New-York tribune., 1900-04-23
POPULAR OBSERVATIONS.
Mr. HEPBURN'S NICARAGUA BILL.
A CORRESPONDENT CALLS IT REPUTATION OF
NATIONAL OBLIGATION. AND SEES
DANGER AHEAD.

To the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir: Mr. Hephurn's bill for the construction ana
the fortiicat.on of canal in Nicaragua atio III
Costa Rica proposes the 'abroeation" of an
existing treaty with England-for that would re-
oure the consent of both the parties 10 the original
contract-but its reputation.
re. rs not rnnce words Reputation. virtually, 1t
would be- distinctly as IL the United states Nio-
lated any other existing ohligations as H. Tor
instance Il repudiated the Government bonds.
Neither the CIayton-Bulwer Treaty nor any OF It's
terms conditions clauses can be abrogated WITH
out the consent Of the two nations which
made the original agreement. but IL can pe reP"ui
ated by either one alone
Moreover an act authorizing or requiring the
ma King of Notifications in two foreign countries
with which at peace, and without their con-
sent would he on face one Of the most isno-
ran; and fragrant Usurpations that can be con-
ceived
Such an act. think. If not Incorporating or pre-
ceded by a declaration of war against the two ma
tions in question. might even be unconstitutonaI-
at least would be absurdly Illogical however su-
prerne the United States IS and should be on this
continent Il does not yet own Nicaragua and Costa
Rica nor is Il al with them. The fact that the
canal itself would be built and managed by US does
rot alter or modify these principles and these facts
Even the canal itself could not be made without
the permission already given or TO be given. or
Nicaragua and of Costa Rica. without concessions
from them; which however. they do not seem re-
Iuctant 20 make after reasonable and proper diplo-
matte action by all concerned.
We lately requested Great Britain TO observe, and
10 make China observe, the treaties which have
been for long time In existence between the
United States and China. The request was granted
witt the greatest prOnptnesS ana cordtaiitt' Anu
Vet now almost at the very same time, some mem
bers of our National Legislature are proposing 10
violate 10 break. repudiate "A formal and eNplClt
treaty between the United States ana 6Feat
If this were done. in what awkward. shame
matte sense. would find ourselves IN emma, not
only toward England but toward the other nations
OF which have made the same request: II
might do much TO imperil our trade in the East
so recently so trium phantly acquired; our com
rnercial legal. our moral standlng there WouId
certainly be immeasurably weakened; And II ny
tween Great Britain and the United States, what
then would become OF that resplendcnt fabric OF
srade which looking forward 70 in the East?
Our relations China with Great Britain, and Incl
tentslly with other European nations. would at
once become hopelessly involved. How could we
remain friendly toward Great Britain there and
her in The OF the world? Perhaps this point
has been overlooked by the fiery gentlemen in Con-
eress who ready to defy the whole world!
We at this moment at the climax OF our pros
perity. After just and successful war end as
a direct result of il, approaching in the East
a commerce whose possibilities almost dazzling.
short sighted and violent agtators? Let us now
beware of the shadow OF war which would
be only unjust but senseless, and whose out
would be most dubious
II Is earnestly TO be hoped that the Committee
on Rules OF the House Will have the irmness and
refuse the petition for special order pro-
early, specified date Otherwise the Admin
istration, the Senate the Republican party. the
Nation Itself VIII be placed in false. most en-
barrassfng position the ultimate result of which
is Impossible now to foresee. but which IS fraught
with serious. dangerous. possibilities.
New-York, April IS 1890, CARROLL BRYCE.