New Orleans daily crescent., 1858-01-11
The Washington Union on the walker

Ihe w Washington Union on the walker
Capture.
We have at length the Washington Union, con.
tanning semi-oficial article upon the capture of
Gen. Walker, which we copy below as matter of
particular interest here F Fe
THE ADMINISTRATION, GEN. WALKER AND CoxMo.
poRE PAuLpISG.-There can be but little doubt, we
think Of the policy which the Administration will
pursue in regard 10 the recent occurrences in Central
America. The annual message defined the Presidents
position on the whole subject OF Central American
affairs so freely and clearly, and its declarations re.
ceiyed so emphatic and universal an endorsement
from the country, that republication Of the para
graphs OF the message would all that was neces-
sary 70 define the policy Of the Administration and
to express the sentiments OF the people Of the Union
on the subject. The paragraphs were as follows:
Here follows an extract from the Presidents mes
sage embracing all that is said Of iibusterng and
Central American affairs, which, as readers are
already familiar with the message, we omit here.l
Declarations like these needed no INTERPRETATION.
They suit the present exigency Of Affairs as well as
they did those which existed at the time they were
written. Fibustering expeditions are earnestly de-
precated, in the general and in the particular and
the frowns OF the country are invoked upon them.
They are reprobated as clearly unlawful, wrong in
trnsicay, and disgraceful to the character of the
country. They are deplored as impeding the Admin
straton In its legitimate prosecution of our interests
In Central America as bringing disaster to the very
tending to prejudice American interests and blast
American prospects in those regions, rretrievably
and hopelessy. 80 -
The message represents the Administration as seek
ing, successfully by treaty stipulatons and amicabe
honorable and legitimate MEANS to obtain and secure
rights OF transit, commerce, and peaceful enterprise
for our people, in several portions of the isthmus
One treaty OF the sort is already in existence with
New Granada III newspaper rumor is TO be credited,
another is in progress il it has not already been con
summated, with the Government Of Nicaragua in re-
gard to the very transit route which Walker was pre-
pairing 70 take possession In all probability, still
other efforts in the direction are in progress or
contemplation that citizens are not only likely
TO be protected from loss violence In prosecuting
their lawful commerce along the transit routes of
Central America but the routes themselves are likely
TO be cor ecrated and preserved to the commerce OF
all nations and the benefit of the world. II is quite
clear, we think that the breaking up of the Walker
expedition was the very result contemplated by the
previous instructions of our Government, however
much the mode and manner of the interruption nav
have been in conflict with either Capt Paulding's in
structons with the strict rules of international
law 1t Is not probable that these instructions
tempated the landing OF the forces of the United
States upon the soil of Nicaragua but il is not pro-
babe, either that the Government OF Nicaragua will
complain OF the aggression. 1t is not our purpose
now to inquire into this part Of this transaction
consider what course the Administration may think
it right to pursue towards Capt Paulding with refer
ence to the secuity of our own government against
unauthorized acts on the part OF our officers abroad.
These subjects will be appropriately dealt with, we
have no doubt, in due time, and with just regard to
all the circumstances of the case. Our purpose now
is more especially TO point out to readers that
nothing whatever has occurred which ought to change
the views Of the President or the policy of the Admin
istraon, as they are explained and enforced in the
preceding extract from the annual message. The
country will still recognize and appreciate the griev
Gus injury which lawess expeditions, like that Of
Walker, must tend to infct upon all national in-
teress, commercial and political, in Central America,
and the popular judgment will doubtless, also deter.
mine for itself what substantial advantage may nure
to national character and lawful objects in that
quarter from Capt Pauldng's recent act. That Off
Ger acknowledges that he assumed grave response
blity in taking the step he did and throws himself
upon the Administration, Congress, and the country
for his justification. II is bold and frank appeal,
and viii be met we have no doubt in a proper spirit.
In the meantime, hope that those Of our country
men who direct their attention to the foreign policy
OF the United States will not forget that this policy
can neither be wise successful unless it is in
formity with justice and right and in harmony with
the established principles Of international law. The
same law OF nations which exists for other countries
exists also for our own and until we are prepared TO
submit to aggressions ourselves, ought not to
courage aggressi0ns upon Others.
We can well understand the regret which exists in
many portions Of the Union that the resources of
Central America have not been more fully developed
and that the transit routes which connect the two
oceans should be subject 10 many difficulties and
interruptons but this development is not to be Sc
cured by the continuance of illegal expeditions
against governments with whom we are at peace,
and the safety Of the transit routes is not to be ac
complished by making them the scenes Of violence
and the prizes Of successful war. The peaceful poll
cy OF the President, as defined in bis message to Con-
gress, besides being the only policy on this subject
which is consistent with the Just rights of our neigh
bor5, Is the only policy verify believe under which
anything valuable can be accomplished this con-
tnent for American interests. We may fairly appeal
therefore, to every good citizen to give it bis cordial
support; and may do the more earnestly at this
time when the condition Of affairs in Kansas and
Utah reminds us daily Of the great value of legal
traints and the great danger Of weakening any Of
those bonds by which alone either individuals or ma
tons can live in peace and harmony together. We
give no undue place in our esteem to these resrants
but what nation or Sae society exist without
them Neither do we under estimate that spirit of
progress which often invoked by the apoogjsts
FOR Walker. But we remember that the mission of
our republic is to teach the great lesson of selfgov
and that this lesson is hardly to be taught
BY those whose conduct is opposed to law and in con-
dict with justice. "0ur great our high duty (it has
been well said) ais to show in our own example that
the spirit of free government is spirit Of health as
well as spirit Of power; that its bengnty as great
as s srengtA that its efficiency to secure individual
rights, social relations and moral order is equal to
the irresistible force with which it prostrates prnci
palities and powers" Does any man believe that
his lesson can be taught by Walker and his follow
srs
The above, although as cautiously worded as if
oenned by Talleyrand, is sufficiently clear and dis
nct to convince the dulest reader that Mr. Buchanan
md bis Cabinet substantially sanction and endorseth
Nicaraguan nfamy, perpetrated by their facile and
o-be-protected tool Commodore Pauldng.
We apprehended this from the commencement, but.
or the honor of the nation, we tcoui persist in the
Indulgence Of the hope that such humiliation would
'e spared the country, and that no official announce
nent would be made just6catory of Com. Pauldings
Illegal and cowardly outrage upon Gen.
Walker at Punta Arenas. We have been disappointed
md so have been the people.
The Washington Union, if it thinks tenth.part
i moiety Of the people of Louisiana sustain the
curse of Pauldiug or the Administration in this |
Nicaragua business, is very much mistaken In this
State, the sentiment of indignant reprobaton is well
Ugh universal and if either or any of our Senators
Representatives fail to inict severe censure upon
he authors, abettors and endorsers of the outrage
hey will act contrary to the views and wishes of |
lmost all of their constituents irrespective of party
he Legislature meets in a few days, and then we |
resume an authoritative PRONUNCIATION of the Repre-
entatiyes of the real people will dspel the cavilinps
I pensioned doubters and ofice-holdng sycophants.
What is true in regard to Louisiana is true in re.
ard to almost the entire South-the section of conn
~ that made Mr.. Buchanan President-as he has |