The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-12-12
Central American Affairs In Engiard-New
Mode OF Diplomacy.


The novelty Of British Minister ostensibly
appointed to Central America taking q house
at Washington and calmly settling down there
for the winter. at time when thateoyernment
il 30 ably represented near our own has caused
good deal of remark and not little Of conjec-
ture az to what such singular course might
mean.
II seems, however. that r a new mode OF
diplomacy with this country which my Lord
Palmerston has adopted. Not that IL is new
mode with him. for his past history in the con-
duct Of British foreign affairs gives abundant
proof Of his readiness to resort to what may be
called the commerce of diplomacy in order to
carry out his purposes II was In something Of
this way that the famous Greek claim was
managed few years since: and the same prae-
tice took Chevalier Wikod into the shades of
Broadlands and fitted him out for visit to
Louis Napoleon. Palmerston always has work
TO be done that cannot be ~ well entrusted 10 the
regular Minister. and 30 he resorts TO little
polite and good natured by-play. consults the
shrewd men on Change for the selection Of a
proper person, and then sends him off with a
true mission and q feigned one.
The fact Is that Palmerston Is well aware
that Mr.. Buchanan had little love for the 1eat
Clayton-Bulwer mistake; that he considered il
not only an unwise step in our policy, but
really clog upon us, and an obstacle in our
path: and that he would not hesitate to say 20
TO Congress, and probably recommend its entire
abrogation. This did not al all suit the pur-
poses Of my Lord Palmerston, for II would over
turn all his nice little schemes about the dom.
Mons Of his pet King George Of Mosquita the
English negro filibusters Of Ruatan. and the
whole system Of spontaneous settlement az
Central America. as Lord Clarendon softly
terms it. Perhaps something might he done by
little soft talk with "old Buck" and great
deal more by a system Of good dinners and
pleasant parties In Washington, after the man
ner Of Clarendon's friend. the Chevalier Webb.
Immense grants Of land TO railroad spectators,
job work with Santa Anna, and The Mexican in
demnity and many other such things, had been
got through Congress by iudicicus system of
honeyfugglng; and why should not thing be
stopped from going through the same means?
But Lord Napier could not very well under
take this sort Of business. He could not compro-
misc his position by elbowing railroad specula-
tors book obbcrs, land sharpers and others In the
lobby Of Congress; nor could he have aplate or
two extra on bis table daily for friendly mem
Der Of either house. Such course would be
open to suspicion, and might be talked about
Somebody therefore must be found who could
dine and wine the influential members Of the
lobby chat in pleasant gentlemsnly way with
Congressman, and do the genteel small talk
with the ladies. from other reasons than that of
having particularly dull axe TO grind Pal
merston was puzzled to find one who could do
all this, and at the same time give plausible
reason for il: and 80 he consulted the Yankee
bankers in London, who have a particularly
sharp eye for the main chance. They knew
just the man; married in America, wife has
plenty Of relations, and circle Of friends large
enough 10 take in Congress, lobby and all; be-