Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-12-18
WHOLE NUMBER 103.

ening an aspect, are, it is TO be hoped, in
a fair train OF settlement in manner
just and honorable to both parties.
The isthmus Of Central America, in
Guiding that OF Panama, is the great
highway between the Atlantic and Pa
ci6c, over which large portion OF the
commerce Of the world is destined to
pass. The United States are more deep
ly interested than any other nation in
preserving the freedom and security of
all lhe communications across this 18TH
mus. Ii is our duty, therefore, TO take
care that they shall not be interrupted
either by ineasions from our own coun-
try or by wars between the independent
States OF Central America. Under our
treaty with New Granada Of the 18th
December, lS45, we are bound TO guar
anty the neutrality of the isthmus Of Pa
mama, through which the Panama rail-
road passes, "as well as the rights of
sovereignty and property which New
Granada has and possesses over the said
Territory" This obligation is founded
upon equivalents granted by tie treaty to
the government and people of the United
States.
Under these circumstances l RECON-
mended to Congress the passage OF an
act authorizing the President, in case of
necessity, to employ the land and naval
forces Of the United States TO carry into
effect this guaranty OF neutrality and
protection. also recommended similar
Legislation for the safety of any other
route across the Isihmus in which we may
acquire an interest by treaty.
With the independent republics on this
continent it is both our duty and our in
terest to cultivate the most friendly rela-
tions. 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 conse-
quence of the lawless expeditions which
have been fitted out against some OF them
within the limits of our country. Moths
ing is better calculated to retard our
steady material progrt IS, or impair our
character as a nation, than the federation
of such enterprises in violation OF the law
of nations.
| Ii is one of the first and highest duties
of any independent State, in its relations
with the members of the family Of nations,
to restrain IFS people from acts of hostile
aggression against their citizens or sub
lects. The most eminent writers on pubs
lie law do not hesitate to denounce such
hostile acts as robbery and murder.
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 expe-
diiions were set on foot within our own
territories to make private war against
A.. powerful nation. If such expeditions
were fitted out from abroad against any
. portion of our own country, 10 burn down
our cities, murder and plunder our peo-
Pile, and usurp our government, we should
call any power on earth to the strietest
account ior not preventing such enormi-
ties.
: Ever since the administration of Gen.
: Washington, acts Of Congress have been
r in force to punish severely the crime Of
i setting on foot military expedition witll<
E in the limits Of the United States 10 pro-
+ ceed from thence against nation or State
d with whom We are at peace. The pres
z ent neutrality act of April 20, 1918, is
: but little more than a collection Of pre-
. existing laws. Under this act the Presi-
i dent is empowered TO employ the land
d and naval forces and the militia for the
5 purpose Of preventing the carrying on of
= any such expedition or enterprise from
e the territories and jurisdiction Of the Un.
f tied States" and tue collectors OF Gus
IS toms are authorized and required to de-
e tain any vessel in port when there is rea-
h son to believe she Is about to take part il
G, such lawiess enterprises.
r When it was FIRST rendered probabl,
;r that an attempt would be made 10 get uI
sc another unlawful expedition against Me
a aragua. the Secretary Of Stale issued in
rs struclions to the marshals and district al
of torneys, which were directed by tire Sec
as retaries of War and the Navy 20 ihe ap
le propriaie army and navy officers, requir
81 ing them TO be vigilant, aud to use thei
n best exeriions in carrying INTO effect th
te provisions Of the act of 1878. Noiwith
standing these precautions, the expedi
Fe dition has escaped from our shores. Sucl
n enterprises can do no good 70 tire eoun
1y try, but have already inflicted much in
IL jury both on lie interests and lis charaC
all ter. They have prevented peaceful EN-
~ igration from the United States TO th
ng States Of Central America, which coul
e. not fail to prove beneficial 70 all the pai
ce ties concerned. 10 a peeuniary point Z
ar view alone our citizens have sustaine
srs heavy losses from the seizure and elo'
by ing Of the transit route by the San Jua
nd between the two oceans.
The leader Of the recent expedition
IN was arrested at New Orleans, bat va
10 discharged on giving bail for bis appeal
al anee in the insufficient sum Of two thOl
ith sand dollars.
ali / commend the whole subject 10 the 81
~ rious attention Of Congress, believing .hi
to our duty and our interest. a. well as og
he national character, require that We shou
ch adopt such measures a. viii be eHeeiui
tn 10 restraining our citizens from eommi