Washington sentinel., 1856-05-17

de tacto, and, so far as such exists the Govern
ment de jure of that Republic.
That reception, while in accordance with the
established policy of the United States, was
likewise called for by the most imperative
special exigencies, which require that this
Government shall enter at once into diplo-
matte relations with that of Nicaragua. In
the first place, difference has occurred be-
tween the Government of President Rivas and
the Nicaragua Transit Company, which in
wolves the necessity OF inquiry into rights of
citizens of the United States, who allege that
they have been aggrieved by the acts of the
former, and claim protection and redress at
the hands of their Government. In the second
| place, the interoceanic communication by the
way of Nicaragua is effectually interrupted,
and the persons and property Of unohending
private citizens Of the United States in that
country require the attention of their Govern
ment Neither of these objects can receive
due consideration, without resumption Of diplo-
matte intercourse with the Government of Mica
| ragua.
| Further than this, the documents communi-
Gated show that, while the interoceanic transit
by the way of Nicaragua is cut off, disturbances
at Panama have occurred to obstruct, tempo
rarily at least, that by the way of New Granada,
involving the sacrifice of the lives and property
of citizens of the United States. A special
commissioner has been dispatched to Panama
to investigate the facts of this occurrence, with
view particularly to the redress of parties
aggreved. But measures of another class will
be demanded for the future security Of intero-
ceanic communication by this as by the other
| routes of the istbmus.
1t would be difficult to suggest single OBJ
ject of interest, external or internal, more i'm
portant to the United States than the mainte
nance of the communication, by land and sea,
between the Atlantic and Pacific States and
Territories of the Union. 1t is a material ee
ment of the national integrity and sovereignty.
have adopted such precautionary measures
and have taken such action for the purpose of
affording security to the several transit routes
of Central America, and to the persons and
property of citizens of the United States con,
nected with or using the same, as are within
my constitutional power and as existing crcum-
stances have seemed to demand. Should these
measures prove inadequate to the object, that
fact will be communicated to Congress, with
such recommendations as the exigency of the
case may indicate.
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
WASHINGTON, May Is, 1856.
The documents accompanying the message are
quite voluminous These from the Attorney
General comprise instructions 10 prevent The fit
ting out Of expeditions of military naval
character for invading the territory OF any foreign
powers.
The report of the Secretary Of the Navy en-
braces various orders TO the commanders of the
Susquehanna, Potomac, Fulton, and ST. Marys.
The Secretary encloses 10 Commodore Pauldlng
a copy of the statement Of Captain Tinklepaugh,
of the steamer Orizaba, saying: " 1t presents
case making il manifest that flag should be
shown at San Juan del Nicaragua"
In consideration of the circumstances, he d-
reefs him TO proceed there with the frgate Poto
mac; and in distributing the vessels of the home
squadron he gives particular instructions TO each
commander TO touch at Panama, Aspnwall, and
San Juan as often as consistent with due regard
for the interests OF our country in these parts
the sloop of war St. Marys being instructed to
remain at Panama long she is needed.
The mass of documents contain full particulars
Of the outrages AT Panama.
Mr.. Molina, the Costa Rican Minister, under
date of April 18th last, in a letter 10 Mr.. Marcy,
speaks OF fiibusteriDg powers as being always
hostile 10 that Republic stating in candor and
frankness that the lawless conduct OF this class
is the sole cause which compelled Costa Rca TO
undertake the war in which she is now engaged,
and imposed sacrifices which she protests she will
reclaim from whoever may be responsible for the
same.
Mr. Marcy replies, April 25th, 10 what Mr. Mo-
lima calls the lawless conduct of the inhabitants
Of the United States, saying that il reflects on the
good faith of our country in regard 10 its neutral
relations not only with Costa Rca, but with each
of the Central American States. That charge
could not be lightly made, and was presented
without adequate proof 10 osustain II.
After arguing in favor OF the right of expatr ia
ton. he says: Respect for COSTA Rica and Mr..
Molina himself requires that his language shall
be so interpreted that il shall not imply charge
of connivance the part of the government al
a violation of the neutrality laws"
On the 2nd of May Secretary Marcy sends Mr..
Molina the papers detailing the shocking bar
barity and slaughter Of noncombatants by Costa
Ricans and says: "The President u willing 10
believe that COSTA Rica will promptly condemn
the perpetrators Of the inhuman outrage and in
fict on them exemplary punishment" Costa
Rica has departed from the laws of war and he
calls attention TO the transactions at Virgin Bay
for such proceedings on its part the nature oI
the case demands.
On May 9th, Mr.. Molina tells Secretary Marcy
that he has informed his government OF those
transactions, and doubtless Costa Rca will reply
in a satisfactory manner. She will not authorize
acts 10 tarnish her good name, and processes 10
have as much horror as the United States for the
shedding the blood of innocent people. IL il
should be proved that such persons suffered she
will without the least doubt bring the guilty par
ties 10 trial in order 10 be punished they de-
serve. Mr.. Molina says that this war is not be-
tween Costa Rica and Nicaragua but between
the united people Of the two States, rather Of
Central America, against bands Of Unauthorized
adventures who are impoverlshing and oppress-
ing the inhabitants Of Nicaragua, and who are
threatening 10 impose the same yoke upon the
rest Of Central America. Costa Rica caunot ac-
cord the rights Of war TO band Of men answer
able 10 penal laws, which certainly not more
severe in those States than in other States Of the
civilized world. He expresses the hope that our
government will suspend its opinion I'LL an inyes-
legation be made into the events al Virgin Bay,
aud that will not be too severe with regard to
Costa Rica. She is defending her most sacred
rights against those who have destroyed aud
attacked her merely because she is weak.
Senor Augustin Will writes 10 Secretary Marcy,
under date Of May 18th, saying
"The unhappy state Of the country in which
was born and desire Of exertng my best efforts
TO relieve il, has led me 10 leave my native shores
to represent its interests in the Capital OF this
blessed Republic" and proceeds to place the al.
fairs Of Nicaragua in such light TO induce
Mr.. Marcy 10 view its circumstances in their true
aspect, concluding with expressing hope that
the government OF the United States will be
friend 10 Nicaragua
Ne,t follows a letter from President Rivas dated
April nth, addressed TO the President Of the Uni
q. y -. II