New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-08-21
OUR SISTER REPUBLICS.

The news from the Republics Of Central anu South
America which we publish from time to time possesses
peculiar interest at this unoture. What with the IN
terna commissions to which most, if not oil, OF them
seem to be periodically subject and what with the
dangers with which they are externally threatened
from the aggressive policy of Spain in relation to her
old provinces in this hemisphere, their condition pre-
sents gEect demanding the earnest attention OF the
friends of republican institutions wherever found. De-
spite the obstacles to their progress nteposed by war
ring factions within their own borders and unprincped
politicians the most considerable Of them seem to
be steadily developing their resources and consodat-
inc their strength Of these Chill is foremost in in
dustral enterprise. Peru, under the enlightened ana
energetic administration of her new ruler seems to be
shaking off that torpdity which has for SO long time
weighed down her energies. Costa Rca s yearly III
creasng her valuable products, and Nicaragua Is
now inviting immigration to her generous soil,
and holding out the most liberal inducements for set
tiers. Considering that these several States had no
training for that most difficult Of asks--natonal SELF
government, the position they have won, in face OF
the difficulties they have Lad to encounter, speaks
well for them and for the principles on which their
autonomy is based. Nations are not made in day.
The process of formation is necessarily slow and
heightened one, and it is only through many
yicissitudes and severe trials that they reach
vigorous maturity. The enemies OF liberty
may sheer at these republics of the new world, and
point dersiyely at them illustrations Of the insult
ficiency of republican institutions for nsurlng
national vitality and strength; but those who dis
passonaely trace their brief history, and compre-
hensively survey their condition, will see nothing
whatever to shake confidence in the doctrine OF the
ability of society to rule itself and administer its own
affairs.
The law of political affinity naturally excites the
sympathies of America for these struggling Republics
1t is impossible for US to view with indifference their
heroic efforts to maintain their independence against
| the wanton aggressions of European Power Ihey
have claims upon us which cannot be ignored, and
which, we are happy to know, there is no desire on
the parts of the American people to disregard;
As in the case Of Mexico, the armed inter-
vention of the Emperor Napoleon, and the
attempt to displaco republican government
there with monarchical regime, has awakened feel
ing Of indignation among the people Of the United
States and revived in full force the very proper eal-
ousy we feel as TO any interference of the crowned
heads of Europe with the Affairs Of this continent so
with Chill and Peru it not possible for us to be unm
stoned spectators of the INSCRIPTIONS attacks which
have been made upon them by Spain in the recent
and vet unsettled difficulties Uncomfortable
circumstances have prevented the American
people from giving to the Chilians and
Peruvians any very striking practical proof
OF the national sympathy which is felt for them here
in their struggles; but upon this they may confidently
reckon-the United States would never stand by
quietly and unconcernedly and see them tramped I'M
der foot by any European power. With government
in common, as to its distinctive principles between
them and ourselves their interests, politically, are
ours, and their success, We feel, would be as a re-
hected glory upon US. True republicansm is one
the world over and the obligations Of this
universal brotherhood we have no disposition
to shirk Gen. Fitzpatrick, then the United States Min
lister to Chilli has but given expression to the national
sentiment Of the American people, in officially aSsuf'
ing the Chilians Of warm sympathy with them in
their difficulties and trials This act Of Minister'S
is well timed, and taken in connection with other
current events will help to convince the monarchs of
Europe that the Monroe doctrine is still operative and
potent Our national troubles have not obscured our
vision to s paramount Importance, in the interests OF
popular government and republican principles.