Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-12-04


route any moment These the United States in vain
enCayOre 10 compose 1t would be useless TO narrate
tic various proceedings which took place between the
parties. up till the time when the transit was dscontin
ned Suffice it to say that since February 1856 il has
remained closed greatly to the prejudice citizens of the
United States. Since that time the connection has
eei between the rival routes OF Panama and Nicaragua
AMI IN consequence thereof. just and unreasonable
amount has been exaced from our citizens for their mas
sage 10 and from California
treaty was signed on the 10th day Of November
i'1 by the Secretary Of State aud minister of Nicaragua
under the stipulatons of which the use and protection
oil the transit route would have been secured not only to
the United States, but equally all other nations How
ami on what pretexts this treaty has failed receive the
it'atlon OF the Nicaraguan government will appear by
the papers herewith communicated from the State De-
Fartment. The principal objection seems to have been
10 the provision authorizing the United States to empny
"lee to Keep the route open, in Nicaragua should
ii to perform her duty in this respect From the fee
benesS of that republic its frequent changes of govern
ent and its constant internal dssensions this had be-
come most important stipulation and one essentially
necessary not only T the security of the route but for
the safety OF American citizens passing and repassing to
and from our Pacific possessions. Were such stipua-
ton embraced in treaty between the United States and
Nicaragua the knowledge of this fact would of itself most
pfotstby prevent hostile PARTIES from committing az
gresions the route and render our actual interference
fOr Its protection unnecessary
The executive government Of this country in its inter
course with foreign nations limited employment
OF diplomacy alone When this fails it can proceed no
further Ii cannot legtmately force without
ue direct authority OF Congress- except in resisting and
repeling hostile attacks 1t would have authority to
enter the territories OF Nicaragua to prevent the
destruction Of the transit and protect the lives and prop
eTty OF our own citizens their passage is true that
ON sudden emergency OF this character the President
would direct armed force in the vicinity march to
Their relief but In doing this he would upon his own
responsibility.
Under these circumstances earnestly recommend to
Congress the passage of an act authorizing the President
under such restrictions they may deem proper to en-
ploy the land and naval forces of the United States in
preventing the transit from being INSTRUCTED or closed
by awles violence and in protecting the lives and prop
erty of American citizens travelling thereupon recurring
at the same time that these forces shall be withdrawn
the moment the danger shall have passed AWAY With
out such provision citizens will be constantly ex-
posed TO interruption in their progress and awlcss
violence.
similar necessity exists for the passage of such an
act, for the protection of the Panama and Tehuanepec
routes.
In reference to the Panama route the United States
by their existing treaty with New Granada expressly
guarantee the neutrality of the Isthms with the view
that the free transit from the the other sea may
not be interrupted embarrassed in any future time
while this treaty exists.
In regard to the Tehuantepec route which has been re-
Gently opened under the most favorable auspices our
treaty with Mexico of the 30th December 1853 secures
to the citizens Of the United States right transit over
for their persons and merchandise and STIMULATES that
neither government shall interpOe obstacle there
to- Ii also comedies the United States the rirht To
transport across the Ithmrs. in closed bags mails OF
line OF tae Communication also the effects of the Uni
ted States government and its citizens which may be in
tended for transit and for distribution on the 18th
mus free of house other charges by the Next
can government.
These treaty stipuations with New Granada and Mexi-
GO, IN addition to the considerations applicable to the
Nicaragua route require legislation for the pur
pose Of carrying them into effect
The injuries which have been inflicted upon our citi-
zens IN Costa RIGA and Nicaragua during the last or
three years have received the prompt attention Of this
government. Some of these injuries were of the most
aggravated character The transaction at Virgin Bay i'm
April, 1856, when company OF unarmed Americans
who in way connected with any bclligerent con-
duct party. fred upon by the troops of Costa
Rca, and numbers of them killed and wounded was
brought To the knowledge OF Congress by my predecessor
after its occurrence and also presented to the
government OF Costa Rc for that immediate investiga-
ton and redress which the nature OF the demanded
similar pursued with out
in these countries, of which hardly less
aggravated in their character than the transaction at
Virgin Bay. At the time, however, when our present
minister to Nicaragua appointed in December, 1851
no redress had been obtained for OF these WRONGS
and no reply even had been received to the demands
which had been made by this government upon that of
Costa R.ca than q year before Our minister
instructed therefore, lose time i'll expressing
those governments the deep regret with which the Pres
dent had witnessed this inattenOn to the just claims Of
the United States and in demanding their prompt and
satisfactory adjustment Unless this demand shall be
complied with early day, it will only remain for
this government to adopt such other measures be
necessary order to obtain tor itself that justice which
il has in vain attempted 10 by peaceful means
from the governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica-
While it shown and will continue TO show the
sincere regard for and honor of these republics
IL cannot permit this regard TO be met by utter neg
lect on part of what due TO the and
citizens of the United States
Against New Granada have long standing of
complaint arising out of the Unsasfed claims of cit
liens upon that republic and TO these have been
recently added the committed upon citizens
at Panama in April 1856 treaty for the adjustment
Of these difficulties, concluded BY the Secretary
State and the minister of New Granada in September
1857 which contained just and acceptable provisions
purpose. This treaty transmitted to Bogota
and ratified 10y the government of New Granada, but
with certain amendments. 1t not, however,
turned this city until after the close of the last
Of the Senate 1t will be Immediately transmitted to
that Sody for their advice and and should this
lie obtained it will all existing of
plaint against New Granada the subject of claims
Questions baye arisen between the two governments
to the right OF Nes Granada to levy tonnage duty upon
the vessels of the United States in its ports Of the 18th
mus and levy passenger tax upon citizens
irving in that country, whether with design to remain
there pass from ocean TO ocean by the transit
route and also upon the mail of the United States
transp ted the Panama railroad. The government
Of New Granada has been informed that the United
States would consider the collection of either of these
in of he