Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-05-06
Tn. Tr,a,v with Nicaragua.

The Treaty with Nicaragua.
The ratification of the Yrssari Treaty with
Nicaragua is likely to put new face on the
relations between us and the Nicaraguaus,
and to lead to the re. establishment OF that
Transit route, the breaking up Of which was
one Of the many msera BILE results of Walkers
tllibustering operations. This treaty EN-.
braces two distinct objects first, the general
commercial relations between us and Nicara-
qua, aud secondly, certain special provisions
on the subject of the Transit. So far as
relates to the first object, the treaty places
US in the position of the most favored nations.
The general provisions are similar 10
those contained in many other treaties. We
come now to the special provisions in relation
to the Transit The articles on this subject
guarantee to the citizens OF the Coited States
the right Of transit from the Atlantic to the
Pacific through the territories of Nicaragua
by any route of communication, natural or
artificial land or water, now existing, or
which may hereafter exist, to be used and
enjoyed on equal terms with the citizens of
Nicaragua, reserving, however, to the Mic
araguan Government its right of sovereignty
The United States, on their part, are to pro-
tect and guarantee the neutrality of these
routes and TO use their Influence with other
nations to induce them to come into the same
agreement. Free ports arc To be esta bllshed
at the extremlGies of these routes; one on the
Atlantic, the other on the Pac tic side, at
which all goods destined for transit, aud not
for consumption in Nicaragua, are to be ad-
mtted without duty. The United States are
also to have the privilege 0. conveying to
either of these free ports troops aud munitions
Of war, and shall be entitled to their convey
ancs across the Isthmus free OF charge. Nor
shall any Discrimination be made in the rate
of charges or tolls for the conveyance of per
sons or property in favor Of the citizens Of
Nicaragua; but all persons alike, whether
citizens or subjects of the United States, or
of any other country, shall st nd upon the
same level 4 right is also granted to the
POstmaster.G eneral Of the Uaited States to
contract for the conveyance OF the United
States mail in sealed bags, by any route at
his discretion, across the lsthmus, free from
any tax or duty to be imposed by the Govern
meut OF Nicaragua.
In case it becomes necessary to employ
military force for the protection of the
Transit, Nicaragua is to furnish it; but upon
her omission to do so from any cause, the
Government of the United States, after notice
to the Nicaraguan Government, or 10 the Nc
araguan Minister in the United States, may
step in and employ the force necessary for
this purpose; bat they are not to employ il
for any other purpose, and are 10 withdraw
it when this necessity ceases. The Govern
ment of the United States, however, is not
bound to extend this guaranty and protection
except it should be satisfied with the conduct
and management of the persons or companies
having control Uf the routes; and in case, con-
trary to the spirit Of this treaty, they should
undertake TO make unfair Determinations in
favor of this or that nation, or to impose Op-
pressive or unreasonable tolls, then, upon six
months notice to the Nicaragunn Govern
ment, the United States have right to with
draw their guaranty and protection. Ii is
also agreed that in any future contracts made
by the Nicaraguan Government in relation
to the I,thmus Transit, the rights and
privileges granted by this treaty 10 the citizens
and Government Of the United States shall
be fully recognized; and that as to any con-
tracts or grants DOW IN existence, the gUaran-
ty of the Uatcd States Government shall not
apply until the holders of those grants shall
accept as q part of their contract the pro-
visions Of this treaty. 1t is also further pro-
vided that after the end of ten years the tolls
to be imposed shall be so regulated n MOTTO
Weld greater profit than fifteen per cent TO
those who manage the transportation. 81
far AS stipulation can 90, the treaty ol which
we have given above an outline, would seem
to coucede everything to Us which we can
which appears to Us decidedly open TO OF jec.
ton, is that which STIMULATES Tor the convey
ance free Of tolls of the troops and munitions
of the United States. Surely the United
States are able to pay a reasonable cOmpensa.
tion for any service rendered to them and
we apprehend that what may seem to be
saved by this bard bargain any company
engaged IN the Transit will fnd the means of
making up for in some other way. There is
no check for instance. upon any demand for
the conveyance of the mails, except the
right of the Pos;mastcrGenc to resort to
some other route-a right winch. ~ III so
macy other cases-rnight he OF very little
effect in practice. Would it not have been
better to have agreed to pay the rilnarY rates
for the Conveyance Of sOldierS and munitions,
and at the same time TO have provided that
the Uuited States mails should be conveyed
at the prices paid for other freight?
Though somewhat obscure on that point,
the treaty, does not seem expressly to
provide a right to hold real estate, but to
IL ,I,o, tbo Of bn