The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1858-02-04

We regret our inability TO print the entire
speech Of Col. Curtis, our Representative, on
the Neutrality and Central American ques.
tions. It is conceded to have been an able
one, by all. We give several extracts below:
"Why. sir, is this country induced to take
mp this question Of Central American affairs?
Why has our attention for years past been
called to that particular theatre instead of the
eyes Of the nation being turned TO the devel-
opement of the interior of our own country
think there is Fundamental error in the as
sumption upon which all this Central Ameri-
can sympathy is based: that is, that Central
America is the especial or only route for the
highway of nations; and being such peculiar
locality, it should be controlled by us. Where
is Central America? You who live upon the
sea board, and are in the habit Of conremplat-
ing distances as immaterial when you have
connections by sea-you may regard the dis
tance OF trifling importance; and because your
vessels float that way. you feel that the dis
tance to Central America is comparatively
short; but we who live IN the Central portion
OF this Union look at the long line Of travel
before that territory can be reached. We have
to pass the Mexican States; we have to pass a
thousand miles through or round Republic
that is always in political antagonism to our
own; ws have to pass dominion where the in
habitants speak different language, adopt a
different religion, and different Institutions
Eight millions Of Mexican inhabitants lay be-
tween this continent and Central America
Central America is, therefore, not contiguous;
is very remote; and there are intervening all
the States of Mexico, all Of which are politi-
cal antagonisms to us. Why, then, do gentle-
men turn their eyes so Far away from our own
country to seek for an opportunity to display
our patronage and power? Why do they go
beyond the Rio Grande for the purpose Of ex-
ercising their functions of this great Republic?
Why are our citizens stimulated, by frequent
reference to these Central American States, to
60 to seek FOR themselves fortunes and fame
far beyond their own country? It seems be-
cause Of this fundamental error which exists
in this country in regard to Central America
being the route for commerce, and, therefore
the key to this continent.
Here is an excellent description Of that bar
rem neck Of land, which many deluded follow
ers OF reckless adventures have been induced
to believe was almost a paradise.
This, Mr.. Chairman, brings me to the Sec
ond proposition in view Of this particular psnt
What is Central America? 1t is an iron liga-
ment connecting the twin sisters Of North and
South America. Instead Of being q single
point, as many imagine looking at the maps in
circulation, it is a long range Of mountains
more than one thousand miles in length; hav-
ing, therefore, on both sides, at least two thou
sand miles of sea shore, equally accessible to
allthe nations Of the earth. It is mountain
Gus, and wilderness inhabited only by some
savages, although people Of all nations, for
years past have had full knowledge Of its ad.
vantages, and the utmost facilities to settle
and become permanent citizens. It is sultry
and sickley region of the earth, and therefore
Stunned by all who are compelled to remain
there from demands OF most important business
or public duty. II was Inhabited by the Span
iards who first conquered 1t 8; and, sir, it viii
not be inhabited by the people Of this country
as long as our broad sayanahs, rich prairies
and fertile fields OF the West are open to cult
walton. Inthe face of these physical and To-
cal objections to this narrow, inhospitable
shore, this government has been directing its
power and patronage to the settlement and
continuance Of theae Central American States,
to the great neglect and the diversion Of sattle-
ment and travel from the interior Of our own
country. The whole effor, has been directed
to the accumulation Of power, and, as the