Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1858-01-28

punish it. 1t would be far better and
tmore in accordance with the bold and
manly spirit of our countrymen foS n
Government itself to get up such expe-
ditions, than to allow them to proceed
under the command OF irresponsible ad-
venturers. We could then, at least, ,cx-
ercise some control over our own agents
and prevent them from burning down
cities, and committing other acts of encr-
nifty of hich we have read. The avOw-
ed principle which lies at the foundation
of The law of nations is the divine COM
mand that .'all things whatsoever We
wonld that men should do to You, DO We
even SO unto them" Tried by this IN
erring rule, we should be severely con-
demned if we did not use our best exer-
tions to arrest such expeditions against
our feeble sister Republic of Nicaragua.
One thing is very certain,that the people
never existed who would sooner call any
other nation to a strieter account than
we should ourselves for tolerating law
less expeditions from their shores to
make war upon any portion of our terri
tories. By tolerating such expeditions,
we shall soon lose the high character
which we have enjoyed ever sine the
days of Washington, for faithfaf per-
formance of our International Obligations
and duties, and inspire distrust against
Us among the members of the great fam
iIy of civilized nations. But if motives
of duty were not sufficient to, restrain
US from engaging in such lowless .eiter-
prises, our evident interest ought to
dictate this policy. These expeditions
are the most edectual mode.of Fetnrdisg
American progress. although TO promote
this is the avowed object of the leaders
and contributors in such undertakings.
1t is beyond question the destiny of our
race to spread themselves over the con-
tinent of North America. and that at no
distant day, should events be permitted
to take their own natural course.
The tide of emigration will flow to
the South, and nothing can eventually
arrest its progress. If permitted to 60
there peacefully, Central America will
soon contain an American population
which vii! confer blessings and benefits
as well upon the natives as their respec-
tive Governments, and liberty under
the restraint of law viii preserve do
mestic peace. while the diferenttrans.t
routes across the isrhnus, ia which va
are so deeply interested, will have assu.
red protection.
Nothing has retarded this happy condition Of
affairs much the unlawful expeditious
which have been Gtted out in the United States
to make war upon Central American Scates. Had
one half OF the number of American citizens who
have miserably perished in the first disastrous
axpeditiol of General Walker settled in Nieara-
qua peaceful emigrants, the object which We
all desire would ere this have been in great de-
gree accomplished. These expeditions have eau
sed the people ofthe Central American States b
regard US with dread and suspicion. 1t IS our
policy to remove this apprehension and convince
them that We intend to DO them COED, and not
svil. We desire, as the leading power on taiS
to open and if need be 10 protect ey-
sry transit route across the Is;hnuS, not only for
'ur Own benefit, but for that Of the world, and
hus open a free access to Central Amer lea, auI
through it to our Pacific possessions. This poli-
" commenced under favorable auspices,
when the expedition under the command Of Gen
,ral Walker escaped from Ogr Territories and
proceeded to Punta Arenas. Should another ex-
,editicn Of q similar character again ev2de ;Ee
'igilance Of our officers and proceed to Nicaragua
his would be fatal at least for season 10 the
peaceful settlement of these countries aad to the
policy OF American progress. The TRUTHS thaE
10 Administration can successfully conduct the
oreign affairs of the country, in Central Ameri-
4 anywhere else, if it is to be iuterlersd with
t every step by lawless military expeditions set
n foot in the United States.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
Washington, Jan. 7, 1853.