The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1858-01-23
Message ON Commodore
Paulding,s Captu re Of walker.


Paulding's Captu re Of Walker.
In the U. 8. Senate, on the 7th inst, the
following Message was received from the
President
In submitting to the Senate the papers for
which they have called, / deem Improper to
make few observations. In capturing Gen.
Walker and his command, after they had
landed on the soil of Nicaragua; Commodore
Paulding has, in my opinion, committed
grave error. 1t is quite evident, however,
from the communications herewith transmit
ted, that this was done from pure and patriot
ic motives, and in sincere conviction that he
was promoting the Interests and indicating
the honor of his country. In regard to Nj
caragua, she has sustained no injustice by the
act of Commodore Paulding. This has en-
ured to her benefit, and relieved her from
dreaded invasion. She alone would have any
right to complain of the violation of her ter
ritory and it is quite certain that she will
never exercise this right. 1t unquestionably
does not belong to her invaders to complain
in her name. She has been rescued by Com
modOre Paulding from their assaults The
error of this gallant officer consists in exceed.
ing his instructions and landing his sailors and
marines in Nicaragua, whether with or with
out her consent, for the purpose of making
war upon any military force whatever, which
he might find in the country, no matter from
whence they came. This power certainly
did not belong to him. Obedience to law
and conformity to instructions are the best
guides for all officers, civil and military, and
when they transcend these limits and act up
on their own personal responsibility, evil con-
sequences almost inevitably follow. Under
these circumstances, when Marshal Rynders
presented himself at the State Department,
on the goth ult, with Gen. Walker in custo-
dy, the Secretary informed him that the Ex-
ecutive Department of the Government did
not recognize Gen. Walker as prisoner
that it had no directions to give concerning
him, and that it was through the action of
the Judiciary he could be lawfully held in
custody to answer any charges that might be
brought against him. In thus far disapprov-
ing the conduct of Commodore Paulding, no
inference must be drawn that I am less de-
termined than have ever been to execute
the neutrality laws of the United States
This is my imperative duty, and l shall con-
tinue to perform it by all the means which the
Constitution and laws have placed in my pow
err. For these reasons, had Commodore Paul
ding intercepted the steamer Fashion with
Gen. Walker and his command on board at
any period before they entered the port of
San Juan de Nicaragua and conducted them
back to Mobile. This would have prevented
them from carrying on the Expedition and
have been not only justiiable but prais-
worthy act. This we'll deserves the severe
punishment inflicted upon it by our laws. 1t
violates the principles of Christianity NOR
! atty and humanity, held sacred by all civil
| lied nations, and by none more than by the
people of the United States Disguise it as
we may; such military expedition is an in
vitation to reckless and lawless men to enlist
under the banner of any adventurer to rob-
plumber and murder the unOflending citizens
of neighbcring States who have never done
them harm. 1t is usurpation of the war ma
| king power, which belongs to Congress. The
Government itself, at least in the estimation
OF the world, becomes an accomplish in the
| commission of this crime unless it adopts all
the means necessary to prevent and to pun
ish it. 1t would be far better, and more in
accordance with the bold and manly spirit of
our countrymen, for the Government itself
to get up such expeditions than to allow them
to proceed under the command of irresponsi-
bic anventurers. We could then at least, ex-
| ercise some control over our own agents, and
prevent them from burning down cities, and
committing other acts of enormity of which
we have read. The avowed principle which
| lies at the foundation Of the law of nations is
the divine command that "all things what
soever We would that men should do to YOU,
do We even so unto them'' Tried by this I'M
erring rule, we should be severely condem-
ned if we shall not use our best exertions to
arrest such expeditions against our feeble sis
ter Republic of Nicaragua. One thing is
very certain, that people never existed who
would sooner call any other nation to stric-
ter account than we should ourselves for tol-
Grating lawless expeditions from their shores
to make war upon any portion of our terrific
ries. BY tolerating such expeditions, we shall
soon lose the high character which we have
enjoyed ever since the days of Washington,
for faithful performance of our Information
al obligations and duties, and inspire distrust
against us among the members of the great
family Of civilized nations. But if motives
of duty were sufficient to restrain us from
engaging in such lawless enterprises, our evil
dent interests ought to dictate this policy
| These expeditions are the most effectnal mode
of retarding American progress,altho' to pro-
mote tins is the avowed object of the leaders
and contributors in such undertaking. 1t is
beyond question the destiny of our race
spread themselves over the continent of
North America, and this 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 euentfully arrest its
progress. If permitted to 60 there peaceful
ly, Central America will soon contain in Am
| erica population which will confer blessings
and benefits as we'll upon the natives as their
respective governments, and liberty under
the restraint of law will preserve domestic
peace while, the different transit routes &C.
ross the 1sthmus, in which we are so deeply
intereSted will hauo aSSurod s,rotaot;ax