The Carolina Spartan. [volume] (Spartanburg, S.C.) 1852-1896, 1856-06-19
Central America.

his last two dispatches, 10 his already es
tabIished reputation rs n diplomatist an,
political controyersialist. We lay befoy
our readersthis morning his despatch /,
Mr.. Dallas upon Central American affairs
and commend tito their perusal, rs an abl,
and lucid discussion Of the most interesting
question in our foreign relations.
The despatch is intended as a reply t
Lord Clarendon's proposition to submit tt
arbitration the points of difference between
the two Governments on Central America
and 1t will be observed, that while the pro
position is agreed to on some points, it i:
declined upon the question OF the construc
tion of the Clayton Bulwer Treaty. The
propriety Of this course will, we think. be
manifest, upon tho consideration of the
facts. The English Government assume.
two positions in reply to the remons,rances
of the United States against its pre,ensions
in Central America. First, that il had
colonial possessions in Central America a,
the formation Of the Clayton Bulwer Treaty
Secondly, the Clay ton Bulwer Treaty, be.
ing mere y prospective in its intention and
operation, that the British Government was
under no obligations TO abandon these
possessions" Upon this claim 10 rightful
possessions that Government has assumed
dominion over portion Of the Belize, and
has planted colony in the Bay Islands
The Mosquito prctectorate professedly rests
upon mere treaty st;puations on the part
Q: Great Britain to protect the Musouito
Indians.
Now, Lord Clarendon, in his last des.
patch proposing the arbitration, seems 10
assume that the only difference between
The two countries was on the Interpretation
of the Treaty, as TO whether it was both
retrospective and prospective, or prospective
only IN lis operation the United States ms.
sertng the former, and the British Govern.
ment the latter, view. But it is evident
that the solution Of this question would
not settle the matter. Lord Clarend 10
nored the other point, "a TO whether Eng
land had any possessions" at all in Central
America, and if any, whether of such a ma,
ture as to justify her course in reference to
the Belize and the Bay Islands In con-
lining, therefore, the matter for arbitration
TO the simple construction Of the Treaty,
Lord Clarendon omitted the most impor-
tant point of difference between the two
Counties. Fer though, as Mr. Marcy clear
~ shows, the determination Of the construc-
ton of the Treaty in accordance With the
views Of the United States would settle the
whole difference, a determination aIainst
her would throw the whole question back
upon the rights of possession" and domin.
Ion assumed By Great Britain. In other
words, this question of possession" is prior
10 that OF The construction, and must he
hrst decided. 1t was 10 put an end TO these
very claims that TIE United States eltere j
into the Treaty, and she cannot now take
or assent to any step that can be construed
into recognition Of them. The arbitra-
ton proposed may decide that the Treaty
was intended TO operate prospectivey only,
and such decision would not only leave
England all she claims, but make the Trea.
iy OF 1850 nullity, SO far as placing the
two Governments upon n footing of cQuali.
t. in Central America. To Q ure this
equality was the chief object of tic United
States, and she cannot now submit il to the
possibility Of defeat If England's asserted
rights TO possession and dominion over tie
Mosquito Territory, the Belize, or the Bay
Islands are TO be recognised, tie question
Of Treaty Interpretation is idle SO far as
these points are concerned. And they Ger.
tainly would be in some manner recognised,
when We concur with Lord Clarendon ,ha,
the question Of Interpretation is the only
point Of difference between the two coun.
tries.
To conclude, we see in this despatch ot
Mr.. Marcy the frst glimpse Of conviction
on the part e he Government; that moth.
ing short of the anuulmcnt of tie Treaty
will bring matters to a satisfactory conclu.
sion. We have expressed this opinion before,
and expect yet 10 see it verified.
Charleston AeIcary.