The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-07-18

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Liberal Tendencies.
Nv hate arrivals from Honduras we are or.s- |
bIed 70 lay before our readers synopsis o. the |
charter Of the Honduras Railway Company,
which received the sanction Of the constitu-
tional authorities Of that State, and wa pro-
claimed on the 2sth Of April last. This charter
is distinguished for it's hberaity and simplicity,
and in these respects can probably claim su-
periority over any which has yet been conceded
for similar purpose
One Of the marked features of this charter,
and which evinces the foresight Of the Honduras
government, is the encouragement that 1t holds
,ost to f reign emigration. For, although Hon
duras occupies favorable and commanding geo
graphical position, extending from sea to sea,
and having unsurpassed ports on both oceans,
as well as territory Of great and varied
riches, agricultural and mineral, yet her re-
sources and advantages have hitherto been very
imperfectly known to the world FIRST, in con-
sequence Of the narrow and exclusive colonial
policy Of Spain, and next from the unsettled
condition of Spanish America generally, since
the independence, which has had the effect Of
deterring foreign enterprise from taking that
direction, and Of embarrassing all local at
tempts towards developement.
These conditions, however, are now much
changed, and the general movement Of the peo-
pie of the United States in the direction Of the
Pacific, across the Central American Isthmus,
has not only infused new life in those regions,
but their resources and advantages have ar
rested the attention of enterprising and far-see-
ing foreigners. The prejndices with which they
regarded the natives, and the jealousy with
which the people Of those countries at first re-
garded them, have given way, if they have not
entirely disappeared, on better acquaintance.
And we now see general disposition to har
monte, if not fraternize, % means Of mutual
benefit, and as the general principle of common
interest. The people of Central America have
o vast, beautiful and rich country, but they
want scientific and mechanical intelligence, in
dustry, capital and enterprise-precisely what
the Americans possess-to develop its resources
and to make it productive to them and to the
world. 1t is after all, only pompous pow
erty to be the owner Of league on league of
lands, rich as the sun shines upon, if these
lands must lie idle and waste for want Of
means to cultivate them. Don Fulano may
have mines rich as those of Potos, and yet be
miserably poor, because there are no roads by
which machinery can be carried to work them,
and because there is not sufficient industry or
intelligence to apply the facilities which mo-
dern invention has supplied to their deveIope-
ment.
The charter which Honduras has recently con-
coded for railway through her territories is an
illustration of that new and better state of feeling
to which we have adverted. The government
Of that State, always distinguished for it's lbe-
raj tendencies, has, we repeat, shown wise
provision in this charter. 1t comprehends the
Importance Of calling in not only foreign en-
terprise, but what is of equal importance,
foreign labor. To this end it comedies a liberal
bounty to foreigners who will establish them
selves in the State. Artisans and laborers coming
out to work on the projected railway are not
only entitled to receive fifty acres of land if
single and seventy-f if married, but are cx-
empt from al taxation, or civil or military SER
vice for ten years, except with their own con-
sent. Meantime they are entitled to all the
rights and privileges Of native born citizens.
This is stretch Of liberality exceedingly
unpalatable to certain class of men in Central
America, who depend upon the general igno-
rance and poverty of the people for their 80
cial and political ascendency. This reactionary
and monarchical party or, as they are called
Services" profess to see in these concessions
the germs Of great future evils, and denounce
the government Of Honduras for having admit
ted "the Trojan horse" from whose sides viii
some day emerge host Of enemies, who will
he content with nothing short ofan entire exter-
mination OF their race and religion. 1t is diff
cult TO believe that such a narrow, ignorant,
and bigoted spirit should prevail at this day in
any part Of America. Yet we observe
in the official papers of Guatemala. in
significant conjunction with fulsome laudatious
OF Sana Anna and advocacy of Spanish protec-
torates, systematic attempt to excite the
passions and prejudces of the ignorant and
interruptions against the enlightened policy
adopted by Honduras. For a time, these de-
basing appeals had an effect, aud it appeared as
ii combination would be secured, sufficiently
strong TO break down the liberal government Of
Honduras The revolution in Nicaragua, how
ever, has dispclled any such apprehension. Tn,
reaetionary party in that State, with it's bgotry,
Intolerance, and exclusive policy, has been
signally overthrow. The actual government
is imbued with liberal principles, and will act
in strict accord with HondurasA and with San
Salvador. These States are really the only
ones which, from their geographical position
and other causes, have any great commercial
or political importance, or in the policy of