Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-05-13

be enforced. III Is well Tor Europe 10 oppose
it and to oppose it specially here. If a real
North American population ever holds the
Isthmus, the supremacy of Europe in commerce
is gone for ever.
There may be some evil spirit in the North.
If by any chance Nicaragua should become
part of this republic, the preponderance of the
North is gone, and New Orleans will take the
trade now directed to the North, and will be
the great emporium of commerce in the United
States. But this spirit must depart.
For more than ten years Nicaragua had
been the prey to continual civil wars. The
popular party In those wars called for aid, and
the noble Walker answered that call. Civil
liberty and popular rights were al once restored,
and the prosperity Of the people was estab
lished under the government of Rivas supported
by Walker. The European governments had
secretly incited Costa Rica to war. There had
come here exaggerated reports Of defeat of
the Nicaraguans under Schlessinger. These
reports were absurdly exaggerated. Schless-
niger was not the man for the occasion--had
been surprised-but it was small affair.
Walker himself was about to take the field,
and was as confident as ever. In a few weeks
he can sweep the Costa Ricans like dust from
the face Of the earth. But his position is crit.
cal; he needs assistance. There is no time to
cerned. Our sympathy is universal, but we
must do something. Merchants may invest in
Nicaraguan securities with perfect safety; that
government has been recognized by this gov
ernment-the relations between us have been
clouded, but never destroyed. This country
will protect its citizens in any just claim against
any Nicaraguan government. 1t will be good
investment to lend money on Nicaraguan
bonds, and will be service to the noble Walker
and this country besides, and especially to New
Orleans. Nicaragua has a debt of only $4 4,009,-
900, and has property of $35, 1000, 900 in value.
If $250,000 is subscribed and paid here into
safe hands, to be given to Nicaragua for her
bonds, in three weeks Costa Rica's forces will
be swept from the face of the earth. Immedi-
ately San Salvador and Honduras will join
Nicaragua, and the Central American Republic
will be once more established-to last, he
hoped; for its annexation to us was as vet too
glorious dream to be true. But this govern
ment must soon recognize the Nicaraguan in
dependence. The head of this government
may have been sometimes misled, but he was
faithful and true. Nicaragua would soon be
recognized,
Finally, said the eloquent orator, in tone
which thrilled every heart, let us begin here,
now--;.t once; let none of US leave this sro-
tunda until we have subscribed what we are
able to spare, to redeem Central America, to
ensure the future glory Of our own great city.
After Mr.. Soule concluded, it was whispered
among the concourse that Col. French, of Mic.
aragua, was present, and at once loud and
enthusiastic call arose for him. In response,
he appeared upon the platform and made few
pithy and appropriate remarks, corroboratng
the positions taken by the distinguished orator
who preceded him, and concluding with a very
graceful and appropriate acknowledgment to
the citizens Of New Orleans in the name of his
country, for their generous sympathy and the
cordial appreciation they had extended to the
cause Of liberty and progress in Central Ameri-
ca. The grand rotunda Of the ST. Louis echoed
with wild burst Of enthusiastic applause,
when Col. French concluded.
The names Of several other gentlemen were
called, but in obedience to the main object of
the meeting it was thought proper to open the
subscription list at once. Unfavorable as we're
the circumstances, several thousands Of dollars
we're subscribed in the course Of few minutes
The richest part of the meeting was doubtless
in the gentlemen's ordinary, where it was sup
posed at first that the address Of Mr. Soule
would have been delivered, and where it would
have been, had not the great number of the as
sembly forbidden it. As the crowd attempted
to gain admittance to the ordinary before the
speaking, profusion and variety of things
edible. and things drinkable appeared. When
those substantials were discussed there were
many 6ne patriotic and noble sentiments ex-
pressed. We can imagine the scene, although
we we're not there. The sentiment which rose
highest in the breast of each invited guest
under the influence of the great speeches they
had heard as well as of the refreshments pre-
pared for the occasion, each one Of them may
be assured is the true sentiment. They may
take the dictates Of that hour Of enthusiasm
for their guide, and never 90 amiss. Bright as
young Nicaragua painted herself TO the fancy
of those there assembled, they may be assured
that the future of that youthful empire shall be
more brilliant still.
When Central America assumes and estab-
fishes her proud position among the powers of
the earth all who shared in il will revert with
mingled pride and pleasure to the meeting Of
the 29th Of April.