The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-11-10


which we give our readers to-day comes very
opportune Stirring times are approaching.
Look out for Mexico
The Convention Between Great Britain and
Honduras Relative "a. che Mosquito gadl-
ans, Sc.
We sometime ago laid before our readers
copy of the convention entered into between
Great Britain and Honduras for the restoration
of the Bay Islands, in the bay of Honduras to
the latter republic. As, previously, Great Bri-
tain had conceded to the inhabitants of those
islands certain rights and privileges, she could
not do less than stipulate that they should co.,
tinue to enjoy them under their new relationship
She nevertheless fully and fairly Invested herself
of all the powers which had been reserved to the
crown in favor Of Honduras; thus removing the
first great and the most serious difficulty in the
Central American complication. SO long as she
held those islands, the Clayton and Bulwer treaty
was reduced to anullity, both in letter and spirit
and it was idle to talk Of q free and undominated
route of transit between the oceans
Having, however tardly, made up her mind to
respect that treaty and conform to its provisions
the logical consequence Of the rendition of her
sovereignty over the Bay Islands would be to di-
vest herself of the assumed protectorate over the
sayages on the Mosquito ssore-a consequence
from which the English Cabinet has not shrunk.
as will be seen by the terms of a second conven-
ton between Great Britain and Honduras, which
we print in another column. 1t was of course
Az of Drl md
the Honduras Minister to enter into stipulations
affecting the Indians falling within the terrific
rial limits Of Nicaragua. Bet there can be no
doubt that Great Britain is equally ready to treat
with that State on the same principle
embodied in her convention with Honduras. IL
will be seen that Great Britain recognises the
territorial limits of Honduras in their fullest ex-
tent, to the frontier formed by the Rio Wanx or
Segovia, as against any Mosquito pretensions
to sovereignty. She merely stipulates that
mixed commission shall determine if any Mos
quito Indians fall within the recognised limits OF
Honduras; and If so, that this commission shall
fix upon some reasonable annuity, for limited
PERIOD to be paid to them in extinguishment Of
their possessory rights These stipulations are only
in the interest Of humanity, and conform to the
principles which the United States has always
adopted in treating with the Indian tribes falling
within it's territories.
The convention has also some provisions for
the adjustment of whatever claims British sub
iects may have on Honduras by arbitration
but these have no interest except to the parties
themselves. 1t need only be said Of them that
they seem fair and just, and evince liberal and
friendly policy on the part Of Great Britain
towards State which, hitherto, has been spe-
cially worried and abused by the Chatfelds and
McD0nalds, and such like ''small deer" Off
cials. No doubt this change of policy win serve
o revive EDglish influence both in Honduras and
The adjacent States as well as to promote the in
terests Of English trade.
Altogether these conventions evince notable
change in the policy Of Great Britain in Central
America. The idea of obtaining control Of the
Istbmus, and consequent command Of the TRANSIT
between the seas, which, at one time, lay at the
bottom OF English policy has now been aban-
doned. II has been found that Nicaragua is one
only Of number of practicable routes Of COM
and that its possession would not
give that exclusive control which alone would be
sense. Hence it il alike to the interest of Gre.
Britain and the world to have all the routes
opened on terms of the largest liberality so that
it shall not be in the power of any single nation
to possess itself of the key Of the continent, or
shut up the inter-oceanic highway. To this end,
we are not surprised in finding Great Britain get
ting rid, as rapidly as possible OF the embarass-
ments entailed by her former policy. Nor are
we surprised TO find her extending to the proposed
Honduras railway her guarantee Of protection
and the influence Of Der government. She evil
IDENTIFY believes, in common with many of the
Honduras offers the greatest facilities for an ade
quate and permanent inter-oceanc communica-
ton. 1t IL, therefore, clearly to her interest 10
have II placed under such auspices and guaran-
tees as shall prevent II coming under the control
Of adventures national or individual whereby
It's freedom might be interrupted or it's safety
endangered.
Indeed, 1t appears that throughout the pro-
posed railway has been the basis Of the recent ne
gotiations. Taking into consideration the pecu-
liar typographical position Of Honduras, and in
order to secure the neutrality Of the islands ada
cent thereto, with reference to railway, etc,
which may be constructed across her territories"
therefore Great Britain withdrew from the Bay
Islsnds The act was tribute TO the principle
Of free transit for all the world, undominated I
any Power and secure from internal disturbance
and exterior aggression. In this policy England
has been followed by France and sooner or later
will be supported by every other commercial ma
ton. The importance of the adoption of this
policy, in which England has taken the lead NAV
well be enforced by the condition Of things IT
Panama and Nicaragua. Had it been adopted
lyv the leading commercial Powers at an earlier