The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-04-07
The Triumph OF Mr. BuchanRn's Naval Di-
piolDacy In Paraguay - Necessity of the
Same Action In Central America.


The pacific solution of our difficulties with
Paraguay, which we published yesterday, reads
us striking lesson on the course that should be
pursued in The treatment of our Central Ameri-
can imbroglio.
1t is to our naval diplomacy that all
the credit of this prompt and peaceful ar.
rangement is due. We might have sent
twenty Commissioners and twenty Ministers
out there, without the backing Of our ten
inch guns and the ready lads of the navy to
handle them, and they would all have come
back as Mr. Minister Pendieton came back two
years ago-each with flea in his car. But
President Lopez, as we'll as every other man,
whether public or private, has high respect
for those who respect themselves. The doctrine
of turning the other cheek when one is struck
is admirably in place in our moral teachings,
but it is entirely out of place in the code Of
international Intercourse. The CAGES OF Pre-
sidents Mora, of Costa RIGA, and Marti-
nee, of Nicaragua, are exactly parallel to
that of President Lopez. Indeed, we may say
that their cases are more fragrant than his, for
Lopez, in his contumey towards our govern
nent, had not TO ignore benefits received, as they
did, before he poured bis abuse upon it.
Twice was the soil of Central America freed
from the presence of Walker by the direct inter-
vention of the national forces OF this country,
and without which it is DOW proved that he could
moi have been driven out. After this Mora and
Martinez signed the declaration appended to the
Belly contract, mendaciously declaring that
their territories and governments were in violent
danger from the flibuster movements openly
promoted by tie government of the United
States, and that they had been menaced by the
American Minister himself with new invasion
In consequence Of these asserted dangers they
called upon England, France and Sardinia, for
protection against us. ConGding in obtaining
that protection, which they are even now esta-
blishiDg by public treaties with each Of those
Powers, they have repeatedly insulted our Minis
ter and our government, and, refusing to adjust
or acknowledge The former claims of our citizens,
have created new ones by the most uncalled for
acts Of spoliation.
For this unfortunate state Of things there is no
remedy but the naval style of diplomacy. Any
medy it in twentyiour hours, if they are only
told to DO so. Their simple presence in the
estuary Of La Plata carried a respect for the
American name to the very headquarters Of
that river, and has secured the lives and int
rests Of our citizens there FOR generation at
least. brilliant expedition is now on its way
home, and within short period will be back in
our harbors. The men have become we'll drilled
and used to their officers. The officers have Just
got practical knowledge Of the qualities and
capabilities of their ships. Hardly rope yarn
has been wasted. They are prepared cap O. pie
for the very kind Of service that is required of
| them in Central Anerica--a service which, if
| not performed now, will have to be done at q
later period. If this expedition is disbanded,
the ships dismaEtled and laid up, and the officers
and men scattered in various directions tho
| great expense Of preparation and the delay of
gathering will have to be gone through with
again.
The Central American imbroglio cannot be
peacefully settled without an exhibition of force
and of determination to use II if necessary.
| Delay will only increase the obstinacy of the
unwise rulers Of those republics the dangers
there to our present and future interests, and the
obstacles we shall eventually encounter in their
| removal Matters in the American Meditcr-
ranean are rapidly assuming shape that may
| compel the President to convene Congress by the
| beginning Of October in order that il nav take
action on those very questions which his saga
city foresaw long since to be pregnant with
danger, and which he wisely urged that body to
| act upon, by special message, near the closc of
the last session. If the President will assume
esponsibility of ordering the Paraguay squad
ron to visit the Central American ports be may
| save the country from the necessity Of an extra
session, the expense of new expedition, and
perhaps from conflict with some or several
of the European Powers, saving great public
and private interests from danger which now
threatens 10 involve them.