The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-06-28
The Fzench Aresa on Gen Pierce's Dsploma-
&c Appolntments.


The Paris Constitutional devotes special
article to the consideration of Gen. Pierce's
diplomatic appointments and particularly those
of Major Boriand and Mr.. Soule, the one the
g eneral Minister to the States of Central Anne
RIGA, and the other our Envoy Extraordinary
and Minister Plenipotentiary to Spain. And a
translation of this article will he found in our
columns to-day.
The Constitutional quotes certain passages
from an editorial of the New YORK HERALD
referringto the puglistic proclivities and inn
pulsive character Of Major Borland and argues
therefron that it was nomination not fit to
be made;" that Major Borland's unqualified an
tipathy to British aggressions, assumptions, and
Vaccinations in Central America. is also NAL
opropos. because it were better rather to con-
ciliate the British officials in those States, than
to provoke their displeasure. But it does not ne
cessarily follow from Major Borland's sweeping
construction Of the Monroe doctrine, that his
the British Government, or as warning to its
authorized agents in Central America to clear
out or prepare for battle.
We undertake. to reiterate, however, that in
this appointment the President consulted the
popular sentiment of the United States which
the domestic affairs of Central America as Ma
jor Borland himself; and to the fact that he was.
perhaps, as widely known as any other man in
the Union, to be an uncompromising believer
in the Monroe doctrine. he is no doubt indebted
for this particular and delicate mission. 1t
is believed too in this country that the States
of Central America concur in this doctrine, and
that they have expected an ambassador from
our new cabinet who would come among them,
officially representing our government, as the
avowed advocate ofther absolute independence
In this character Major Borland goes out; and
our belief. that his appointment is. by the people
of the United States, regarded as an assurance
that the trucking neutrality policy ofthe late ad
miDistration is now superseded by policy more
consistent with our duties of guardianship over
the national rights Of our republican neghbors
OF course. considering alike our duties towards
the Central American States and our poll
teal and commercial interests in that quarter of
our continent; and considering the industrious
and INSCRIPTIONS means which for some years
past have been employed by Great Britain to
get the ascendency there, and the control
eventually of the maritime stations and transit
routes from ocean to ocean of Central Ameri-
Ca, on both sides. we say that it was impossible
in the appointment of this minister, to consult
The pleasure Of England or of any other Euro
Rean government.
But still the appointment Of Major Borland
is net necessarily an act of warlike defiance
Inlpulsive and belligerent as, in propria per-
soma, he may lie, he will be fully charged with
the instructions Of the President, whose declared
policy is not to despoil the powers of Europe in
America of their established rights; but while
conceding them, it may be nevertheless his
purpose to reverse all unlawful foreign nsurpa-
tions and aggressions in Central America, and
to maintain there a republican balance Of
power, by protecting the legitimate independ-
ence of the confederation. in the aggregate and
in detail.
The interests Of England and even of France,
as the empire, may conflict with this republican
American policy; and hence, perhaps the true
secret ofthe objections of the Paris journal to the
appointment OF Major Borland. In his case.
great international and continental issues have
outweighed the trifing personal peccadilloes
and political heresies of q domestic nature with
which he stands indicted, and are merged in
the Monroe doctrine with which he is as noto-
riously identified. We have no fear of his
coming to blows with John Bnll in Central
America without due authority and sufficient
provocation. This assurance. we should think,
ought to be satisfactory to our Partisan cotem-
poraries, one and all. The occasion is not
agreeable which calls upon us to combat the
idea that possibly France, our ancient ally
may be inclined to take sides against us in the
settlement Of our American difficulties. Yet
this idea is strongly suggested from the whole
bearing Of the article under review.
The objections Of the Constitutional to Mr..
Soule are not essential again to answer at this
time. PROFESSIONALLY. the government Of
Spain has the right to receive him or to refuse
him but we think that as his rejcc-
ton might render our relations with Queen
Isabella difficult of peaceful adjustment, he
viii be received, and with that courtesy
and confidence to which our good faith with
Spain Is entitled. We are somewhat surprised
however tLat the intelligent editor Of the Con-
stitufionnel should set down Mr.. Soule as
native Of our Southern States. He was born
at Castillon. in the Pyrenees, during the first
consulate Of Napoleon. AT the age Of seven
teen, for his participation in conspiracy
against the Bourbons, he was sent to st. Pc
luzie. whence, however, he soon made his es-
cape. ard after many adventures he arrived in
The United States in 1925, via ST. Domingo
lie established himself in New Orleans. studied
tn English language, and set up the practice
Of tie law, which til hs election to TIC United
States Senate IN 1917, Lie pursued with The most
distinguished success. lie has been taken from