Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-04-30
PUBLISHED nAILY AND TRI-WEEKLY BY
EDGAR SNOWDKN.
ALEXANDRIA,:
FRIDAY MORNING. APRIL 80, 1858.

The intelligence of the ratification, by Nj
caragus, Of the treaty between that repuoilc
and the United States, opens an entirely new
relation between the two countries, If not in
deed between the U nited States and the
whole of Central America for it can scarce
~ be supposed that the other Central Ameri-
can republics will regard with unconcern 80
important movement on the part of Nicar-
aqua. Indeed the extract from the report of
the Attorney General, published yesterday,
Of New Granada, indicates very plainly that
at least some of those states foresee the
"course of empire" in that direction.
The treaty made with Nicaragua is the
most important step taken in our foreign
policy for many years. The treaty provides
for perpetual amity, freedom Of commerce, pri-
vileges of the most favored nations, equal
custom dues, full liberty Of intercomu,unica-
ton, mutual protection of each others citi'
zens, full religious liberty, right Of intermar-
riage, interchange ofconsuls and diplomatic
agents, &c. The special features of the treaty
will be found in the following clauses;
Art. IA. The republic of Nicaragua here
b7 grants to the United States, and to their
citizens and property, the right OF transit
between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans,
through the territories Of that Republic 90
any route of communication, natural or arti'
fetal, whether by land or by water, which
NAV now or hereafter exist, or be construc-
ted under the authority Of Nicaragua, to be
used and enjoyed in the same manner and
upon equal terms by both republics and their
respective citizens, tho Republic of Nicara-
qua, however, reserVing it's right OF soVer-
eighty over the same.
Art. Is. The United States hereby agree
to extend their protection to all such routes OF
communication as aforesaid, and to guarantee
the neutrality of the same. They also agree
to employ their Influence with other nations
to induce them TO guarantee such neutrality
and protection.
And the republic of Nicaragua on its part
undertakes to establish two free porte, one at
each of the extremities Of the communications
aforesaid, on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
At these ports no tonnage or other duties
shall be i'm posed or levied by the government
of Nicaragua on the vessels of the United
States, or on any effects or merchandise be-
longing to citizens or subjects of the United
States. or upon the vessels or effects of any
other country intended bona fde for transit
across the said routes OF communication and
not for consumption within the republic OF
Nicaragua. The United States shall also be
at liberty to carry troops aod munitions OF
war in their own vessels or otherwise. t. either
of the said free ports, and shall be entitled
to their conveyance between them without
obstruction by the authorities OF Nicaragua,
and without any charges of tolls whatever for
the Transportation over either OF said routes
of comm unication. And no higher or 9th
er charges or tolls shall be imposed on the
CONVEYANCE or transit of persons aud property
of citizens or subjects Of the United States, or
OF any other country, across the said routes OF
communication than are or may be imposed
on the persona and property OF citizens OF
Nicaragua. Aud the republic Of Nicaragua
recognizes the right OF the Postmaster Gene'
raj of the United States to enter into con-
tracts with any individuals or companies TO
transport the mails of the United States
along the said routes Of communication, or
along any other routes across the lsihmus,
in it's discretion, in closed bags the contents
of which may not be intended for dstribu-
ton within the said republic, free from the
imposition of all taxes or duties by the gov
ernment of Nicaragua, but this liberty Is
not to be construed 80 as to permit such IT,
dividuals or companies, by virtue OF this right
to transport the mails, to carry also passen-
gers or freight.
ART. l6. The republic Of Nicaragua
agrees that, should it become necessary at
any time to employ military force tor the
security and protection Of persons and prop
erty passing over any of the routes atore
said. it will employ the requisite force ior
that purpoee; but upon failure to do this, tor
any cause whatever, the government OF the
United States may, after notice to the gov
ernment of Nicaragua, or to the Minister
thereof in the United States, employ sucn
force. for this and for DO other purpose; ana
when the necessity ceases. such force sna''
lie Immediately Withdrawn.
From the exchange of ratifcations OF this
treaty, the New York Commercial thinks q
bright future will dawn upon Nicaragua
The treaty will be as beneficial to each as
it is honorable to both countries. The uni
ted States have asked nothing that 1t might
not reasonably have demanded from the
most powerful nation, and Nicaragua has
made no concession that can initiate against
berinde peadence, while she has made grace
full recognition of the great advantages she
can derive from closer union and alliance
with us. Our government has gained much
nv the cession to the United States OF the
trsnsit route; with full permission to protect
her citizens and their property upon that
route. and the entire freedom OF the port at
each extremity of the line. 10 accepting
that trust the United States volunteers her
pledge to Nicaragua and the world, that sne
holds this privilege only as trustee, toa.
she will make no exclusive use oil IT, Dut lnas
it shall be open to all nations. -,
But Nicaragua certainly will not pront
less by the ratification of this treaty than the
United States will do. Hencefortb tlllouster-
ism, from whatever quarter, will be at az
end. The motives for it, the temptations TO
il, will have ceased, as also will the proVoca'
tions to internal quarrels and dissenslons.
The treaty was not unanimously ratified
by the Nicaraguau Assembly, and possibly
would not have been ratified had not advan-
tage been taken of the absence of some of its