The Opelousas patriot. [volume] (Opelousas, Parish of St. Landry, La.) 1855-1863, 1859-04-30
The Paraguay Expedition.

The following remarks were delivered by
Judge Bowlln, II Special Commissioner, and
President Lopez, on the occasion Of their
meeting for o settlement of all difficulties be
tween the United States and Paraguay:
As the Special Commissioner of the Gov
ernment of the United States of America, /
have the honor to prelept to your txcellency
the letter of credence NJ which | have been
charged, accompanied with full powers TO set
tie and adjust all the difficulties which now so
unhappily exist between the two Republics. In
doing this l avail myself Of the opportunity
to reassure your Excel'ency of the very
anxious desire of the Government and people
of the United States to cultivate with your
EScellency's Government and people the most
intimate commercial relations, based upon the
only enduring foundation OF mutual respect,
friendship and esteem. This is what the Gov
ernnent OF the United States has sought, and
still seeks from the young aud vigorous Re.
public Of the South friendly relations and a
liberal commercial intercourse, which shall be
mutually beneficial to both, without derogating
rom either.
And without arrogating to herself a position
which the world will not readily accord, she
deemed she had a right to tender to a sister Re-
publiee who, like herself had thrown off u for
elgn Yoke, and was struggling to give supre-
macy to free principles, the bond Of friendship;
and with it the blessings of u mutual com
nierce, and the benign influence of free associa-
ton and example.
Hence, so soon as the Government of Para
glay had laid aside her exclusive system of
policy, aud had inaugnrated a more liberal and
enlightened one, under your EXceIlency's ad-
minlstratlon, the Government of the United
States pressed forward to welcome her into the
family OF nations, and by scientific e%xplora-
tions to demonstrate the capacity of her great
rivers for commercial intercourse with the
world, and thus embrace in her own wide
spread commerce, including every sea and
navigable stream, that of Paraguay. This was
sought for no exclusive or selfish advantage,
ont Tor a mutual benefit-for the blessings of
are never exclusive, but reciprocallv
rebound to the prosperity and good OF all its
participants.
The friendly disposition manifested bSs the
United States towards the South American
Repub'lcs, is not a mere profession gotten up
to suit The occasion, but is a Fact founded upon
and generous acts, which had their origin
at the date of their revolution and have long
since passed into history. II should never be
by the Republics Of Spanish origin,
that at the very dawn of their revolutionary
struggle, when the Cabinets of Europe were
freely discussing the question of aiding Spain
IN subluing her revolted colonies, the United
States boldly and fearlessly entered her solemn
protest against the unholy act, stalking the
power of the Republic to prevent it
and it was prevented. 1t should also be borne
IN mind that the United States were the first
70 recognize the Independence of these Repub-
les, and welcome them into the sisterhood of
1atIons. She therefore feels entitled by such
as well as from her present posi-
ION, to expect from one and all of them. that
ustlce which the sincerity of her desire to re-
friendly relations with Paraguay
eads her confidently to hope will be readily
And in conclusion, I again repeat that I
eject the sentiments of my Government, in /
your EXcellency of her ardent desire
o settle all these difficulties amicably. and re.
stablish the relations of the two Governments
n the enduring basis of mutual frieudsbin and
Ills EXcellency hesita'ed a moment, as if it
an effort to gather his thoughts in !
eply' and spoke to the following effect :
p" Mr.. Special Commissioner of the Uo;ted {
know that Paraguay is among the |
'st OF her sister States on the Southern Con L
hent IN the march of civilization and of pro- q
ress, but she possesses the most ancient ma
,onaiiy, and was the first to follow the exam $
re OF her elder sister Of the North in ASSERTING v
err independence. u
81 had felt the sincerity Of the desire Of the
.n,ted States to cultivate friendly relations :
'tn Paraguay. when her Minister was ac- !
eal,ea near this Government, and deeply n
'ha1 unfortunate circumstances should 3
Nv, i've interrupted the harmony that then existed. IL
he honorable discourse. however of ,ha
pecIal Commissioner, impires me with every B
nhdence that the pending questions between G,
G two Republics will be settled PROMPTLY
'nkly and amicably, in a manner honorable
ID satisfactory to both" j.