The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-01-03

same direction are in progress or contemplation
that citizens only likely to be protect
ed from loss violence in prosecuting their lawful
commerce along the transit routes Of Central Ameri-
ca but the routes themselves likely TO be CON
secrated aud preserved to the of all ma
tons and the benefit of the world 1t is quite clear
think, that the breaking up of the Walker expe-
slition was the very result contemplated by the pre-
vious instructions of the government, however much
the mode and manner of the interruption may have
been in conflict with either Capt Pauldings instruc
tons with the strict rules of international law. 1t
probable that these instructions the
landing of the forces Of the United States upon the
soil of Nicaragua but it is not probable, either,
that the government of Nicaragua will complain of
the aggression. 1t is not our purpose now to in
qure into this part of the transaction, TO consider
what the administration may think it right to
pursue towardc Captain Paulding, with reference to
the security of our own government against unau-
thorized acts on the part Of our officers abroad.
These subjects will be appropriately dealt with,
we have no doubt, in due time, and with just
regard to all the circumstances of the case Our
purpose now is especially to point out to our
readers that nothing whatever has occurred which
ought to change the views of the President or the
policy of the administration, they are explained
and enforced in the preceding extract from the an
nual message The country will still recognise and
appreciate the grievous injury which lawless erpe-
ditions like that Of Walker must tend to inhict upon
all our national interests, commercial and political in
Central America, and the popular Judgment will,
for at al
advantage may inure to our national character and
lawful objects in that quarter from Captain Pauld-
ing s recent act. That officer acknowledges that he
assumed grave responsibility in taking the step he
did, and throws himself upon the administration,
Congress, and the country for his justification lii
a bold and frank appeal, and will be met, we have
no doubt, in proper spirit.
In tho mean time, we hope that those of our coun-
trymen who direct their attention to the foreign poll
cy of the United States will not forget that this
policy can neither be wise nor successful unless it is
in conformity with justice and right, and in harmony
with the established principles of international law.
The same law of nations which exists for other
tries exists also for own, and, until pre-
pared to submit to aggressions ourselves, we ought
not to encourage aggressions upon others.
We well understand the regret which exists
many portions of the Union that the Of
Central America have not been more fully developed,
and that the transit routes which connect the two
oceans should be subject to 40 many difficulties and
Interruptions; but this development is not to be
cured by the continuance of illegal expeditions
against governments with whom at peace,
and tho safety of the transit routes is not to be
complshed by making them the scenes of violence
and the prizes of successful The peaceful poll
cy of the President defined in his message to Con-
gress, besides being the only policy this subject
which is consistent with the just rights of our neigh
bors, is the only policy verilybeeve under which
any thing valuable be Accomplished this CONT
nent for American interests. We may fairly appeal
therefore, every good citizen to give it his cordial
support; and we may do so the more earnestly at
this time when the condition of affairs in Kansas
and Utah reminds us daily of the great value of legal
restraints, and the great danger of weakening any of
those bonds by which alone either individuals or
nations can live in peace and harmony together We
give no undue place in esteem to these restraints;
but what nation or State society exist without
them2 Neither do we underestimate that spirit of
progress which is 80 often invoked by the apoogiss
for Walker. But we remember that the mission OF
our republic il to teach the great lesson Of selfgov
ernment, and that this lesson is hardly to be taught
by those whose conduct is opposed to law and in
conflict with justice. "Om great, our high duty
(it has been well sad) 'is to show, in our own ex-
ample that the spirit of free government is spirit
of health as well spirit of power; that it's be-
nightly is as great its strengths that its efficiency
to secure individual rights, social relations, and
moral ORDER is equal to the Irresistible force with
which it prostrates municipalities and powers Does
any man believe that this lesson can be taught by
Walker and his followers
WHIG PARTY.
AZ Lnard nf LAT from