Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1856-01-11


Central American States, is now presented
by her as the rightful exercise of a protec-
torship over the Mosquito tribe of Indians.
But the establishment at the Balze, now
reaching far beyond its treaty limits into
tho State of Honduras, and that of the
Bay Islands, appertaining Of right to the
same State, are as distinctly colonial gov
ernments as those of Jamaica or Canada,
and therefore contrary to the very letter as
well as the spirit of the convention with the
United States, as it was at the time Of rat
ifcation, and now is, understood by this gov
ernment.
The Interpretation which the British Gov
eminent, thus in assertion and act, persist
in ascribing to the convention, entirely chan
ges its character. While it holds us to all
our obligations, it in a great measure releas-
es Great Britain from those which eonsti-
tuted the consideration of this government
for entering into the convention. It is i'm
possible, in my Judgment, for the United
States to acquiesce in such a construction Of
the respective relations of the two govern
ments to Central America.
To a renewed call by this government up
on Great Britain, to abide by and carry into
effect the stipulations of the convention,
according to its obvious import, by with
drawing from the possession or colonization
of the Central American States of Hondu-
ras Nicaragua and Costa Riea, the British
Government has at length replied, affirming
that the operation of the treaty is prospec-
tive only, and did not require Great Brit
ain TO abandon or contract any possessions
held by her in Central America at the date
of its conclusion.
This reply substitutes partial issue, in
the place Of the general one presented by
the United States. The British Govern
ment passes over the question of the rights
of Great Britain, real or supposed, IN Cen
trail America, and assumes that she had
such rights at the date of the treaty, and
that those rights comprehended the protec-
torship of the Mosquito Indians, the exten-
ded jurisdiction and limits of the Balize,
and the colony ofthe Bay Islands; and there
upon proceeds by implication to interfer that
| if the stipulations of the treaty be merely
future in effect, Great Britain may still con-
tinue to hold the contested portions of Cen
trail America. The United States cannot
admit either the inference or the premises
| We steadily deny that, at the date of the
treaty, Great Britain had any possession
there, other than the limited and peculiar
establishment at the Balize, and maintain
that, if she had any, they were surrender
ed by the convention.
This Government, recognizing the obi
rations Of the treaty, has of course desired
to see it executed in good faith by both par
ties. and in the discussion, therefore, has not
looked to rights which we might assert, in
depondently of the treaty, in consideration
of our geographical position and of other
circumstances, which create forus relations
to the Central American States different
from those of any Government of Europe.
The British Government in its last com
mupication, although we'll knowing the views
of the United States, still declares that II
secs no reason why a conciliatory spirit may
not enable the two Governments to overcome
all obstacles to satisfactory adjustment o.
the subject
Assured of the correctness of the construc
ton of the treaty constantly adhered to by
this government, and resolved to insist OF
the rights of the United States, yet actua
ted also by the same desire which is avowec
| by the British government, to remove al
causes of serious misunderstanding between
two nations associated by so many ties of In
terest and kindred, it has appeared to mC
proper not to consider an amieable solution
of the controversy hopeless.
There is, however, reason to apprehent
that, with Great Britain in the actual oecu
patton of the disputed Territories, and tha
the treaty therefore practically null, so ia
as regards our rights, this international dlt
fculty cannot long remain undetermined
without involving in serious danger tn
friendly relations which it is the interest a
well as the duty of both countries to cher
ish and preserve. 1t will afford me SINGER
qualification, if future efforts shall result il
the success, anticipated heretofore with NOR
confidence than the aspect of the case per
mits me now to entertain.
RECRUITMENT.
One other subject of discussion betweeI
the United States and Great Britain ha
grown out of the attempt which the exlgen
cies of the war in which she is engage
with Russia induced her to make, to draN
recruits from the United States.
It is the traditional and settled policy o
the United States to maintain impartia
neutrality during the wars which from tim
to time occur among the great powers {
the world. Performing all the duties {
neutrality towards the respective belligereI
States, we may reasonably expect them nc
to interfere with our lawful enjoyment of ii
benefits. Notwithstanding the existence {
such hostilities, our citizens retain the ind
vidual right to continue all their accustome
pursuits, by land or by sea, at home or {
broad, subject only to such restrictions IN tn
relation as the laws of war, the usage {
nations, or special treaties may impose; an
it is our sovereign right that our territor
and jurisdiction shall not be invaded b
either of the belligeront parties, for the tral
sit of their armies, the operations Of the
service, the fitting out of cruisers by or
gainst either, or any act or incident of wa
And these undeniable rights of neutralit
individual and national, the United Statl
will under no circumstances surrender.
| - bn Low