Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1857-12-24


not hesitate to denounce such hostile acts as
murder and robbery.
Weak and feeble States, like those Of
Central America, may not feel themselves
able TO assert and vindicate their rights
The case would be far different if expedi-
,ions were set on loot within our own ter
! ritories 10 make private war against pow
erIul nation. II such expeditions were fit |
ted out from abroad against any portion OF
our own country, TO burn down our CITIES,
murder and plumber our people, and usurp |
our government, we should call any power |
on earth 10 strict account for not prevent
| ing such enormites.
Ever since the administration of General
Washington, acts Of Congress have been
in force 10 punish severely the crime OF set.
ting on foot military expedition within the |
limits Of the United States, TO proceed from
thence against a nation or State with whom
we are at peace. The present neutrality
act Of April goth, 1918, is but little more
than collection Of pre.exsting laws. I'm
der this act the President is empowered TO
employ the land and naval forces and the
militia "for the purpose of preventing the
carrying on Of any such expedition or enter
prise from the territories and jurisdiction OF
the United States" and The collectors OF
customs are authorized and required 10 de-
tain any vessel in port when there is reason
10 believe sheis about 10 take part in such
lawless enterprises.
When it was rendered probable that an
attempt would be made to get up another
unlawful expedition against Nicaragua, the
Secretary Of State issued instructions, TO the
marshals and district attorneys, which were
directed by the Secretaries OF War and the
Navy 10 the appropriate army and navy Of
ticers, requiring them to be vigilant and TO
use their best exertions in carrying INFO ell
feet the provisions of the act OF lSlS.-
Notwithstanding these precautions, the ex-
petition has escaped from Our shores
Such enterprises can do no possible good TO
the country, but have already inflicted much
. injury, both on its interests and its chorac.
ter. They have prevented peaceful emf
grafton from the United States TO the States
: Of Central America, which could not fail TO
u, prove highly beneficial 10 all the parties
: concerned. In Il pecunary point of view
, alone, our citizens have sustained heavy
- losses from the seizure and closing Of the
' transit route by the San Juan between the
. two oceans.
!, The leader Of the recent expedition was
II arrested at New Orleans, but was dis
charged on giving bail fer his appearance
: in the insufficient sum OF two thousand dol
= lars.
l commend the whole subject TO the Sc
+ rious attention Of Congress, believing that
- our duty and our interest, as well as our
;, y national character, require that we should
II adopt such measures as will be effectual in
~ restraining our citizens from committing
4 such outrages.
y OUR ONLY FOREIGN DIFFICULTY LIES IN THE
IS DIRECTION OF ACQUIRING CUBA"
J. With all other governments, except that
n of Spain, our relations are as peaceful as
l. we could desire. regret to say that nc
" progress whatever has been made, since
N the adjournment Of Congress, towards the
y settlement OF any of the numerous claims Of
) our citizens against the Spanish govern
lie ment. Besides, the outrage. committed Oh
of our flag by the Spanish war.frigate Ferro
lie lana OH the high seas, off the coast OF Cuba
81 in March, 1899, by firing into the Ameri.
I. can mail steamer FL Dorado, and OBTAINING
a; and searching her, remains unacknow gee
j. and unredressed. The general tone ant
l. temper Of the Spanish government towards
r that of the United States are much 10 be
J.. regretted. Our present envoy extraordinary
r. and minister plenipotentiary to Madrid ha:
k asked 10 be recalled; and it is my purpose
ID to send out new minister 10 Spain, will
special Instructions On all questions pend
,e ing between the two governments, and wit!
D. a determination TO have them speedily ant
Iy amicabIy adjusted, if this be possible. l!
E. the meantime, whenever our minister urge.
the just claims Of our citizens on the no
lice OF the Spanish government, he is me
!. with the objection that Congress have new
)" er made the appropriation recommended b.
i President Polk in his annual message o
IS December, lS47, 'to be paid 10 the Spanisl
government Tor The purpose of distribution
a. among the claimants in the Amistad case.
i A similar recommendation was made by
:, my immediate predecessor in shis message
III OF December, 1853; and entirely concurriut
with both in the opinion that this indemnify
= is Justly due under the treaty with Spain o
y the 9th October, 1895. l earnestly rec
u oinmend such an appropriation TO the favor
" able consideration of CONGRESS-