Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-05-19
Ceutral America.

Central America.
Since the acquisition and settlement of Cali
fornia by the United States, Central America,
bring on the most convenient route to the Pa
cifc coast OF our continent, has legitimately &C.
cupied large share of public attention In this
country. 1t became q matter of the first impor-
lance with our Government and people TO pre-
vent the Central America States, feeble and dis
tracted by internal dissension, as they are, from
falling into the hands or under the controi OF
foreign or hostile nation. Great Britain was
the nation whose interference was chleny aP'
pretended, and during the brief administrator
of President Taylor, the Secretary OF State, Mr..
Clayton, entered into treaty with the British
Minister, Sir Henry Bulwer--hence called the
Clayton-Bulwer treaty-which was supposed
to have accomplished the desired object Both
Governments, according to our Interpretation OF
the instrument, bound themselves not to occupy,
or colonize, or hold dominion in any part OF
Central America. Mr.. Clayton, subsequently,
while United States Senator from Delaware,
declared that he understood the treaay as entire
ly mutual-binding both parties--and that ne
never would have entered into it on any other
terms. Great Britain, however, has always pre-
tended to eonstrue the treaty differently. She
has never relinqushed her possessions in Gen.
trail America, but to this day occupies and holds
dominion over large portion of that country,
and has even organized Few colony, that OF
the BAY Islands. After several years Of negotl-
alton, which has resulted in no satisfactory solu-
ton of the matter in controversy, President
Buchanan, in his annual message, recommended
that the treaty should be annulled, as provided
for in the instrument, upon notice OF SIX
months. The proposal met with general &C
quiescence in this country.
A few weeks ago, Mr.. Clingman, of North
Carolina, introduced resolution in the House
of Representatives, proposing to give the notice
alluded to, and it was naturally supposed that
the measure, originally suggested by the Presi-
dent, was in pursuance of his views and would
receive his approval. But for some reasons not
fully explained, the Administration has arrayed
itself against the proposition. The resolution
was debated in the House on the 18th inst, and
was vigorously opposed by Mr. Sickles, of New
yoek, formerly associated with Mr.. Buchanan,
as Secretary of the American Legation at Lon
don, and supposed to possess his confidence
Mr.. S. said if this course were pursued Great
Britain would not consent to the abrogation, and
the notice would amount to declaration OF
war. Lord Palmerston, he also said, had retired
from office, and the British Ministry now IN
power was believed to be favorable to an homo
rable and peacesble adjustment. The whole
matter, therefore, might be in process of ar
rangement by negotiation.
In the mean time our Secretary ofState, Gen.
Cass, has. concluded a treaty with Nicaragua,
which is called the Glass; rissarri treaty. This
treaty has been ratified by Nicaragua, bnt not
by our Government as yet, or at least the fact
has not been diyulgsd. 1t grants to the United
States the right of transit between the Atlantic
and Pacific oceans, through the territories OF the
Republic, upon equal terms with the citizens Of
Nicaragua. The United States agree to extend
their protection to all the routes of communica-
ton, and to guaranty the neutrality OF the same
Nicaragua, moreover, agrees to employ military
force, if necessary, for the security and protec
ton of persons and property passing over any
OF the routes but upon its failure to do this, the
United States may, after giving notice, employ
such force, for this and no other purpose.
This treaty is objected to by many persons in
the United States on the ground of its virtual &C
QUESTION of foreign territory by us and also for its
supposed conflict with the Clayton-Bulwer trea'
ty, which has not yet been abrogated. 1t is re-
ported, however, that the British Government
has expressed the opinion that the two treaties
do not conflict in any particular, and that the
French Minister at Washington has officially In
formed our Government that the Emperor find:
nothing in the Glass; Yrissarri treaty inimical tc
the interests of France and these facts, it sup
posed, have something to do with the lndiffer'
ence of the President to the immediate abroga'
ton of the Clayton-Bulwer treaty.
Another treaty of the same tenor generally as
the Nicaraguan, called the Csss-Herran treaty
has been concluded between the United State;
Secretary of State and the Minister OF Ne"
Granada. Late adyioes from Bogota state thai
the treaty had been adopted by the Senate O.
New Granada with important notifications
but it was believed that when the two hous
ss met in Convention, as is customary there upor
disagreement, majority of votes would pass
the treaty entire and reject the Senate's amend
ments.