The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-11-08

TAe Peruvian Protest Against Walker-yhe
Question Of Race IN Ccntral Amerlca.
from oisr,o de u Marina. Oct. iol
The protest OF the government of Peru against
the usurpation of Walker makes, 10 a certain point
complete the series Of documents which prove the
progress OF conservative ideas to the great ques
ton OF race, From the ultra democratic party in
New Granada TO the regular stable and Sc niaristo
cratic government Of Chile, and TO the openly avow
ed military regime which prevails In Peru all and
each OF these diyersey constituted political govern
ments, show an unanimity Ia repeng those project
ed usurpations 80 imprudently avowed by foreign
race Neither are these redeeming sentiments limit
teectuai classes. The popular masses, with noble
instinct, universally support and countenance tais
movement, and committing TO Just oblivion their
old hatred, and their local or private interests,
can be compared with foreign dominion. If, I'M
happily, any country may be cited where moral and
intellectual disorganizaton exercises to the utmost
degree its disastrous influence it is doubtless, the
neighboring one OF Mexico. But even there, with
its utterly revolutionized and exhausted society,
see the same doctrines regain vigor and recover
their dominion over the population. The same
spirit which, some three years ago, animated the
people to their heroic defence of Matamoros is still
living in the breast Of every Mexican on the from
tier, and stimulates him to reject yoke whose
acerbity he knows better than any other
This unanimity OF sentiments spread over all parts
OF the spanish American continent, is Of salutary
presage and holds forth good hopes for the future
But, together with the well stated certainty
OF these elements OF strength, the responsibility Of
those on whom their direction and improvement is
incumbent, increases at the same time. The parts
OF the governments placed at the head OF those
nations are already traced out in the actual DRAMA
and II Is necessary for them to vigorously prosecute
their task, If they wish to acquit themselves with
honor. Protests are good, and even necessary as
preliminary step; but words must be followed by
acts, without the least possible interval between
each other in the contrary case their conduct will
be taxed as shifting, whereby, as it generally hap
thew will fall into the both
extremes it win have neither the apparent indif-
ference OF silence, nor will 1t serve as means to
repel the danger; for whoever knows the common
adversary, Is well aware that his arrogance
is not TO retrocede before such force.
Protests will only serve to warn him that his plans
discovered, and 70 increase his confidence and
boldpess when seeing that they not followed by
any effect. The sentiment both OF dignity and OF
convenience, urges on to pursue with energy the
ronte already trabed out and to avoid showing,
even for a moment, the least sign of indecision.
Toe history OF what has happened in Central
America is full OF eloquent teachings this very
point and the occurrences are too recent for their
being allowed to be forgotten or neglected, or for
their application TO be doubted. When the projects
OF Kinney and Walker began to be matured and
were executed, the government OF Costa Rica pab-
hshed protest, founded on as sound principles, and
written in as energetic a language rs those d0cu-
nents " hich are now occupying our attention.
Nor old we, 10 praisiDg as It deserved that mani
festaiIon hesitate to declare il insufficient and to
provoke decisive acts like those we calling
forth But opportunity was lost, perhaps no more
TO return, under the favorable conditions The
efforts which would have been more than sufficient
10 initiate Walker since his first defeat at Riyas
or when the government OF Nicaragua was still hold
ing army ut the orders Of the unfortunate Corral
proved little later insufficient, although at the
cost OF not little blood. And if later Costa RIGA
redeemed her error by heroism which will shield
her forever against any blame the other Central
American States and the democratic party
Of Nicaraf IA committed the same fault,
and allowed the favorable moment 10 pass.
The devasfations OF the cholera. which had
so great part in the spelling of the fruits of that
glorious campaign, would not have had such PERM
cious results il, by decisive cooperation OF the
allied forces they had succeeded to enclose Walker
and his band in the pestiferous region Of Granada.
With this double and fatal example before their eyes,
cannot believe the South American republics will
persist 10 initiate IT. and not profit oy the occasion
ict they viii only contribute increase its gravity.
II Chile, Peru and New Granada form in all haste
an alliance with the Central American governments
and lend them an armed cooperation, which de
mands very small sacrifices, the actual forces of fiji
busterism are unable to oppose any serious resist
ance, and the Encouragement prevailing amongst
its secret partisans will be obstacle to any eca
eious succor. Besides, this unanimous action by
The organ OF legitimately constituted governments
VIII arouse the attention Of th lse in Europe and call
forth the aid of moral support, the only thing want
ed for assuring triumph. Whether In q more ad-
vanced period the struggle will have "a many chances
81 success, only divine Providence can forete: but
human experience teaches US that it will not and
that in the one the other case the conflict is IN
svodabie.