Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-02-14
CENTRAL AMERICA-THE MONROE
DOCTRINE -GENERAL WALKER
AND OUR POLICY.

CENTRAL AMERICA-PHE MONROE
DOCTRINE GENERAL WALKER
AND OUR POLICY.
The Central American question has for some
time past occupied the attention of the Senate
Several of our abest and most experienced
statesmen have spoken it, and Senators of
all compilations OF politics have thus far mani
tested a remarkable concurrence OF opinion
The doctrine known as the Monroe doctrine"
and which as is known to our readers, declares
against all foreign interference with affairs on
this continent, has been treated Of historically
and logically. 1t seems, too, to command the
hearty approval of politicians Of every hue and
complexion.
If this doctrine we're not the settled policy Of
our country; if Mr.. Monroe had never enun-
ciated il, we would be in favor of making il the
the American law for the world, and We would
suffer no foreign nation under any plea or
pretext to plant colonies in our midst, or assert
dominion over contiguous countries. Treaties
already existing we would construe most
rigidly. Whilst we would act honorably, we
would concede nothing under treaty that
was not plainly given. Particularly would we
do SO toward England. But there is another
aspect Of this subject on which We propose to
remark briefly.
The rapid and remarkable successes of Gen.
Walker in Central America, the favor with
which he has been received by the inhabitants,
the military skill, political sagacity, and love
of republican liberty, which he has manifested,
all concur to inspire the hope that he will, if
countenanced and properly encouraged be en-.
abled TO re-unite and re-consolidate the now
separated States of Central America. That is
said to be, and seems to be his object. Should
he succeed in accomplishing this great object,
and in founding Federative Republic, he will
enttle himself to the thanks of mankind. We
are not now speaking of Colonel Walker, the
Filibuster, but of General Walker, the military
head Of Nicaragua. Called in to aid revolu-
tionary movement, his sword and his political
talents have raised him from an adventurer, a
Filhbuster, to a regular commander. BE has
rubverted bad Government, and established
better Government. That Government has
regularly chosen President, and Walker is
the chosen commander Of its forces Whether,
if he succeeds in reuniting the separated States
into compact republic, they will remain
apart or ultimately become incorporated with us,
is q question that already invites the attention
Of statesmen. For ourselves we incline to the
opinion that IL abolitionism does not dissolve
will in tha ocs
gather under our matured wings all the States
on this continent. However be that as II
may-this thing is certain, that if the States
Of Central America be formed into Federal
union resembling ours, it will speedily obtain
large and valuable accessions from our owr
Anglo-Saxon population. In generation OF
two il will possess q population as brave, a:
intelligent, and as conservative as our own
Should it then think ct TO become incorporated
with us, il would no doubt be received as q
valuable adjunct Should it, on the contrary,
maintain its separate nationality, it would be
pleasant 10 know that we had respectable
and prosperous republic SO near to our doors
We have been somewhat solicitous in regard
is endeavorng to establish, and Of which he
has already laid the foundation. We consider
General Walker as valuable auxiliary in the
business Of carrying out and enforcing the
Monroe doctrine, and in preventing any foreign
interference with the affairs Of this continent
We confess that we have looked forward with
much anxiety 70 the recognition Of the govern.
ment he has established, by our own govern.
ment. 1t is not Of course for us to decide unon
the propriety Of receiving this or that man a.
minister from the new government There
may be private reasons for not receiving one
that would not apply TO another. Indeed, oui
President and his Cabinet may have reasons
which seem to them satisfactory, for not recog
out pretending to know all that they do, and
must know, We incline TO favor the recognition
otthe new government and the reception Of q
minister from il. Its vain to say that Il /.
not an established government. 1t ia TWAS
built up by spontaneous popular revolution
aided by invited soldiers from abroad, and is no,
the result ola fllbustering enterprise.
II does not become us, scornfully to say, and
especially to Republics, and Republics too Just
at our doors-"w wait until you get older
When established, it is our policy, and Their
due, to recognize them and receive their minis
tiers or other international functionaries
Such scornful rejection would be an i'll requita
for the kindness we received in our troubles
and in our unpromising infancy. If the gov.
eminent asking recognition, be government
dc Jdcfo--not Of a moment, but Of a reasona.