Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1856-01-10

The interpretation which the British govern.
ment, thus in assertion and act, persists in as
cibing TO the convention, entirely changes
its character. While il holds US to all our OBJ
legations, il in great measure releases Great
Britain from those, which constituted the con-
sideratlon Of this government Tor entering into
the convention. II is impossible, in my judg-
ment, for the United States 10 acquiesce in
such construction OF the respective relations
Of the two Goverumenist 10 Central America.
Toa euewed call by this government upon
Great Britain, 10 abide by, and carry into ef-
| feet, the slipulaiions Of the convention &C.
cordng 10 its obvious import, by Withdrawing
| from the possession or colonization Of portions
OF the Central American States Of Honduras,
Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, the British gov
eminent has at length replied, affirming tha !
the operation ofthe treaty is prospective only,
and did not require Great Britain 10 abandon
or contract any possessions held by her in
Central America at the dale Of lis conclusion.
The reply substitutes partial issue, in
the place Of The general one presented by the
United States, The British government pass
es over the question Of the rights OF Great
Britain, real OF supposed, in Central America
and assumes that she had such rights at the
| date of the treaty, and that these rights COM
pretended the protectofship Of the Mosquito
Indians, the extended jurisdiction end limits
1 Of The Balize, and the colony Of the Bay Is
lands, and tEereupon proceeds by implication
to infer, that, If The stipula'ons Of the treaty
| be merely future in effect, Gleat Britain may
still continue TO hold the contested portions
of Central America. The United States can
not admit either The inference or The premises.
We steadily deny, that atthe date Of the treaty
Great Britsin had any possessions there, other
than the limited and peculiar establishment at
The Balize, and maintain that il she had any,
they were surrendered by The convention.
This government, recognizing the obliga-
| tions OF the treaty, has Of course desired 10
see il executed in good faith by both parties,
and in The discussion, therefore has not look
ed 10 rights, which we might assert, independ-
emily OF the treaty, in consideration of our ge-
ogrophical position and Of other circumstances
which create for US relations 10 the Central
Americon States, different from those of any
government OF Europe.
:. The British goyerement in its last commu
nication, although well knowing the views OF
the United States, still declares that it sees
no reasons why corcillatory spirit may
not enter the two governments 10 overcome
all obstacles 10 satisfactory adjustment Of the
subject. .- ..,e
! Assured of the correctness Of the cons,ruc-
ilion of the treaty constantly adhered 10 by
this government, and resolved to insist on the
4 rights Of the United States, yet actuated also
by The same desire, which is avowed by the
British government, 10 remove oil causes OF
serious misundersta ndng between two nations
associated by so many ties Of interest and
kindred, it has appeared TO me proper not TO
consider an omlcable solution Of the contro-
veIsf hopeless.
There is, however, reason to apprehend,
that, with Great Britain in actual occupation
OF the disputed territories, and the treaty there
fore practically null, so far as regards ou
remain undetermined, without involving in
serious danger the friendly relations, which il
is the interest ss we'll as the duty of botl
countries to cherish and preserve. II will
afford me sincere qualification, il future ef
forts shall result in the success, anticipate,
heretofore with more confidence than the as
| RECRUITMENT.
! One other subject OF discussion between tn
I United States and Great Brtisn has grown ou
OF the attempt, which the exengences OF tn
war in which she is engaged with Russia in
duced her to make, to draw recruits from tn
United States.
i 1t is the traditional and settled policy Of tn
i United States 10 maintain impsrinlly neu:ralit
during The wars which from time 10 lime occu
amoug the great powers OF the world. Per
forming all The dudes Of neutrality towards th
respective belligerent States, We may reasona
/ bly, expect them not 10 interfere with our law
ful enjoymen;s fits benefits. Notwthstand
ing The existence Of such hostiities, our citi
zens retain the individual right 10 continue sl
their accustomed pursuits, by land or by sea
at home or abroad, subject only TO such resric
tions in this relation, as the laws of war, tb
usage Of nations, or special treaties, may Jun
pose; and it is our sovereign right that our ter
ritory and jurisdiction shall not be invaded b
either OF The belligerent parties, for the iron
sit Of their armies, the operations of their fleets
the levy Of troops for their service, The ftln
out OF cruisers by OF against either, or any 9th
er act or incident Of war. And these unden
BILE rights Of neutrality, individual and nstona
The United States will under no circumstance
surrender.
| IN pursuance OF this policy, The laws of th
United States do not forbid their citizens 4
sell 10 either Of the belligerent powers articles
contraband OF war, or 10 take munitions CT wa
or soldiers on bootd their private ships for trans
portation and although, in doing, so the in
i lydual citizen exposes his property or persol
10 some Of the hazards Of war, his acts 60 no
involve any breach Of national neutrality, no
implicate The government. Thus, during III
progress OF the present war in Europe, our cit
4 izens have, without national responsibility
therefor, sold gunpowder and arms TO all buy
ers, regardless Of the destination Of those arti
cles. Our merchantmen have been, ond still
continue 10 be largely employed by Great Brit
ian aud by France in transporting troops, pro
visions, and munitions OF war 10 the principa
seat OF military operations, and 10 bringin
home their sick and wounded soldiers; but sucI
use OF our meTchsntile marine is not inteIdIct
ed either by the International, or by our mum
cipal law, and therefore does not compromis
our neutral relations with Russia.
But our municipal law, in accordance wit
the law Of nations, peIemptorily forbids no
only foreigners, but our own citizens, 10 ct oul
! within The limits OF the United States, yesse
d 10 commit hosiilities against any State, viii
i which the United States are at peace, or 10 in
! crease The force Of any armed vessel intendet
for such hostilnies egainst friendly Safe.
4 Whichever concern may have been felt B.
J either Of the beliigerent powers least piyat,
armed cruiseIs, or other vessels, in the service
Of one might be fitted out in the ports Of tti
country 70 deptedste on the property Of th
Iolhef, all such fears have proved 10 be utter
lly gfoqndless. Our citizen have been with
! held ffon any such act or purpose by goo'
failh and BY respect for the law.'f n ~