The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-09-30
Our R.Ia,ios with C.atr.l america.

Our Relations with Csotrai America.
The correspondence that has lately passed
between cur government ard the representatives
a. Washington of the several Central American
States, the particulars OF which we have recently
given to the public, eviDces tbat our diplomatic
relations with those republics are not of the besS
character, and that questions pertinent not only
to ourselves but to the commerce OF the whole
world are involved.
In the contest which began 10 the domestic
broils of Nicaragua, to participation in which
foreign private aid was invited and freely given,
and which became ultimately contest between
the ether States of Central America and the
dominant government of Nicaragus, there has
been forgetiulness of the laws of war and o,
duty towards friendly nation. which nsces
sar:ly involves grave consequences The fact
that Walker was an American citizen, and that
other American citizecs, a6luring their nation
atty, JOINED with him in assisting one of the
parties to the civil war raging in that country,
and ultimately in establishing in conjunction
with DatiVe party, government afforded no
warrant for an irdiscrimiuate warfare against
those of our countrymen who we're in that region
aud who did not participate in the domestic ois-
sersioDs
Yet the Central American allies, in their fierce
snimosity against the partisans of Walker, have
not hesitated to include all who claimed the name
of Ans ricsn in their destructive ve1geance.
American citizens residing peacefully ut Virgin
Boy and San Juan del Sur have been despoiied
of their property; Others residing in Granada, re-
cosnized as such, in the eDjoym of their law
tul pursuits, and even ministers of the Gospel,
have been seized and shot while resting under the
belief that as noncombatapts they would be re-
spected. And moreover, the property OF Ameri-
cans residing here has been seized without remu-
peration of any kind, aud no step made towards
seeking its rightful owners. The steamboats,,
wagons, roads, etorehouses and utensils Of the
Transit route are American property without
shadow of doubt, aud yet the government of
Costa Rica offers them for sale la the market and
it has been alleged by Mr Anderson that the
President Of the republic is private partner in
the speculation.
In this position of affairs the representatives OF
these States appeal to our government to
despatch vessels Of war TO defend their coast
against an anticipated return or Walker.
The reply OF General Case very properly ADD
Justly intimates to them the We've Of this gov
eminent in relation to past outrsges upon our
citizens, for which those governments seem to en-
terrain no thought of stonement, and takes, more
over, TIE high ground that this government eau
not look unconcernedly upon tue closing of.
highway which should BE- open to the whole
world. That the administration will do every
tb,ng 1t can properly do to prevent any Infringe
ment OF our duties towards orner nations is be-
yond doubt, and for this it needed no stimulus
from the Central American representatives, Blu
that /. will 40 further than this, and by sending
ships o. ~ar to those sh1rcs, commit what would
be an Indirect act Of intervention in their doues-
rio difficulties no one can suppose. Those gov.
ernments NUT review their past conduct toward
our citizens, and evince n disposition 70 maintain
good relations with US, and with the commerce OF
the world Ia its transit across the American 18TH.
mus before they can become entitled TO the sym
patby and respect OF civilized Dat,ons-
Tn. p,. .uci.I fxs . uIssop a.d the New YORK.