The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-12-26

he will not be driven out of the Union He
would silence or drive out the disunion agita-
tors, and he would bring old England to set
Element. These points cover the whole ground.
The News from Central America-Thc
Protest against English Usurpations.
The last mail from Central America brings
US the protest of Mr.. Beverly Clark, the
American Minister in Guatemala, against the
treaty between Great Britain and that republic,
signed on the 3Oth April last, and recently rati-
fed by the contracting parties, and proclaimed
in full force and effect twill be remembered
that this treaty cedes Belize, and large tract of
adjacent territory, in sovereignty to the British
crown. When the news Of its negotiation first
reached this country, we took occasion to Gen.
sure Mr.. Clark for permitting it to be consum-
American rights in the matter, formally acquired
under the Clay ton-Bulwer convention; butt it
now appears that the negotiations were con-
Quoted in clandestine manner, and with q
studied concealment of the purposes had in
view, in fragrant disregard of international
ness of the utter Inconsistency of the provi-
sions of the treaty with those of the convention
between the United States and Great Britain
Mr.. Clark has very justly made this erparte
and secret arrangement ground Of complaint
and protest; but the manner of the act, however
unworthy and contemplate, is, after all, subor
dinate to the serious disregard of good
faith and pre-existing treaty obligations which
it involves. We doubt if, in the whole history
Of the tortuous ana staltifying policy or Great
Britain, there can be found parallel to the
duplicity and meanness of the present trans.
| action.
Look at the facts.
In 1850 Great Britain and the United States
entered into a mutual obligation not 'Fto oc-
cupy, fortify, colonize OF assume or exercise
dominion over any part Of Central America"
1t is not now q question whether that was
wise or prudent agreement. So far as the
United States is concerned, we regarded it
then, as we do now, as partial in its effects
and In every sense unwise and impolitic. But
we have felt bound to recognise its obligations,
and have faithfully complied with its provi-
sions What, on the other hand, has been the
conduct Of Great Britain? let the fact of her
seizure and colonization of the Bay Islands in
1851, and her late clandestine treaty with Qua
temala, answer. The convention of 1850 for
bids colonization" in Central America by
either party. Yet she has since organized and
still maintains, a colony on undisputed Central
American soil. It forbids the acquisition of
territory and the exercise of dominion over
any part of Central America; yet she Sc
cretly bargains for large tract of Cen
trail American territory, and unblushingly
proclaims her acquisition. We do not now
| allude to her persistent hold on the Mosquito
shore, since the clause of the convention re-
| lating to it is,someyhat ambiguous. Inter-
preted by the spirit which pervades the con-
vention, however, it would imply an imme-
date abandonment of her pretensions here.
But we have yet to learn Of the first bona tide
movement on her part to that end.
| 1t now becomes q serious question as to
what course the United States should adopt to
vindicate her dignity in this matter, and relieve
herself from the one-sided obligations of the
Clayton-Bulwer convention. 1t is all very
well for petty nations to complain and protests
but the United States ought to hold the tone of
peer in her dealings with the most powerful
nations of the globe. But two lines of con-
duct are open to her: first, to demand from
Great Britain literal compliance with her
treaty obligations, and support the demand by
an appeal 10 arms if necessary; or, second, to
at once formally abrogate the convention by
which the second party to its provisions re-
fuses to be bound. The latter is clearly the
easiest and most rational course; for it NAV
weA be doubted if the people Of this country
would 60 to war for the purpose of keeping
alive and binding convention which they never
approved, and which improperly and unnecessa
rily limits their legitimate expansion and in
fuence. Perhaps, after all, we ought to thank
Great Britain for having, by her own acts, re-
lieved us from every obligation to respect or
abide by the convention; and it may perhaps
be claimed, with reason, that, like the European
treaties Of 1875 1t is practically exploded, dead
and imperative. Great Britain, it is possible,
may not object to this view, now that she has
obtained and consolidated all that she can ever
hope for in the way of territorial acquisition
and political influence in Central America.
But she should not be allowed to escape thus
from the consequences Of her duplicity. The
government of the United States owes 1t to it's
dignity to proclaim to the civilized world the
treachery of which it has been made the SUBJ
ject, and to characterize, in the most formal and
impressive manner, the bad faith and disregard