Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-05-05
OUR FOREIGN poLICY-cUBA,c CHINA, NEW

|
GRANADA AND NICARAGUA.
In the history OF other nations there are few suc
Instances Of nasnaumity and moral dignity, as az
to he found in the auna!s OF the foreign policy OF Ii
United Sfales since our territorial extension, multi
plica,ion of commercial interests, and political as
cenGancY have rendered this governln=nt III all II
acs, en- object Of grave Importance to the principe
powers OF the world. 4 punc"ud obaervanca
| the comfy of nations nj. occasions, whether W
nre negotiating treaty for mutual beneit, or dc
maGt;ng reparation for an injury, or apology for
| insult, is characteristic of our country. Weak o
strong, warlke or pacific, the nations with which W
have intercourse, are all treated with the same splr
OF frankness generosity and ernobing dsdain OF al
tilce and diplomatic dup!icity. But while the polio
OF our government teaches concession when we ar
wrong, itaso enio-ces the demands Of rights up
on every people, whether they are Capable to cop
with us in arms or not-whether Greyiown is TO b.
bombarded or the British lion ia to be encountered
There is no feature phase OF American politics NOR
gorously illustrative of our national character ant
the triumphant truth of our principles and nstitu
Of our foreign policy. CrBA is within an arms reach
winch ndIurS would sesl1l u
have assigned it TO Care; aud under The oppression
aud protection Of apower TOO feeble for the success
ful resistance of mighty nation attempting to wres
that feir and fertile island from its grasp. Jealous
Old Spain refuses to listen to terms Of purchase
The Importance OF lis possession by The United States
is universally acknowledged by our people; it's re
sources abused, ard it, ctz:ns subjected to The
l3yg p. i,s
antagonisrc 10 our Aud yet such ia the conser
vative character Of the government and people Of
this country, that even invaders OF that down.rod
den island from our midst, Tor the purpose of break
ing the yoke of Spanish oppression, have never been
encouraged by their own government, which. in one
| Instance even gnominousy denied them the rights
OF culprits.
While Great Britain is employing fire and sword
to clear the pathway aud light the march of civ.
| iization and commerce in China, the United
States. with equal interests involved, com
m,sioDed minister of peace for the superv
sion of our rights Thus while it is illustrated in one
instance, that this Government ia indsposed to the
exercise of its power in the acquisition of terrtor,
for the sakc Of self GsErandizenent and in another
that its policy is neither to enter into "entangng al
llances" nor TO wage war upon an ignorant and i'm
potent people for the urtherance of is own interests
there is also stl another of recent occurrence, ant
now in process OF determination either for peace
war, which adds evidence 10 that which already be
speaks the administration of Mr.. Buchanan tru
representative of our national character and policy
We alude to the difficulty with New Granada. 1t vii
be rrnelnber-t that abou: twelve months ago ther
was riot NJ Panama, which resulted in the loss Q
the lives OF sYsne American citizens, and also the de
struc:on of Their property, amounting IN VALUE, t
| a very considerable sum. \ demand of reparatiol
was made by our Gcv"-rmert upon that OF New
| Granada. Such terGs proposed Us involved oG
ec.s absolutely essential 10 american trade and rave
in that REGION, and which would, in no wise iniure tn
interests vf New Granada. The prop ,sition for re
parsom Tor the loss OF the lives and property ci
,izens NOT only refused but claim WAS preterfe
against, this government Tor damages to the propert.
| o; citizens of tha; country. The special commits
soper MI. Morse. hasL4frU'a to h4.! United. Sasss
an. il il intimated that Mr.. Bcs!in, our Mnoter q
Bogota will probably soon Initiate his example new
administration has, however hcsn I'auguraed in New
| Granada, and the latest intelligence from Mr.. Bow
lin indicates belief on his part. that the difficult,
will be more librraIy considered, and soon adjusted
! (. ia 10 be hoped that suciI viii he The case. Ih'
freedom Of the transit route across the isthnus is al
most indispensable To our people, mud should ne CD
tanned a, every hazard Our government makes N
unreasonable Demands Gad that they vii! be eniorcst
! pesceably, If possible, if not, by war; no MAJ
can doubt, who understands and appreciate
the administration nov presiding over the at
| fairs of this nation. At Aspinwall and Panama
the "r.h arm Of the republic is already represent
ed by seyera! formidable men.Oi war. A propositlo
! made in the Congress of New Granada, for IN az
rrrpristion of FIVE hundred thousand dollars for til
defence ol the country, In anticipation of war wit
the United States, was warmly supported. Shoal
the new administration endorse the action of It's pre-
dccessor in refusing to accede TO the proposals {
our government, war must inevitably ensus.
Weare inclined TO the opinion, that tho interest
of This co;,r.ry woulI be more materially advance
BY an adjustment Of The difficulty through the agenc
Of batteries and broadsidrs, than BY any amlcabi
conclusion of diplomatic negotiations. But peace
our policy, and the administration will doubtless RI
sort to arms Only after c1haurting every honor"Di
effort to effect pacific repgrsliou OF the losses
our citizens and security OF our rights ter The II
ture.
While Walker, in his almost superhuman struggle
in Nicaragua has had the ympathies OF tens OF thor
sands of his feow.countrYmen enlisted IN lila cHus
and while his conquest OF the allies arrayed again
him in Central America would probably pave I'd
way for the carly addition of magnificent empire
the United States, our government has heln aio'
from the contest, in pursuance Of its proper pol
cv and in conformity to the high moral standard
our institutions. The Government OF the lutte
States ncher oppresses the weak nor saenh's 'e III
insults of the strong.