The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1856-01-09

i NS'NA- hA " Wy '1AiSH AN-HS "HOt
State of Honduras, and that Of the 3I>ayl
Islands, appertaining of right to the same
State, are as distinctly colonial Governments
as those of jamaica or Canada, and therefore
contrary to the very letter as wei! as the spirit
of the convention with the United States, as il
was at the time of ratification, and now is, ur-
by this government. fE
The Interpretation which the British govern
mcnt, thus in assertion and act. persists in as
cribing to the convention, entirely changes its
character. While it holds us to all obligations
it in a great measure releases Great Britain
from those, which constituted the considcra-
ton of this government for entering into the
convention. 1t is impossible, in my Judge
nrent, for the United States to acquicsce in
such a construction of the respective relations
of the two governments to Central America.
To a renewed call by this government upon
Great Britain, to abide by, and carry into ef-
feet, the stipulations Of the convention accord
ing to its obvious import, by withdrawingfrom
the possession or colonization OF portions of
the Central American States Of Honduras,
of Nicaragua, and Costa RIGA. the British
Government has at length replied, affirming
that the operation of the treaty is prospective
only, and did not require Great Britain to
abandon or contract any possessions held by
her in Central America at tue date of its con-
clusion.
This reply substitutes a partial issue, in the
place Of the general one presented hy the
United States. IheiNritislt government pas
seq over the question OF the rights OF Great
Britain, real or supposed, in Central America,
and assumes that she had such rights at the
date of the treaty, and that those rights cou-
pretended the protectorship Of the Musqiuto
Indians, the extended jurisdiction and limits
of the Balize, and the colony of the Bay
Islands, and thereupon proceeds by impiica-
tian to infer, that if the stirulations Of the
treaty be merely f~uture,in effect, Great Britain
may still continue to hold the contested por-
tons Of Central America. The United States
cannot admit either the Inference or the prem
Uses. We steadily deny, that, at the date of
the treaty, Great Britain had any possessions
there, other than the limited and peculiar es-
tablishment at the Balize, and maintain, that
if she had any, they were surrendered by the
convention.
The Government, Recognizing the soblica-
tions of the treaty, has of course desired to
see it executed in good faith by both parties
and in the discussion, therefore, has net look
ed to rights, which we might assert, independ-
entity Of the treaty in consideration Of our
| geographical position and Of other circum-
stances, which create for us relations to the
Central American States, different fro1n those
of any government of Europe.
The British Government. in its last commu-
ncetion, although we'll knowing the views oil
the United States, still declares that it sees
no reason why a conciliatory spirit may no
enable the two governments TO overcome al
obstacles to a satisfactory adjustment Of the
subject.
Assured of the correctness of the construo.
ton of the treaty constantly adhered to hy
this government, and resolved to insist on The
rights of the United States, yet. actuated also
by the same desire, which is ayowed BY the
British government, to remove all causes o
serious misunderstanding between the two ma
tons associated by SO many ties of interes
and kindred, it has appeared to me proper NO
to consider an amicable solution Of tho con.
/. troversy hopeless.
Ibere Is, however, reason to nnprehcnd
that with Great Britain in the actual occupa
ton of the disputed territories, and the treat,
| therefore practically null, go far as regard
our rights, this international difficulty canao
long remain, undetermined. witheut i~nYolvin:
in serious danger the friendly relations, which
it is the interest as we'll as The dUty OF boil
countries to cherish and preserve. It vii
afford me sincere qualification, if future effort
shall result in the success anticipated hereto
r fore with more confidence than the aspect 0
8 the case permits me now to entertain. =
\ RECRUITMENT.
e One other subject of discussion betweel
t the United States and Great Britain, ha
: grown out of the attempt which the exigen
cies of the war in which she is engaged wit,
= Russia induced her to make, to draw recruit
: from the United States.
o 1t is the traditional and settled policy G
!. the United States to maintain impartial neu
trality during the wars, which from time t
time occur among the great powers of tn
world. Performing ali the duties of neutral
8 ity toward the respective beligorant states, W
may reasonably expect them not to interior
Q with our lawful enjoyment of its benefits
e Notwithstanding the existence of such hostil
n tiles, our citizens retain the individual righ
a to continue all their accustomed pursuits b
It land or by sea, at home or abroad, subiec
only to such restrictions in this relation, q
the laws of war, the usages of nations, c
special treaties, may impose, and it is on
h sovereign right that our territory and iuri'
n diction shall not be invaded by either of til
beligerant parties, for the transmit Of the
IF armies, the operations of fleets, the levy
troops for service, the fitting out of cru
sers by or against either, or any other act
ID incident of war. And these undeniable right
ID of neutrality, individual or national, the I'm
IF ted States will under no circumstances surrer
;e der.
Tn nurauopoa Of tbis noIiov tho 1owc