Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-05-08
49,
CENTRAL, AMERICA

The expansion OF the area of the United States, In
accordance with the laws Of nature, which direct the
destiny of free institutions, is confined 10 no partica
lar course. Liberty, like light radiates towards the
North and South, and East and West But it extends
easily in that direction to which the character
of the country the climate and the people mostly in
vite it. Central America s the point, which, perhaps,
above all others, except Mexico and Cuba, now pre-.
sents corgenial attractions to the institutions Of this
country. And for that reason, not less than CONNER
cal considerations incident 20 its geographical loca-
tion that portion Of this continent is observed with
solicous interest by our people. Under the inade-
quate and uncertain systems of government now
existing there, it is far from being chimeri-
cal TO suppose that at no very distant day, such
lodgment OF our adventurous citizens and infusion of
the spirit our political system will be established and
engrsfed upon some one or NOR Of those States, as
to eventually cause the introduction of rational re-
publcenism, and, it may be, addition 10 our terri
tory. But if the British government is permitted to
exercise dominion or even influence over any consi-
dershla portion of Central America, there is little
probability that the advantages belonging by nature
to the United States, which likely to ultimately
arise to US from that quarter of the continent, will be
soon or so fully enjoyed by this country.
The Clayton. Bulwer treaty operated as no Obstacle
10 the movements of Great Britain. And the Dallas
Clarendon treaty, as amended and modified by the
Senate, it was hoped would be ratified by England,
and that thus all existing questions of disagreement
between the Two nations would be brought TO ter,
minstion satisfactory to both countries.
| This government no doubt, confidently anticipated
it's acceptance and thers is every reason TO believe
that the people Of Great Britain also coniem-
plated an unaffected aequiesceuce in the terms Of the
treaty.
But the news by the "Afrca" fixes the fact, that
1t has been rejected So that the matter stands, per-
haps farther from adjustment than at the commence.
ment OF the controversy. Whether it is the purpose
of Palmerson to attempt to intercept the institutions
of the eholdng States OF this Conederacy or "ha'
ther it is his expectation TO effect such diplomatic
compromise with this country, as will enable Eng
land to extend her empire upon this continent It IL
difficult TO determine. II is fortunate for the United
States, that We have an administration now at the
head of affairs emDently adapted in every respect to
the management of our foreign as we'll as domestic
intereets-lnen of experience, ability and norve. II
is highly advisable that new negotiations should be
begun between the two nations a. soon as II is of
cially ascertained, exactly upon what grounds the
Dallas Clarendon treaty has been rejected, and in
what spirit the Objectionable feature or features may
have been received.
The British Government should be emphatlcally
Informed Of the decisive policy Of this country With
reference to Central America. And we have little
doubt that we shall be enabled to effect an understand
ing which will be satisfactory to both. little plain
talk on the subject might prove benehcisl just now.
Let England know that we demand what We have al
ready respectfully asked her to concede, and her peo
pye will respond satisfactorily to us.