The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-12-27
Slavery I'm Nicaragua Letter from Mr..
Squler.
TO THE EDITOR OF TIE NEW YORK HERALD.

Slavery I'm Nicarsgua Latter from Mr..
squier.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW YORK HERALD.
LONDON. Dec. Q, 1856.
perceive that letter which II metime since ad-
dressed to the London Times, controverting the
allegation that Gen. Walker had established slavery
in Nicaragua by formal decree, has been made the
subject of remark in the United States, by certain
editors who allow their prejudices to overcome their
sense Of justice.
Now, have no better means of information on
this subject than are by any other general
reader and observer; am not in Gen. Walkers Sc
crets, and know nothiDg Of his designs, nor am
aware that have interests which can in any way
be affected by his policy. But this much do know
that if Gen. Walker has established slavery
we have, as yet no evidence OF the fact. The
charge thus far, rests only on an inference
from his decree of september %, 1866. That
decre, however, contains no reference whatever to
lavery IL merely declares that all acts of the Fed
eIal Cong less of Central America, and of the Federal
Constituent ASSEMBLY a'e null and void in their ap-
pication TO Nicaragua; but it leaves in full force
and effect and re affrms the constitution Of Ncara-
qua fran ed in 1888, the dissolution of the fedora
non as well as the laws which have since been en-.
acted by the Legislative authorities of that State.
Under this constiiu ION The laws and DEGREES of
the old republic Were Omitted and recognised in all
cases where they did not conflict with the State
laws General Walker merely DEGREES that they
shall apply no longer As a consequence, the State
OF Nicaragua enjoys the constitution OF 1888 and the
laws passed under It, pur ct simple, and without
reference to the acts OF Tue defunct federation.
The sole question then Is, do the existing con-
stitution and laws OF Nicaragua recognise or admit
slavery? say empDatcally they 40 not. On the
thav eel hat nat IF haiti tofo
or of the other Sta@s Of Central America shall be-
come citizens, and enjoy ali the rights OF such, on
attaining their MAORI y There is no limitation of
this right on account of Color The constitution
sfirms that all men are free. and that no mans Ii.
berty can be abridged except for crime. No man
can sell himself into slavery. AL persons concern
ed in the slave trade, privy to that traffic for
felt their citizenship, and are liable to punishment
In short, the whole language of this instrument and
all legislation under 1t are In total opposition to
slavery.
But, says the Euemirg Po.t,. one of the acts Of
Walker has abolished all the acts of this Assembly
he has abolished the abolition, and established
slavery. Assuming this to be true and fair
sta ement of the question, it follows that in
asmuch as the same assembly abolished the
Spanish government in Central America and the
regal system Of the mother country, and as Gen.
Walker has abolished that abolition, therefore the
authority OF Spain Is revived, Central America is
again vice royalty, aud Isabella the courtezan, is
Queen.
The only bar to this conclusion Is that Nicaragua
has q constitution and laws of its own, which neither
recognise nor admit slavery the authority of the
Spanish crown.
As said at the outset, know nothing of General
Walkers purposes; he may possibly mediate the
establishment OF slavery. But up to this time We
have had no authority In his acts or published de-
crees for affirming that it has been or is intended
to be established. ANY apparent or temporary ad.
vantage which might follow its introduction could
only be purchased by foregoing all chance of reoog-
milton Of the existing order Of things by England
and the European States, and presume General
similar import At any rate, We may be sure that II
slavery is to be INTRODUCED it will not be left to ia
ference through mass Of syllogistic formulas Ii
will come in no questionable shape If 1t comes at
all. E. G. SQUIER.