Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-03
PUBLISHED DAILY AND TRI-wHEkIY By
EDGAR sN0WDEN.
ALEXANDRIA,:
THURSDAY MORNING, MARCH ;. 1859.


THURSDAY MORNING, MARCH 3. 1859.
PARAGUAY is now point Of great interest
and from being country, in which, but
short time ago, We had but little concern,
and of which we had but little knowledge,
it has suddenly become of much Importance,
and it's condition, resources, &C., command
the attention Of our citizens.
1t is the most central of the States of South
America, being about equi-distaut from the
Atlantic and Pacific oceans. 1t was among
the first of the Spanish provinces to assert
and maintain its independence, and the very
first in which Spain ceased to attempt re-
suLjugation. 1t has the forms or rather the
name of Republic but, in truth. is and al
ways has been, simply military despotism.
For about fifty years of its national exist
ence it has had but two Chief Magistrates,
called residents--Francia, for thirty-fve
and Lopez, the present President, for about
fifteen years. Francia's system of govern
ment was Of almost as total seclusion. as
that Of Japan. But very few persons,
other than South Americans, were ever al
lowed to cross his frontiers--and Of these
the larger portion were not allowed to
return. With the neighboring States he
maintained the same policy, rs far as was
possible. He had no questions of dispute,
no intercourse, no correspondence with any
Of the commercial States nor with any of
their citizens; and the present claim made
by Mr.. Hopkins and his company 1.-THE claim
which is said to be the principal cause of the
difficulty now existing, and which Lopez de-
clares is an unjust one, and one which has
never been submitted to ALTERATION, or reg
ular process of settlement is the first and
only claim that was ever made by ans cit-
zen of the United States against the govern
mcnt of Paraguay, for Naturalization for
alleged wrong.
The first citizens of this country, who
ever visited Paraguay, on official business,
or in an official character, was Joseph
Graham, with George Brent-one, the con-
sui of the United States at Buenos Ayres,
and the other, youth, the son of the late
William Brent. United States Charge at the
same place. Subsequently, it will be re-
membered that the United States Minister,
HonaJohn S. Pendleton. negotiated treaty,
and there has been relaxation Of Francia' 8
system.
Lopez. the President Of Paraguay. is said
to be shrewd, intelligent man, well educa-
ted, we'll acquainted with public law, and
capable Of holding diplomatic correspon-
dence with the ministers or agents OF any
government. lie contends that the matter
of the firing into the United States steamer
could be adjusted without dificulty--and
that the claim, as we have before said, of
Hopkins & Co., is an unjust one.
The probabilities seem to be now that the
efforts of our Commissioner to adjust mat
ters peaceably will be assisted by Brazil,
and the neighboring States, which do not de-
sire hostilities with the United States car
ried on near their borders. If, however,
these efforts should not be successful. and
our feet should proceed up the river. what
then? Paraguay would be invaded-to he
sure-but, beyond that, what will be the next
moye-and how is Lopez to be made to sue
cumb?