Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1858-01-15
Case of Com. Paulding.

Case of Com. Paulding.
The Washington Union contains the annexed article
in regard to Commodore Pauldings arrest of Gen.
Walker and his men, and sending them home prison.
ers. We lay it before readers because it doubtless
expresses the views of the Executive and affords at the
present time information of much interest to the country
The article commences thus
There can be little doubt think of the policy which
the Administration will pursue in regard to the recent
occurrence in Central America. The annual message
defined the Presidents position the whole subject of
Central American affairs freely and clearly and its
declarations received emphatic and universal an en-
dorsement from the country that republication of the
paragraphs of the message would seem all that was ne
cesary to define the policy of the administration and to
express the sentiments of the people of the Union on this
subject - -.. . -...--.- ......
The Union here quotes that portion of the Presidents
message alluded to- and proceeds as follows ::
Declarations like these need interpretation They
suit the present exgency of affairs as well as they did
those which existed at the time they written Fill
clustering expeditions earnestly deprecated in the
general and in the particular and the fowns of the
country invoked upon them. They are reprobated
as clearly unlawful, wrong inrinscally and dsgracefu
to the character of the country They deplored
impeding the Administration in its legitimate prosecu-
ton OF our interests in Central America bringing
disaster to the very object their conductors profess to
have in view as tending to prejudice American inter
ess and blast American prospects in those regions ir-
retrievably and hopelessly.
The messageXrepresented the Administration as seek
ing, successfully by treaty stpuations and amicabe,
honorable, aud legitimate MEANS to obtain and secure
rights of transit commerce. and peaceful enterprise for
our people in several portions of the isthmus. One
treaty of the sort is already in existence with New
Granada If newspaper rumor is to be credited anoth-
er IS progress ii 1t has not been already consumated
with the Government of Nicaragua in regard to the
very transit route of which Walker was preparing to
take possession. In all probability still other efforts in
the same direction are in progress of contemplation
that citizens not only likely to be protected from
loss of violence in prosecuting their lawful
along the transit routes of Central America but the
routes themselves likely to be consecrated and pre-
served to the commerce of all nations and the benefit of
the world. 1t is quite clear think that the break
ing up of the Walker expedition was the very result
contemplated by the previous instructions of the Gov
ernment however much the mode and manner of the in
terrupton may have been in conflict with either Capt
Pauldngs instructions with the strict rules of inter-
national law 1t is not probable that these instructions
contemplated the landing of the forces of the United
States upon the soil of Nicaragua but it is not pro-
babe either that the Government of Nicaragua will
complain of the aggression.
1t is not purpose to inquire into this part of
the transaction to consider what the Admin
raton may think it right to pursue towards Capt Paul
ding with reference to the security Of govern
ment against unauthorized acts on the part of Off
GERS abroad These subjects will be appropriately dealt
WITH have doubt, in due time, and with just
gard to all the circumstances of the Our purpose
now is more especially to point out to readers that
nothing whatever has occurred which ought to change
tration, they explained and enforced in the
al message. The country will still recognize and appre
ciate the grevous injury which awless expeditions like
that of aker must tend to nct upon all our natlon'
al interests commercial and POLITICAL in Central Ameri-
ca and the popular Judgment will doubtless also deter
mae for itself what subtantal advantage may nure to
our national character and LAWFUL objects In that quar-
ter from Capt. Paudings recent act That officer ac-
knowedges that he assumed grave responsibility in ta
king the step he did and throws himself upon the Ad
mnisraton Congress- and the country for his ustfca-
ton. 1t is bold and frank appeal and will be met
have no doubt, in proper spirit
In the mean time hope that those of country
men who direct their attention to the foreign policy of
the United States will not forget that this policy
neither be wise successful unless it is in conformity
with justice and right and in harmony with the estab
shed principles of international law. The law of
nations which exists for other countries exists also for
our owr, and, until prepared to submit to ag
gresslons ourselves ought not to encourage aggres
siOns upon Others
We can well understand the regret which exists in
many portions of the Union, that the of Cen
tral America have not been fully developed, and
that the transit routes which connect the two
should be subject to many difficulties and Interrupt
tlons but this development is not to be secured by
the continuance of illegal expeditions against govern
mens with whom at peace and the safety of the
transit routes not to be accomplished by making them
the scenes of violence and the prizes of successful war
Fl The peaceful policy of the President as defined in his
message to Congress- besides being the only policy
this subject which is consistent with the just rights of
our neghbors is the only policy verilly believe,
der which anything valuable be accomplished on
this continent for America interests
We may fairly appeal, therefore, to every good citizen
to give 1t his cordial support; and may do the
more earnestly at this time when the condition of affairs
Kansas and Utah reminds daily of the great value
of legal restraints and the great danger Of weakening
any of those bonds by which alone either individual or
nation can live in peace and harmony together. We
give undue place in esteem to these restraints
but what nation, State, society exist without
them Neither do we underestimate that spirit of pro-
gress which is often invoked by the apo0gist for
Walker. But we remember that the mission of our Re
public is to teach the great lesson of sefgovernmen
and that this lesson hardly to be taught by those whose
conduct is opposed to law and in conflict with justice.
Our great, high duty Gt has been well said is
to show, in example that the spirit of free gov
ernmest is spirit of health well spirit of power
that its bengnty great its strength that its
efficiency TO individual rights social relations and
moral order is equal to the irresistible force with which
it prosrates Principalties and Powers" Does any
believe that this lesson be taught by Walker and
d his followers?
Congress-January 6, 1858.
Il SENATE-Mr. Hunter and Mr.. Toombs both asked
to be excused from service the select committee ap
pointed yesterday to consider the subject of French
spoiations but the Senate did not think proper to
grant their request The resolutions introduced the
10th ult by Mr. Crttenden in relation to increase
of the duties imported goods and system of home
l, valuation were taken up; and after few remarks
thereon by Mr. G. and Others On motion by Mr. Clay
they ordered to lie the table The bill to detach
It Selma, Alabama from the collection district of New
Orleans and make it port of delivery in the collection
district Of Mobile, considered and passed. Mr.
Mallory introduced joint resolution to extend the
time for the restoration of retired dropped naval
officers in certain to the 18th day of Ap 1893
II Il fn-00H 0HHOv