156
TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
with many of the questions which are continually presenting them- selves in Europe, concerning the balance of power and other subjects of controversy arising out of the condition of its states, and which often find their solution of their postponement in war. It is of para- mount importance to the states of this Hemisphere that they should have no entangling union with the Powers of the old world, a con- nection which would almost necessarily make them parties to wars, having no interest for them, and which would often involve them in hostilities with the other American States contiguous or remote. The years which have passed by, since this principle of separation was first announced by the United States, have served still more to satisfy the people of this country of its wisdom and to fortify their resolution to maintain it, happen what may. The progress of events has rendered the interoceanic routes accross the narrow portions of Central America vastly impor- tant to the commercial world, and especially to the United States, whose possessions extending along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts de- mand the speediest and the easiest modes of communication. While the just rights of sovereignty of the States occupying this region should always be respected, we shall expect that these rights will be exercised in a spirit befitting the occasion and th~ wants and circumstances that have arisen. Sovereignty has its duties as well as its rights and none of these local Governments, even if administered with more regard to the just demands of other nations than they have been, would be per- mitted in a spirit of eastern isolation to close these gates of intercourse on the great highways of the world and justify the act by the preten- sion that these avenues of trade and travel belong to them, and that they choose to shut them, or, what is almost equivalent, to encumber them with such unjust regulations as would prevent their general use. The United States do not seek either the control, or the exclusive use of these routes. - They desire that the advantages should be equally common to all nations. Nor do they claim to interfere with the local Governments in the determination of the questions connected with the opening of the routes, and with the persons with whom contracts may be made for that purpose. What they desire and mean to accomplish is that the great interests invoh·ed in this subject should not be sacri- ficed to any unworthy motive, but should be guarded from abuse, and that when fair contracts are fairlv entered into with ·American citizens they should not be wantonly vi~lated. Other nations will no doubt pursue the same course in relation to their citizens or subjects who may ha,·e similar interests. But besides these general considerations applicable to this subject, there are others which impose acl<litional obligations upon these Isthmian Powers, and which bear with equal force upon their relations with other nations. - Several of these Powers, and Nicaragua e:-pecially; have in fact by their public proceedings invited the cooperation of the capital and industry and enterprise of the world in order to open these lines of communication. The citizens of tht: 1:nite<l States harn co11tributccl their full share towards the accom- plishment of the enterprise, a]Hl this Gowrnment intends to use the means in its power to protect them in the enjoyment of their rights.
Powered by FlippingBook