The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-01-14
ILLEGAL EXPEDITIONS.

A correspondent, in the course of a review Of the
Nicaragua affair, too lengthy for our limited space,
refers 10 some facts in the past history this country
which are of special interest at this time, and to
which we invite the attention of the reader
To show that the doctrine advanced by Walkers
friends in opposition to the President is new may be
permitted TO recall the mind Of the reader instance
of early American history Who does not recollect the
expedition consisting Of three ships and 800 men,
gained in New York by Don Francisco Miranda In March
1906 He was a native Of Caracas, in Venezuela, then
a Spanish colony He had distinguished himself under
Napolean in the Of Europe and when Spain had
been drawn into the vortex Of against France Mi
anda determined TO make effort for the liberation of
his native land from Spanish thradom. That exped-
ton sailed and its defeat by spanish feet the 2sh
April 1906, is also -mstter Of history What was the
conduct of the administration then Let the Father OF
Democracy let the man whose memory lives, lasting
monument of his fame the grateful hearts Of his coun
trymen-let Thomas Jefferson speak fcr himself Don
Valentine de Forcnda minister of Spain at Washington
by authority of his government complained of the
duct the United States in permitting Mirsndas expe
don to sail from their port In letter to his Secretary
of State from Monticello, August 10, 1907 giving his
views TO the tenor OF the answer to be returned to
Foronda's complaint, Mr. jefferson speaks as follows
~ think it fortunate that this opportunity given to
make strong declaration Of factsto wit how far
knowledge of Manda's objects went, what measures
took to prevent anything further the negligence Of the
Spanish agents give earlier notice the
took furnishing those guilty, and quiet abandon
Inent Of those taken by the Spanish.
After his retirement from the of Office and being
still Pin correspondence with Foronda in letter TO this
gentleman under date of October 1909, Mr. Jefferson
takes occasion again refer to the subject D the
following words.
Your predecessor sourcd question of etiquette
against the administration of this country, wished to i'm
pute wrong to them in all their actions where he
did not believe it himself In this spirit he wished 1t
be believed that in unusfable corporation in
Miranda expedition. / solemnly and my personal
truth and honor, declare TO you that this entirely
without foundation, and that there neither opera
ton connivance part. He informed US he
about to attempt liberation his native country from
bondage and intmated hope of aid conniyance
ut least He was at once informed that, although
had great Of complaint against Spain and of
war; yet whenever should think proper to act her
enemy it should be openly and above board and that
hostility should be exercised by such petty
We had suspicion that he expected to engage
here but merely purchase military stores Against
this there law consequently authority for
us nterpose obstacles Although his
many days in preparation in New York. never had
the least intimation suspicion of his engaging in
his enterprise until he gone 'sunt it too late
for any measures taken Washington prevent their
departure The officer in the customs who participa-
ted in this transaction with Miranda Immediately
moved and should had him and others further pun
shed had it not been for the protection given them by
private citizens New York. in opposition the govern
nen who by their impudcnt fasehoods and calumnies
able to overbear the minds of the jurors Be
sured, sir, that motive could induce at this time
to make this declaration gratuitously, it not
founded in sacred truth and will add, further that
did, countenanced in public life, single act in
with the stricest good faith having
lieved there code of morality for public and
another for private man " M
From Mr. buchanan flin to foIlovvino
words of Monroe appropriately adduced at this time
1t is of the highest Importance to national char
acter and indispensable to the morality of citizens
that all violations of neutrality should be prevented
No door should he left open for the evasion laws
opportunity afforded to any who may be Disposed
take advantage OF it to compromt the interest tho
honor of the nation -
The occasion which called forth this appeal from Mr.
Monroe to the nation similar in nature to that which
prompted the expedition Of Miranda The several colo
mics OF Spanish America had revolted, and finally de-
clared their determination to throw off the yoke of
Spain. They at that time engaged in their rev
olutionary war, which ended. like ours in the dec
Iaration and final acknowledgment of their independ
There the sacred cause OF liberty invoking
the skilfu and victorious American to defend and
uphold her banner and yet, being ourselves at peace
with Spain, and fully convinced of the moral obligation
resting upon nation, the act Of April TO- 1915
passed at the very time when the Central and South
American republics in for their independence
and liberty and any expedition to aid and assist them in
their -'holy war" against Spain was declared illegal
How much more it then violation Of law ma
tonal and international for Walker to organize equip
and expedition within the jurisdiction Of tho Uni
ted States for the purpose of-what To invade coun
try with which at peace to- conquer people to
whom he is and always foreigner, and who
did not desire his return to subdue nation which,
by their accredited minister here have requested this
government to prevent his departure from this " his
landing in their country II Walkers expedition
not against law, then Mcrsans sack Of Chagrcs and
Panama Q6Tl and Van Horns descent upon Nicaragua
16S0) were but legal and lsudable enterprises