The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1857-12-23
pendent republics on our own continent,
as well "a of the emnira Of Brazil.


Our difficulties with New Granada,
which short time since bore so threaten
ing an aspect, are, it is tn be hoped in q
fair way of settlement in . manner just
and honorable to both parties.
The Isthmus of Central America, in
Guiding that of Panama, is the great high,
way between the Atlantic and Pacific
over which large portion of the COM
merce of the world is destained to pass.
The United States are more deeply inter-
ested than any other nation in preserving
the freedom aud security of all the CON-
munications across the isthmus. It is
our duty, therefore. to take care that they
shall not be interrupted either by inva-
sions from our own country, or by wars
between the independent States Of Cen
trail America.
Under our treaty with New Grenada
of the 18th December, ls46, we are bound
to guaranty the neutrality of the Isthmus
of Panama, through which the Panama
railroad passes, 'as we'll as the rights of
sovereignty and property which New Gren-
ada has aud possesses over the said Terri
tory" This obligation 10 founded upon
equivalents granted by the treaty to the
government and people of the United
States. - . 7s57ens SIC sa9.zs
Under these circumstances, recon-
mend to Congress the passage of an act
authorizing the President, in case Of me-
cessity. to employ the land and naval forces
of the United States to carry into effect
this guarantee of neutrality and protec-
ton. also recommend similar legisla-
tion for the security Of any other route
across the isthmus in which. We may ac-
quire an interest by treaty. 4Tgi O. 97f
! With the Independent republics on this
continent it is both on duty and our inter
est to cultivate the most friendly relations.
We can never feel Indifferent to their fate,
and must always rejoice in their prosperi-
ty. Unfortunately, both for them, and
for us, our example and advice have lost
much of their influence in consequence of
the lHwless expeditions which have been
fitted out against some of them within the
q limits of our country. Nothing is better
2 caIl ulated to retard our steady material
: progress, or impair our character as .
f Ination, than the federation of such enter
: prises in violation of the law of natiols
7 1t is one of the 6rst and highest duties
e of any independent State, in its relations
s with the members of the great family oi
n nations, to restrain its people from acts Of
hostile aggression against their citizens OF
i subjects. The most eminent writers or
S public law do not hesitate to denounct
a such hostile acts as robbery and murder
d Weak and feeble States, like those o
!; Central America, may not feel themselves
e able to assert and vindicats their rights
IS The case would be far different if expedi
n tions were set on foot within ou: own ter
y ritories to make private war against |
isl powerful nation. If such expedition
IN were fitted out from abroad against an
r, portion Of our own country, to burn dow
IN our cities, murder and plunder our people
is and asurp our government we should ca
TO- any power on earth to the strictest &C
of count for not preventing such enormitiei
D. Ever. since the administrator of Ger
ne Washington, acts of Congress have bee
p-] in force to punish severely the crime {
!" setting on foot military expedition with
ID in the limits of the United States, to pre-
it ceed from thence sgaiust a nation. or Stat
in with whom we are at peace. The preser
al neutrality act of April Goth, 1918, is br
n little more than . collection of pre-exis
ct ing laws. Under this the President
empowered to employ the land and nay'
de forces and the militia "for the purpose I
sr, preventing the carrying on of any sue
g. expedition or enterprise from the terrific
lr- ries and Jurisdiction Of the United States,
II, and the collectors of customs are authol
se lied and required to detaiu any vessels
port when there is reason to believe 81
r.. is about to. take part In such lAwless el
N. terprises. Vaq1o5ai ri il.w eEedI tab 5a
de When it was first rendered sprobab
ife that an attempt would be- made to gstu
e. another unlawful expedition against Mic,
ng lragua, the Secretary of State issued il
is structious to the marshals and district q
he torneys, which were directed by the Ss
retaries of War and tho Navy to the q
m. propriate army and navy officers, rsquirir
ed them to be vigilant, aud to- use their be
H. exertions carrying into effect the pr
%. visions of the act of 1919. Notwit
nv standing these precautions, the expedite
ct- has escaped from our shoscs. Such ente
ble prises can do no possible good to- 4
nj. country, bat have already inflicted mn
ON injury both on its interests and its cha
ia. acter - 2 'lst1 Y '-19sfss -
ZEN They have prevented peaceful emigr
eat |tion from the United States to the Stat
Of Central America, which could not &
led to prove highly bsns6cial to oil the p
zoe ties concerned. In o pecuniary point
be view alone, our citizens have sustain
ish heavy losses from the seizure and olosi
"a 2 of the transit1route by the San Juan /
oseI tween the two oceans.
the The leader of the recent expediti
ex. was arrested at New Orleans, but was
err charged on giving bail for his appearap
re- in the insuficientssnm of two thonsa
rec dollars. aes at "a ea issses
Al -, IL 4 H.