Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-04-02

ference to Central America. In the month 80 Jsnnar
we received the information that a chance az Mn;sr
had taken place In England, and that new Government
had been formed under the Earl of Aberdeen ais Prm
Minister In fortnight or three weeks received sror
the British Minister here communication which shove
that ons OF the hrs objects to which the new Ministr
had directed Its attention, with the view of bringing
about some practical terms Of final adjustment wer
these difficulties in Central America will confess i
you Mr.. President that this communication, produce
an agreeable impression my mind 1t reminded m
of what took place eleven twelve years ag 0 when
found myself in London in another capacity as the repre-
satye of this Government You ecolect that at tina
time we still involved in the controversies abo tn
Northeastern boundary, the affair of the Caroline thu
arrest OF Mcleod and the seizure and detention of Anne
rcan vessels the coast of Africa These subjects hac
been discussed Of them for half a century anc
with other effect than to confirm each party in the
conviction that it had all the right on its own hide and
in fact to bring the two great Powers to the verge of
conflict Such the condition Of affairs at that time
In this state of things late night in December as
medtatng upon these matters in the best spirits
and feeling pretty heavy of responsibility as to
my position having been sent there to discuss al
these questions without word of instruction from tn
Government upon any one of them, | received note
from Lord Aberdeen appointing interview for the
day. the object OF which turned out to be to inform
that the Queens Government lately formed under Sir
Robert Peel, had come to the conclusion to make new
and it hoped successful attempt settle all mat
tiers in controversy between the countries and that
for this purpose it had determined send special Min
lister to the United States and had selected Lord Ash
burton for the mission the express ground that though
he would of look after the interests of his
country, he was the individual perhaps in the whole
British empire in position to undertake the duty who
would carry to the United States the kndest feelings and
the most friendly domestic and personal associations
confess that that communication, made in that AMIGA
BILE tone for the express object mentioned did, it were
lift somewhat heavy load from my mind | thought
at great distance the prospect Of adjustment
of all these embarrassing and dangerous questions-a
prospect which was happily realized in the course of
of oil Wash
ton Of the 9th of August, 1912.
1t may be comparing small things with great but
must say that it was with somewhat similar feeling Of
satisfaction that found that of the first of
Lord Aberdcen's Government was to make an
ture to us for the settlement of this formidable
but still by Rconsiderabe difficulty down in
Central America. The purpor of the communication
was, that the Government of her Britannia Majesty
disposed to agree to almost any thing reasonable 1t
was willing recognise it had recognised the independent
Government that was set up at San Juan With respect
to the proecorate, it desired nothing than be
wholly dsembarrassed from it. far as could without
entire sacrifice of the duties of charity and paternal
regard which owed to the broken fragments
the Indian tribes which for two hundred years had BEEN
to certain extent under its uelage 1t wished only
to get out Of it with honor and credit That was the
purport OF the communication 1t willing 20 there
with the United States and treat with the municipal
thores of San Juan, and willing that they should
continue to govern the territory, American citizens
though they 1t willing that they should con-
tnue in power under the of the Mosquito King
they might assume the absolute sovereignty and extend
just such protection the Indians their condition and
wants should require.
They invited 90 there with them to join them in
treating with the municipal authorities and the
could be completed then join, not in guaranteeing
the independence Of this little republcfor that it
was thought would not be deemed by advisable
stepbut to act in concert with them in preventing the
overurnng of the State by violence from abroad,
and in extending such friendly countenance to the poor
remnants of the Indians AS would prevent them from
perishing from the face Of the earth
must confess that thought this very reasonable
and satisfactory communication thought it held out
the prospect that something substantial would at length
be done. consequently made the suggestion the Pre-
sident to which have alluded which approved by
him and sanctioned by Congress- that in order to do
part toward bringing about this arrangement should
put diplomatic relations with those States upon the
most advantageous footing. win say, however, that
thought and still think, that instead Of recognising the
independence of this municipal organization, this
free city of San Juan(and it appears to it would be
like of the Hanse of Germany considering the
anteceden Of the question and the history of the whole
affair, il would be better 70 to Nicaragua the pro-
positions that made to her last April and give up San
Juan to her. and allow her to establish her sovereignty
the city feel it is true, that there win be
inconvenience in that course, if this town is grow
For, mind YOU sir, it viii be American town. Mr..
Boone writes that out of seventy vessels that arrived in
the six months he there sixty, if / recoect, were
American vessels yand if the canal is be constructed
this will be the eastern terminus Of the great route Of
interoceanic communication it will become in time great
the United States and do feel that there will be con-
siderable inconvenience, with this prospect in requiring
the little independent municipality which has
serted its inherent right to establish its government
to 20 back under the sovereignty Of Nicaragua. Still,
under the circumstances of the case should be in favor
if rested with me- Of giving Nicaragua that option and
trusting, have no doubt safely trusting to her good
to press the inhabitants of that city. believe
she would give them independent government and
allow them carry their affairs in their own way by
means Of municipal authorities of their election.
Now, sir how far this project will succeed depends very
much in the first instance upon the individual sent the
mission. look upon it very important mission.
Small those States are, really think that at this time
it is important who is sent by the United States to
Central America than who is sent to London, to Paris
st. Petersburg and must say without intending to
any language Of compliment, that place entire conf
dence in the President Of the United States that out Of
the able and distinguished Of his own party he will
select the right have doubt he will do it, and
have pleasure in saying The only diplomatic APP
pontments which have yet been made by him, that to
Switzerland and that to Peru sufficient pledges to
mind that he will have regard merit and qualifications
Those appointments in my opinion, do him the highest
honor they do the highest honor his political friends
upon this floor, who confirmed them without hesitation
and without division have doubt that lie will be
governed by the good in the appointment to
be made for this mission; and if the right can be
found and If he be induced to 90 down there to take
this work in hand and bring these protraced conrover
sizes to desirable conclusion, he will himself with
honor do not any point in the range OF our foreign
relations where much good is TO be done. And,
sir, allow me to say other word on this point 1t
to that this is the last chance have for set
ting affairs desirable and honorable footing. If this
fails do not myself any hope Of taking up the sub
ect in any other form with better prospect Of
five cannot settle all these matters and remove all
the difficulties that obstruct the execution Of the canal
as far depends upon political considerations do not