The daily union., 1856-01-31

The discussion going IN the Senate on the Cen
American question has especial reference to the letter
Of Lord John Russell Mr. Champion in January, 1853
which has just been communicated TO the Senate upon
call Of that body The construction placed in this letter
upon the Clayon-Buwer treaty is directly contradictory
OF that insisted by the British ministry The let
ter is as follows
LONDON JAN 10 1853.
SR In treating of the affairs of the Mosquito must In
the first place refer you despatch Of Lord Malmesbury
OF the 10th July, 1884, upon this subject
1t evident that since Great Britain first assumed the
protection and defence Of the Mosquito Indians the posi-
ton of all parties has changed:
st spain of exercising absolute sovereignty over
Central America, and prohibiting all
under her sway has entirely lost her dominion the
continent from Cape Horn 70 Florida.
I'd. The Mosquito indians, instead of governing their
tribe according 10 their CUSTOMS furnish and title
to Europeans and Americans who trade at Grey
town, and along the of Mosquito according the
usages of civilized nations.
3d. Britain of having interest in the de-
Mosquito Indians for the sake Of rescung part Of
the territory OF Central America from Spanish control
obtaining authority for her has other inter
in Mosquito than that which derived from honorable
regard for her old connexon with the Indian nation of Mos
quito.
Her Majesys government has for several years endeav-
ored suit her engagements the altered
Of the but every proposal that has been made with
this view had encountered nsuperabe obstacle The
contentious in Central America between Nicaragua Costa
Rca and Honduras the absence of any authority with
which any permanent agreement could be made unbound
ed jealousies of Great Britain and various other circum
stances have prevented settlement Of this vexatous qnes
ton. ### s.
In conformity with the opinions stated in Lord Malmes-
burys despatch of July 10th, to which have already
erred you have to state that the committee of govern
ment of Grey in fact the real power that exercises
authority that part Of Central America go her Maes
tys it would be matter of indifference wheth
that authority exercised in the of the King
Mosquito in the of Greyown itself; but it is de-
sabe that what apparent should be made to conform
far possible with what is real What is apparent u.s.
that the King OF Mosquito exercises sovereignty over Grey
town what real is that he had authority there what
ever, but that committee of Europeans and Americans
carry the government Of that port.
What her Majestys government, therefore would con-
slider good and final arrangement would be-
st That Greytown should free and independent port
connected with Mosquito by such relations of friendship and
I'd That decentralization advantages equivalent to those
laid down in the project Of convention Of the S0h Of April
1884, shall be assured to Mosquito in return for its withdrawal
from its present position in regard to Greytown.
3D. That Great Britain and the United States, without
Greytown should be ready to act in TO
defend the Independence Of the free port reyown
from whatever quarter IL might be attacked.
What is essential and of immediate Importance is that
the authorities Of Greytown should be ready assume
either unqualified Independence, with engagement 10
defend Mosquito, qualified independence owing allie
glance and support to Mosquito.
For this purpose person qualified treat should
proceed Greytown Whether a naval officer Of
her Majesty civil would be the filter person be
intrusted with this mission leave you to decide
II would be desirable II the government Of the United
in the place OF the unacceped project OF agreement of
April 1884, should be proposed and concluded and that
person similarly qualified should be by this govern
ment at this time and for the same object.
have only further TO say that the indemnity to Mos
quito might possibly not be made in money but in greater
security for certain fixed territory within which the free
port Of Greytown assisted by her Maestys sbps-owar
might manage to defend the Mosquito nation.
The governor general Of Canada and the authorities in
other her Maestys North American possessions have
made from time To time agreements somewhat similar.
The President of the United States has frequently made
conventions with Indians 10 the like effect
The pecuiarity OF this is that certain neighboriug
States deny altogether the independence Of Mosquito and
the Mosquito nation liable every day incursions
upon their territory. We make complete provision
against this danger Our policy to do all that honor and
humanity require in behalf Of the Mosquito nation but
intend adhere strictly to the treaty OF Washington
Of the 10th April 1850 and not 10 any sovereign
ty either direct or indirect in Central America
J. RUSSELL. |
Memorandum in Mr. EOeyeas hdnd0ritHg-Mr Champion
authorized TO communicate this 10 Congress In any
way thought proper.