Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1856-06-03
THE CONTROVERSY WITH ENGLAND-AN-
OTHER DESPATCH FROM MIR. MARCY.

THE CONTROVERSY WITH ENGLAND-AN-
OTHER DESPATCH FROM MIR. MARCY.
The dismissal Of Champion and his sccomphces IN
the enlistment enterprise closes one branch OF lhe
c,u,rovsrsy between Great Britain and the United
States TIA: is &C. TO which there can be no re-
spnase in words. The British Government must
e;er submit in silence or else retaliate by come mea'
sure that shall exhibit an adequate energy OF resent
r1eut. The oonciliatory temper which perVades MI
Ma.cy's despatch, and the infinite skill with when ne
avoided provoking the anger Of the English MhStry'
sappy an almost iniaiibe guarantees against any ih
terruo,;on Of aminsble relations with the bri''sh
t,;ye,nuent. YET the other hand, the conduct Oh
Mr. Champion in closing the British Legation IN
Washington, would seem to imply that he contem-
.a,es total suspension OF diplomatic intercourse be-
tYesn the two countries. Indeed, the tenor OF LORD
Ga. endons last despatch, notwithstanding liz eaoo-
r.e cvty and ts afectaticn of extreme regard for
tie United States, is not al all inconsistent with the
idea .aa, the British Ministry resolved to resent
sny ndisnty 70 their representatives in this country
/: . not improbable that the public have mistaken
the character of that paper. Perhaps it was intend
Ell 10 embody the umos; concession TO which the Bril-
fish government would consent, and written with
elaborate moderation and meekness Of spirit, for tue
ing exhausted every resource Of amcabe negotiation
auA ..svug consented 10 extreme sacrifices OF pride
and punc;illio in order 70 adjust the difficulty, the
British Ministry, affecting this pacific and accommo
dating temper, may contrve to inorce the orisna!
weakness Of their position and to cx.sperate the po
puar mind against the iusolence and ambition Of the
American Democracy" Ii written in anticipation Of
rupture of friendly relations. Lord Carendon's de-
.;ol,, OBJ lfvl md nils uaih la
per. Unless however. the British Ministry are in
ex,rably resolved upon collision with this country
their resentment must be disarned by the fair and
friendly pro,essatious of AR. Marcy reply.
With view to an early and complete adjustment
Of orr difficulties with Great Britain, Mr. Marcy has
resumed the discussion Of the Clayton Buwer treaty
in despatch which presens,n very narrow compass
and in very ,traishtt forward manner, the debe' |
.a:e and unaterable determination of the Admnstra-
ton IN regard to British eacroachment in Central
America. This paper should De read by every per
son who wishes TO inform himself Of the exact stat.
OF the controversy. Much has been written amd
much has been spoken about the CONSTRUCTION OF th-
CLAYTON. Buwer treaty, and the conflicting claims OF
Great Britain and the United States in Central Anne
rca bu: here 10 despatch. occupying little morr |
,han two columns Of The En2nrsr. from which per
son may derive more accurate idea OF the dispute
than from oil the Blue Books, volumes o: Congres'
sional discussion.
Mr. Marcy 10 extremely felcitous in the use OF n |
single phrase; and when he a-ins that the object Of
the Clayton Bulwer treaty was to neutrai'-e IN.
Is,h,nus he as completely vindicates the American
Interpretation, aud clearly exposes the absurdty Of
British preension. if he had argued the controrer
sy through half.dozen pages If the object OF th' |
Convention of 1850, was to neutrd|t=e the lsthmus
that guard against the preponderance OF eithe
British or American power, how utterly inadnlssole
is the idea that the resty wasntended to operate on
ly pro-pectvely. The United States had no claim o.
10 ritorial dominion in Central America; but GreaI |
Britain was In possession Of several portions of the
Is,hmus The only effect OF the treaty, by this inter
probation, would be to bind the United States against |
future acquisition, while it assured to Great Britain
the quiet exercise Of ts actual dominion. Now, the
United St1tes never msant to assume any such une |
qu: obligation; and Mr.. Marcy is right in declaring |
tha,f this be the legitimate effect Of the treaty, the
American governmen, will DO satisfied only with it,
absolute abrogation.
Mr. Marcy discusses the proposition to arbrats the
dispute. with oonsummats ability. The President II
unwilling he say., to consent TO any overture, which
can construction of the Clayton Brlwer treaty. Bui
a more pertinent and sufficient objection to the puu
OF arbitration Is stated by Mr.. Marcy ia the sugges
ton, that if the decision be favorable TO Great Br
tan, the original cause OF controversy will remain 10
fail effect. If it be determined by umpire that the
Convention of 1854 is only prospective i'll its opera
fo1 tbs question will arise what were the legitimate
pc.ses~ons of Great Britain in Central America a,
he conclusion Of the treaty. Thu. inquiry will in
we've an investigation Of her claim to the projections
o'e Mosquitoes, oil her title to the Belize aud its do
;4nieicies, and Of the proper geographical and pc
ical relations Of the Bay Islands. Thu. it appears
the matter in controversy will not be diminished in
,n- .v:s, Therefore, Mr.. Marcy declines to submit
tha construction othe treaty to the decision OF an ar
Duration. Our own judgment was in favor OF set
:ieulen, by arbitration; but Mr.. Marcys argument
conclusive OF the inadequacy and improperly Of that
elpedient
Bat, Mr. Marcy does not entirely decline the pro
position Of the British Government. In illustration
.! ia. just end amicab!e disposition Of the Aueri
csn Government he accepts the for arbitra
tIr 10 50 far tina. mod. of adjustment is appica-
be ~ .ne controversy. The extent Of territory en-
b.aceA by the Mosquito Pro:ec:orate the tenure and
political effect Of the British settlement at Belize,
sil tho true dependency OF the Bay Islands, are is
v.-ch may very properly be determined by ar
ira,ion These Questions Mr. Marcy offers to re-
ter 10 a commission, who are competent from scIent
IS atisinmen,s, TO pronounce detiu,ive and
t!0r,a;ivc Judgment in the matter.
'rhus has the President brought Tie controversy
with Great Britain to distinct and positive issue
Ii he British Ministry choose to the dismissal
OF Champion and his uocomplices. they will re,au,e
by the dismissal OF Mr.. Dallas, and the suspension OF
diplomatic relations with this country. Ii they reject
Mr.. Mc-cy's plan of arbitration, they will drive the
United States to the more logical and advantageous
policy OF annu!ling the treaty. In any event, the
controversy mus, reach conclusion Of one sort
smother.
DESERrlUAS kRUM THE ENEMY.
There Is yer No abatement Of the panic i'll the ranks
OF the opposition. Electors nnd sub electors are
smit,en with stam7e1", and are scampering in
every direction with the ia. irss fright of iork of