The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-05-22

Missed. The American Principle is now carried
out-American interests will be properly cared
for-an arrangement can be made with the
Nicaraguan Government, by which the inter.
oceanic communication with our empire on the
Pacific will be exempted from all disturbance
or annoyance.
Such is the purport of the message OF the
President, communicated last week, announc-
ing his recognition of Nicaragua. 1t was at
once denounced by Mr.. Crittenden, as impoli-
tic, indecorous, and dangerous. He held that
it involved, in all probability, the question of
peace or war with Great Britain. And, in this
respect, he is not alone. Many sober minded
people consider it as tending to bring US in
conflict with one or more of the great European
Powers.
Under one aspect, the recognition of the
present Government of Nicaragua appears en-
tirely iustifable. 1t is in accordance with the
policy pursued by this Government from its
foundation-and with the policy adopted by
Great Britain in relation to the South Ameri-
can Republics. We have recognised each
one of the rapidly succeeding Governments in
Mexico and Central America-why make Mica
ragua an exception, especially when it is only
by peaceful recognition, or by force, we can
secure our interests in that quarter 1t COM
plicates our controversy with Great Britain, it
is said, and raises new obstacles to an amicable
settlement. 1t justifes the impression begin
ming to prevail among foreign nations, that this
Republic is but hive of freebooters Our
citizens, in defiance of our neutrality laws, go
forth armed, invade neighboring country,
take possession, revolutionize the Government,
create a new State, and then, after little
coquetry, to save appearances: we recognise
it, with the Interior purpose of annexing it.
Besides, the whole movement carries Slavery
with tit is not a movement to extend Free
dom, but the area of Slavery; and, ultimately,
to compass the subjugation of Cuba: repeated
attempts by filibustering in this country having
failed of this great end, it is thought best to
transfer the seat of operations to Nicaragua,
where the conspirators shall no longer be re-
strained by our laws.
We must confess, were it not for such con-
siderations, we should see nothing to object to
in the recognition of the Nicaraguan Govern
ment, but these are all-prevailing with US.
Still, we do not consider it as involving US in
conflict with any foreign Power. The prob
ability is, that England's offer of arbitration
will be accepted-but that England, France,
and Spain, will be stimulated to still greater
vigilance in guarding their possessions on our
coast against lawless adventures, and increase
their naval ornaments in the Caribbean Sea.
All this need not lead to war, if there be
ordinary good faith, honor, and moderation, on
the part of our Government but what can be
expected from such an Administration as now
curses the country?
By Since the foregoing was written, vo-
luminous paper has been received from Lord
Clarendon, declining to recall Mr.. Champion,
but so much more conciliatory in tone than
former papers, and presenting so much ad-
ditional evidence in behalf of the British func-
tionaries in this country, that it is supposed by
some that the Administration may be induced
to reconsider its purpose. We shall soon
know.