Smyrna times., 1859-06-02
Our Foreign Relations.


u ton correspondent of the North American,
s. the midst of the European complications. tina
our relations with all the great Powers are i
a more satisfactory state than they have bee
2 for many years past. There is not o,day
r single question of Importance pending which
not either in process of adjustment or has no
advanced towards completion upon a basis o
good understanding. The cause of most irri
: tatlon heretofore between England and the Uni
ted States-the Central American difficulty
is at last about to be removed from the sphere
OF diplomatic controversy, and TO be permanent
ly closed, so as to recognize the principle of the
Clayton Bulwer treaty, which the President
vndcated with such mastery ability and skill
in his memorable correspondence with Lord
Clarendon, when Minister at London. This is
all the friends of that instrument have asked,
and experience will yet demonstrate the wis
dom and sagacty of its negotiator, who in a
large and statesmanike spirit desired to enlist
The leading nations in a work of magnitude be.
coming the enterprise of this age, and at the
same time to liberate the people of Central
America from any foreign dependence what
ever. Though temporarily interrupted, we a re
now fast approaching the time when all hostile
rivalry or clashing interests between England
and this country in Central America will be re-
moved.
Our terms with France are of the most
friendly character, and recent negotiations re-
spectlng the right of search prove beyond all
doubt that the professions of good will made on
behalf of that government were earnest and
sincere. Count Sartiges had previously dis.
claimed for the Emperor any official counten-
ance or knowledge OF the project of NJ. Belly
in Nicaragua. The relations between Russia
and the United States have, from various
causes, to which reference need not be made.
conciatory and cooperative disposition was
exhibited, pending our late negotiations with
China, which resulted in the success of Mr..
Reeds great achievement, establishing political
and commercial intercourse upon a footing
never before attempted, and altogether unex-
pected. With the other European Powers we
have had no serious embarrassment, and only !
occasional Interruptions. Consequently, we |
occupy position at this time in which duty
and interests alike forbid complication, and
commend upright neutrality, which the Admin.
iStration is we. disposed to maintain, and will |
so announce officially.
II the prospect was as encouraging on this
continent as on the other, there would he little
to desire so far as diplomatic relations are con-
cerned. The problem of Mexico, instead of
being solved by the recognition of Juarez, as
was hoped, seems 10 have become more involv.
ed than before. 1t is certain that this step has,
thus far, resulted in no practical good and it
ought either to have been taken earlier, when
the direct issue was presented at the downfall
of Comonfort, or delayed till some appearance
Of order became manifest out Of the existing
chaos. Mr.. McLane now seems TO be in the
position of one who cannot advance, and yet
dare not retreat, end this might have been ex.
pected, as necessary, if not natural conse-
luencc, OF his prccptancy in exercising the
discretion with which he was charged without
going beyond the limits of Vera Cruz to ascer
tain something Of the public feeling and the
true condition of things. If faith will carry
the Administration through this vexatous en-
tanglement, it will not be wanting as a sus-
tainiDg influence to our Minister'S diplomacy.