Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1857-12-19

S9H advtaable to appoint ., distinguished
e1ooee Of Pennsylvania Envoy Extraordina-
~ nd Minister Plenipotentiary to proceed
% China, and to avail himself Of any oppor-
tuaities which may offer to effect changes
u the sxisting treaty favorable to American
commerce. He left the United States for
the place Of his destination in July last in
the war-steamer Minnesota. Special Min.
istsm 70 China have also been appointed by
the Governments OF Great Britain and
France. Whilst our Minister has been
instructed to occupy neutral position
In reference to the existing hostilities at
Canton, he will cordially cooperate with
the British and French ministers in all
peaceful measures to secure by treaty stipu-
lations those just concessions to commerce
which thu nations of the world have the
right to expect, and which China cannot
long be permitted to withhold. From as
surances received, entertain no doubt that
the three ministers will act in harmonious
concert to obtain similar commercial trea,
ties for each of the Powers they represent.
We cannot fail to feel deep interest in all
that concerns the welfare of the Independent
Republics on our own continent, as well
a. Of the Empire of Brazil.
Our difficulties with New Granada, which a
short time since bore SO threatening an as
poet are, it is to be hoped, ON a fair train of
settlement, in manner just and honorable
to bothparties.
The lsthmus Of Central America, inclu-
ding that of Panama, is the great Highway
between the Atlantic and Pacific, over which
large portion of the commerce of the world
Is destined to pass. The United States are
more deeply interested than any other ma
tion in preserving the freedom and security
Of all the communications across this 18th
mus. 1t is our duty therefore, TO take care
that they 'shall rot be interrupted either
BY invasions from our country, or by wars
between the Independent States of Central
America
Under our treaty with New Granada, M
the 19th of December, 1916, we are bound
to guarantee the neutrality of the Isthmus
Of Panama, through which the Panama
Railroad passes. ''as we'll as the rights of
sovereignty and property which New Gran
ads has and possesses over the said terri
tory" This obligation is founded upon
equivalents granted by the treaty to the
Government and people of the United States.
Under these circumstances, recommend
Ia Congress the passage of an act authori-
sing the President, in case of necessity, to
employ the land aud naval forces OF the
United States 70 carry into effect this gaar-
aatee IT neutrality and protection. l also
recommend similar legislation for the secu-
sity Of any other route across the Isthlnus in
which we may acquire : interest by treaty.
With the independent republics on this
continent it 10 both our duty and our intereet
tD cultivate the most friendly relations. We
can never feel Indifferent to their fate, and
mass always rejoice in their prosperity. =
Unfortunately, both fer them and tor us, our
example and advice have lost much of their
influence in consequence of the lawless expe-
ditions which have been fitted out again st
some OF them within the limits of our
country. Nothing is better calculated to
yetard our steady material progress, or i'm
pair our character as nation, than the toll
Grafton of such enterprises in violation of
the law Of nations.
It il ono of the first and highest duties OF
any independent State, in its relations with
The members Of the great family of ma
tions, to restrain its people from acts of hos
tile aggression against their citizens or sub
Jscts. The most eminent writers ON public
law do not hesitate to denounce such hostile
avts as robbery and murder.
Weak and feeble States, like those of Gen.
trail America, may not feel themselves able
to assert and vindicate their rights. The
case would be far different if expeditions
were set on foot within our own terrific
ries to make private war against a pow
erful nation. II snch expeditions were
fitted out from abroad against any portion
Of our own country, to burn down our cities,
murder aud plumber onr people, and usurp
our Government we should cali any power on
eath to the strictest account for not pre-
venting such enornities. =
Ever since the Administration of General
Washington, acts Of Congr S. have been in
force TO punish severely the crime of settin ;
IN foot military expedition within the
limits OF the United States to proceed from
theDce against nation or State with whom
we are at peace. The present neutrality act
Ut April ~, 1878, is but little more than a
collection OF pre-existing laws. Under this
act the President is empowered to employ
the land and naval forces and tie militia
:" for the purpose of preventing the carrying
OIL Vi any such expedition or enterprise from
the territories aud jurisdiction of the United
States" and the Collectors of Customs arc
authorized and required to detain any yes.
sci IN port when there is reason to believe
she Is about to take part in such lawless en-
terprises.
When it it was first rendered probabl,
that an attempt would be made to get ul
another unlawful expedition against Nicara.
qua, the Secretary Of State issued instruc-
tions 10 the Marshals and Distoict- tor
nsys, which were directed by the Secretaries
OF War and the Navy to the appropriate
Army and Navy officers, requiring them to
be vigilant, and to use their best exertion.
In carrying into effect the provisions of the
act Of 1878. Notwithstanding these pre-.
cautions, the expedition has escaped from
our shores. Such enterprises can do no pos
sible good to the country, but have already
inflicted much injury both on its inter ests
and its character.
They have prevented peaceful emigration
from tho United States to the States Of Cen.
trail America, which could not fail to prove
highly beneficial to all the parties concern
Cd. In pecuniary point of view alone,
our eitisens have sustained heavy losses from
the seisure and closing of the Transit Route
BY the San Juan between the two oceans.
The leader of the recent expedition was
arrested at New Orleans, but was discharg-
ed on giving bail for his appearance in the
insufficient sum of $1,000.
commend the subject to the serious at
tention Of Congress, believing that duty and
and our interest, as we'll as our national
character, requires that we should adopt
such measures as will be effectual inl re-
stricting our citizens from committing such
outrages.
regret TO inform you that the President
ofParaguay has refused to ratify the treaty
between the United States and that State az
amended by the Senate, the signature OF
which was mentioned in the Message of nv
predecessor to Congress at the opening Of
its session in December, 1858. The reasons
assigned for this refusal will appear in the
correspondence herewith submitted.