES AT SAN JUAN.

TACT next winter.
THR TROUBLES AT SAN JUAN.
The ink is scarcely d ~ with which we re-
corded the rather violent diplomacy Of Brit
sh war steamer on the Coast of Honduras, and
now we have to chronicle similar act done
under the authority of our own Government.
To say all in word, the American slOOp-ofwsr
Cyane has taken forcible possession of the town
of San Juan de Nicaragua, arrestins the action
of the regular authorities of the place, and an
nulling the decisions of the magistrates in con-
sequence of which the entire City Government
have felt themselves constrained TO resign their
Offices, leaving the commander of the ship alone
to exercise authority and preserve order, so far
as he can At the same time, however, Com
mttee of Vigilance and Public Safety has been
organized by the citizens, and such justice as
our naval forces do not execute or interfere
with will probably be administered by this body,
according to the Lynch code
The Cyane was sent TO San Juan by the late
Administration, on the representations Of the
Accessory Transit Company that their prop
erty and rights were in danger of violation at
the hands Of the City Government. differ
ence had grown up between the Company and
the Government. Its nature is succinctly
stated by our correspondent; others may state
it otherwise, but it is certain that the Com
pany had long since succeeded in rendering
itself exceedingly unpopular at San Juan. 1t
was disliked, its agent was disiked and its
whole management was disliked. This we be-
lieve is the case not only at that port but
through the interior In addition to other
causes of ofense, the Company had moved
their depot away from the city up the bay, on
land leased of the Mosquito King, which they
were bound by the lease to surrender when.
ever his agent at San Juan should require. 1t
seems, however, that the Company claimed to
hold the spot also by grant from Nicaragua,
made, however, when San Juan was in posses
sion Of the British as protectorste of the Mos
quito. They had erected buildings there and
were drawing away from the town the profitable
trade of the passengers 10 and from California.
In order 10 avert this commercial diversion
the authorities got the MOsquitian agent TO
call for the surrender Of the lease and the
abandonment of the spot, alleging that they
wanted it for powder magazine and other
purposes. The COmpany's agent refused to
comply, and would not accept the offer of
eratuitous deed of land elsewhere suitable
for its buildings. Hereupon it was determined
to eject him and remove the buildings. Two
of these, sheds oflittle value, were taken away
by the City, and notice given that the whole
must be cleared out within thirty days, or it
would be done on legal process. But on the
eve OF the execution Of this process, the Cyane
arrives, and, on the representations of clerk
Of the Company, without more ado lands q
corps Of marines and puts an end to the Courts
of San Juan and their writ, under protest of
the Mayor and Corporation, and to the great
dissatisfaction Of the citizens. The authorities
finding themselves under the control of mill
tary force at once resigned
What were the orders of Commander Hol-
Inns We have no means of knowing, but il is
probable that they were not precise, and
merely required him to act in the premises as
his Judgment should dictate How far his
course will be approved by the present Execu-
tive remains TO be seen. 1t certainly was de.
cided enough. None of the ancient Bucca-
neers of that coast could have excelled it in
sturdy prOmptness. The Transit Company
was engaged in controversy with the authori-
ties of the place. his duty was, first of all,
peaceably 10 settle il. Whatever the merits of
the dispute, it is an objectionable fault if he
didn not Try 10 mediate between the parties, aud
to settle the difficulty otherwise than by yio-
I lence. Nor does it yet appear that he made
any such efforts. However, let US wait for his
report and see what be has to say for himself
The Government of San Juan was legal one,
though not recognized either by Nicaragua or
the United States. Twas a respectable Gov.
eminent, chosen by the citizens 1t had conduct
ed the affairs ofthe place in creditable manner.
and had inspired such confidence in those who
had most narrowly watched its proceedings
that the British Cabinet not long since pro-
posed TO the American Executive to endow
San Juan with the rights and privileges ola
free and independent city. Under such cir.
eumstances, and in view Of the facts in this
case, it was certainly entitled to be treated
with great respect.
lit WIS about to exceed its rghtful author
ity in the execution Of legal process on il,
own territory grave and serious remoustrances