Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1853-05-18

America.


America.
Ia studying the political history of the United
States, we are struck with the very little thought
and care with which our statesmen have been ac-
customed to regard the relations between this
country and the Independent nations ofthe Amer
lean continents We have been alive to the
slightest agitation in the political system of Eu-
rope. whilst have manifested the utmost uncon-
cern at the progress of revolution and the over
throw of dynasties among neighborng nations
Now, it is apparent to the thinking mind that this
policy is an antquated tradt ION, altogether out OF
place, and most unsophistical in the present con-
dition of things. When the States OF TINS con-
tnent were mere dependencies and provinces OF
Ea,ronean mowers. it was natural enough that our
concern about their interests should manifest it.
self at the courts of the mother country. But
since they have achieved their independence and
exercised the supreme control of their affairs, the
interest of our statesm en- and diplomists should
be directed to the action of their governments.
E It's manifest that the relations between gov
eminent and the Independent States of the con-
tinent are rapidly becoming of the first interest
and Importance. The expansion of territory IN
which the Mexican War resulted, and the conse-
auent extension of our commerce have brought
rs into contact and intimate connection with the
nations of South America. Commerce is rapid
" multiplying and strengthening these relations,
and at no remote day this country will be bound
to the States of South America and to the isles OF
the Pacific by the strongest ties Of individual and
national interest. 1t is time then, that the minds
cd 20 fhn etndv
and condition and tendencies of the independent
States of the American continent, and that their
relations with this country should be determined
BY some carefully matured system of policy
The States of Central and South America, with
scarcely an exception, have manifested an anxiety
to cultivate friendly relations with this govern
nent. The condition which they have indicated
awish to occupy in respect to the United States
in that of dependent allies. They solicit our SYM
pathy and aid in their revolutionary Struggles
They constructed their political institutions after
the fashion of our own. Having achieved their
independence, they invited an alliance with US on
terms which manifested disposition to regard
- the United States somewhat in the light of q
friendly protector of their liberties. We need
not attempt to explore the cause; but certain it is
that with feelings of jealousy and hostility. I'll
may be that they listen to the stories of Ameri-
can ambition and capacity, end that they shrink
from what they regard as an embrace, notof gen
erous friendship but of lustful desire. 1t is pos
sible that they regard every step in American
progress as SO many successive enroachments,
and that they only deprecate what seems to them
to be approaches of powerful enemy This
NAV be the secret of that exclusive and jealous
spirit which has recently controlled the policy of
some of the South American States. This feel
ing of apprehension, in conjunction with the sym
pathy of race and the traditions Of fatherand, has
led to the cultivation of the most intimate rela-
tions between the States of South America and
the governments of Europe, and it is not impos-
ssible that Europesn diplomacy might SO PLY upon
these feelings as to supersede American influence
on the American continent The United States
counteract this tendency by friendly and mag
unanimous policy. Ifit be understood that they
have no selfish ends to accomplish-that there is
no antagonism of interest between them and the
States Of South Amerca-that they mean to re-
spect the rights and the nationality of their sister
republcs-the United States would have moth
ing to apprehend either.from South American jeal-
ousy OF European influence. By such policy
they would secure to themselves the most valu-
able commercial advantages, at the same time
that they would establish an ascendant political
influence on the continent.
There as much in the past history and i'll the
present condition of the South American States
that appeals to the sympathy and magnanimity of
this country. It was our good fortune to estab-
Ish the prosperity Of our country upon firm and
and ornament basis. Under less suspicious in
fluences, and embarrassed by peculiar defects of
national character, the people of South America
have been less successful in their attempts to rec
oncile civil liberty with social order. Their ex-
periments in self-goyernment have too often re-
suited in revolution and anarchy. Shall this re-
public, at the height of national power and glory,
and with SO brilliant destiny before it. embarrass
the struggling republics of South America with
apprehensions of its ambition or rapacity! Or
shall it rather respect their weakness, and sup
port their tottering steps by its giant arm! Shall
its protection, to respect its honor! Shall it ce-
ment with them a cordial alliance, and detach
them from their European connexion!-or shall
it1offend and repulse them by policy which ex-
cites distrust and vague fears of absorption! It
is doubtless the determination of this government
to pursue the policy of justice and peace-to cul-
tiyate the friendship Of neighborjng States with
assiduous care, and to bind them to this country
in the strong embrace of a political as well asa