Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1857-12-18

to China and avail himself . Of any op
,portunities which may offer 70 effect q
change in thc existing treaty favorable C
American commerce. lie lcftihc United
Statos for tho place OF his destination in Jo-
ly last in tho war steamer "Minncsola." -
Special ministers to China have also been
appointed by The governments Of Great
Britain and France. .4g.s sf.t a.,i
Whilst our munster has been instructed
70 occupyia neutral position in reference tc
the existing hostilitics at Canton, ho viii
cordially cooperate with the British and
French ministers in all peaceful measures tc
secure, by treaty stipulatipns, these Just con
cessions TO commerce which tho nations Of
the world have q rightto expect, and which
China cannot long he permitted to with
hold. From assurances received Tentertain
no doubt that the three ministers williaetin
harmonious concert to obtain similar com
'mercial treaties for each of the powers they
represent. Isl
We cannot fail to feel a deep interest in
all that concerns tho welfare Of the indie
pendent republics Of our own continent, rs
well as Of tho empire Of Brazil.
OUT ulluCulAlfS Will 1NOM NUctstllt, Which
"a short time since boro so threatening an
aspect are, It's to be hoped, in fair train
of settlement in manner just and honora-
bic to all parties.
The Isthmus of Central America, includ-
ing that of Panama, is the great highway
between the Atlantica and Pacific, over which
large portion Of tho commerce of the
world j. destined to pass. The United
States are more deeply interested than any
other nation in preserving tho freedom and
security of all the communications across
this IsthmuS Gtis our duty, therefore to
take care that they shall not be interrupted
either by invasion from our own country or
by wars between the Independent states of
Central America, Under our treaty with
New Granada, of the 18th of December,
1S4C, we are bound to guaranty tho neu-
trality of the Isthmus of Panama, through
which the Panama railroad passes, 'as well
as tho rights of sovereignty and property
which New Granaaa- has and possesses over
said territory" This obligation is founded
upon equivalents granted by the treaty to
tho government and people of tho United
States.
Under these circumstances, recommend
10 Congress the passage of an act authoriz-
ing the President in case of necessity, to
employ the land and naval forces of tho
United States to carry into effect this guar
<antco of neutrality and protection. also
recommend similar legislation for the secu-
rity Of any other route across the Isthmus
in which we may acquire an interest by
treaty.
With the independent republics on this
continent it is both our duty and our inter
cat TO cultivate the most friendly relations.
We can never feel Indifferent to their fate,
and must always rejoice in their prosperity.
Unfortunately, both for them and for us,
our example and advice have lost much Of
their influence in consequence of the lawless
expeditions which have been fitted out
against some Of them within the limits of
our country. Nothing Is better calculated
to retard our steady material progress, or
impair our character as nation, than tho
federation Of such enterprises in violation of
the law of nations.
1t is one of tho first and highest duties
of any independent State, in its relations
with the members of the great family Of
nations, to restrain its people from acts Of
hostile aggression against their citizens
or subjects. Tho most eminent writ
ers on public law do not hesitate to de-
nounce such hostile acts as robbery and
murder
Weak and feeble States like those OF
Central America, may not feel themselves
able to assert and vindicato their rights
The case would be far different if expedi.
tlons were set on foot within our own terri
tories to make private war against power.
ful nation. If such expeditions were fitted
ont from abroad against any portion of our
own country, to barn down our cities, mur-
der and plunder our people, and usurp our
government, we should call any power or
earth to the strictcst account for not prevent
ing such enormities. at
Ever since the administration Of Genera
Washington, acts of Congress have been in
force to punish severely tho crime of setting
on foot a military expedition within tht
limits ofthe United States, to proceed from
thence. against nation or state with
whom we are at pence. The present neu
trality act of April goth, le4s,, is but little
moro than collection Of pre-existing laws
Under this act the President is empowered
TO employ the land and naval forces and
tho militia "for the purpose Of carrying or
any such expedition or enterprise from the
territories and jurisdiction Of the United
States and the collectors of customs arc
authorized and required to dciain any YES
sci in port when there is reason to believe
she is about to take part in such lawles'
enterprises.
= When it was first rendered probable thai
an attempt would be made TO get MP an
other unlawful expedition against Nicara
qua, the S.eretary OF State issued instruc
tions to the inarshals and district attorneys
which were directed by the Secretaries o
War and the Navy to the appropriate arm,
and navy officers, requiring them to be Wig
ilant, and 10 use their best exertions in ear
rying into effect the provisions of the act o
1873 notwithstanding those precautions
tho expedition has escaped from ourshores
Epeh.enteFprises can do no possible good Z
the country bnt'haye already inflicted niue
injury both onitsinterests;and its character
+ Theyshasn pcceniaii peaceful emigratio
ffomthe United States TO tho States Z
Central America, which could not fail :
provo highly beneficial 10 all parties cor
ecFned. IDa prcuniary pniut Of view alen'