Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-12-17

The papers herewith communicates iiO'A
the State Department. The prInclpai
objection seems to have been TO the pro-
vision authorizing the Unitep States to
employ force to keep the route open, in
case Nicaragua should fail to perform
her duty in this respect. From the iee-
bleness of that republic, its frequent
changes of government, and its constant
internal discussions, this had become
most important stipulation, and one es-
sentially necessary not only for the Sc
curity Of the route, but for the safety OF
American citizens passing and repassing
to and from our Pacific possessions
Were such stipulation embraced in
treaty between the United States and
Nicaragua, the knowledge of this fact
would of itself most probably prevent
hostile parties from committing aggres-
sions on the route, and render our actual
interference for its protection unneces-
sary.
The executive government of this
country, in its intercourse with foreign
nations, is limited to the employment of
diplomacy alone. When this fails, it
can proceed no further. 1t cannot legi-
timateIy resort to force, without the di-
rect authority of Congress, except in
resisting and repelling hostile attacks
1t would have no authority to enter the
territories of Nicaragua, even to prevent
the destruction of the transit, and protect
the lives and property of our own citi-
zens on their passage. 1t is true that on
sudden emergency Of this character
the President would direct any armed
force in the vicinity to march to their re-
lief, but in doing this he would act upon
his own responsibility.
Under these circumstances | earnest
Iy recommend to Congress the passage
of an act authorizing the President, un.
der such restrictions as they may deem
proper to employ the land and nava
forces of the United STATES in preventing
the transit from being INSTRUCTED OIL
closed by lawless violence, and in pro
tecting the lives and property Of Ameri
f can citizens travelling thereupon, requir
ing at the same time that these force
shall be Withdrawn the moment th,
danger shall have passed away. With
out such provision, our citizens will b.
: constantly exposed to interruption il
their progress, and to lawless violence
? A similar necessity exists for the pas
: sage of such an act, for the protection Q
the Panama and Tehuantepec routes.
b In reference to the Panama route, tn
t United States by their existing treat
e with New Granada, expressly guarante
the neutrality Of the Isthmus, " with tn
y view that the free transit from one to tn
+ other sea may not be interrupted or en-
It barrassed in any future time while tn
: treaty exists"
$, In regard to the Tehuantepec rout
J. which has been recently opened undo
d the most favorable auspices, our treat
e with Mexico of the Both December, 1856;
Y secures to the cities of the United State
at right of transit over it for their pc
N sons and merchandise, and stipulates tn;
If neither government shall interpose an
b obstacle" thereto. 1t also comedies to IL
n United States the "right to transpo
le across the Isthmus, in closed bags, ii
e. mails of the United States not intendt
10 for distribution along the line of the cor
O. munication also the effects of the Ur
to ted States Government and its citize
which may be intended for transit, al
ed not for distribution on the Isthmus, fir
Il of custom house or other charges by t
be Mexican government.
n These treaty stipulations with Ne
" Granada and Mexico, in addition to t
sr- considerations applicable to the Nicar
nd qua route, seem to require legislation
the purpose of carrying them into effe
IS | would again call your attention
tic the construction of Pacific Railros
m Time and reflection have but served
Eat confirm me in the truth and justice
9Th the observations which / made on L
ed, subject in my last annual message,
ell which l beg leave respectfully to refe
ar 1t is freely admitted that it would
of inexpedient for this government to ex
tie, else the power of constructing the Pac
on- Railroad by its own immediate ager
nts Such a policy would increase the D
the ronage of the executive to a danger,
up extent, and introduce a system of j
csc bling and corruption which no vigilal
to on the part Of federal officials could ei
ate er prevent or detect. This can only
ace done bV the keen owe and act;va ,