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on the occasion, it was all to no effect; for although I was listened to with respect and attention, the result proved that my words had made but little impresion upon the minds of the audience; for the Contract was ratified a few days afterwards, and passed to the President for his approval and signature. 'l'he truth is, the Congress had determined from the beginning to ratify the Contract at all cost anJ hazzard. - The opinion of the President, however, with respect to its policy had undergone some change. I was assured by Mr Zeledon that he was hesitating as to the course he ought to pursue, and that there was a possibility that he might finally refuse his signature. Mr Zeledon had just received a private letter from the President of Salvador exposing the projects of Mr Belly; he (Zeledon) shewed that letter to President Martinez, who on reading it asked Mr Zeledon his opinion about the• matter. Mr Zeledon replied that he had no confidence in the Belly Scheme, and still less in the persons connected with it. This I get from Mr Zeledon himself. Encouraged by these circumstances, I went to see the President on the subject. In our interview, I endeavored to impress upon his mind that nothing could possibly grow out of that Contract but unmitigated evil to Nicaragua. - I told him that the whole project was a humbug - a fraud upon this country - that Mr Belly has neither the means nor the intention to undertake the work - that it was an impracticable enterprise - and that Nicaragua would be swindled out of a million of acres of land without receiving the slightest benefit. I made allusion also to the political consequences which might grow out of it. I said, that any controversy which might arise between Nicaragua and M. Belly with respect to the possession and sale of the lands named in said contract, would furnish Louis Napoleon with a pretext to in.terfere in the affairs of this Country - a policy which I was confident the United States would never permit. - I urged the importance of preserving amicable relations with our coun- try; and expressed the conviction that any war growing out of the Central American question, could not fail to prove disastrous to Nica- ragua. The President saw no prospects of any difficulties of this kind; and reiterated his confidence in, and friendship for the United States.- He asked me if I had seen the modifications to said contract. I an- swered that I understood the most important ones. - He said, the modifications had so restricted Mr Belly, and thrown so many safe guards around the rights of Nicaragua, that Nicaragua could not be hurt by the contract, as it then stood. I replied, even if this were the case, and Nicaragua could not be injured by it - how was she to be benefited by it?- That was the question for consideration. - Suppose- I said - that a Rattle snake should crawl into your Excellency's house amidst your family - what ought to be done with him? - I would say, off with his head, and away with him. But no. According to Your Excellency's mode of reasoning, Your Excellency would have to say - let us modify him - let us draw out his fangs, and then he can do no harm. - And suppose, he can do no harm - where is the good that he can do? That is the question. It is always dangerous to sport with a viper. - It must be remembered that other fangs in the place of those extracted, will soon grow out; and at a moment least expected their deadly venom may be sent into the veins of your family. And thus may it happen, I said, to Nicaragua with respect to the
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