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231
PAPEH:3 OF :Mm.A.BEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
regarding the personalities of the governme11t were gradually softened hy the ame11itics of social life - but it m1uired time, polie11ss [polite- ness J and great caution to obtain even the social foothold neces,-;,-;ary to diplomatic influance and at any time the word fillabuster was certain to ignite a train of old prejudices which always operated aµ-ainst my mission. Several times i-ince mv a<he11t in the country I should from the indications held forth have 0 felt justified in i11forniing my gornmt that a few days would see the great object of my mission accom- plished - but each time events have prooved the delusion and I am satisfied at this moment that nothing but a stern coll\'iction that the United States will enforce her rights and open the Transit treaty or no treaty, will ever induce Nicaragua to enter upon a just arrange- ment of the questions at issue. But while Congress by its action, or inaction, paralises the Executive power nothig but the thunder of our gu11s will co11vince Nicaragua that we are a nation to be feared as well as respected I am satisfied Sir that the time for diplomacy is over with Nicaragua, and her sister state if it ever existed - I have ex- hausted arguments persuasion, denunciation - all the eloquence and energy of pen or voice that I am endowed with in behalf of this treaty, but have found it impossible to overcome the prejudices and secret in- fluences constantly operating against it - It is possible that General Jeres will so sustain my argumts by his experiences in the Cnited States that a wholesome terror of its power, may influence prompt action a11d a final settlement of the treaty - expecially if the Transit is ope11ed a11d a passage for our :Mails across Xicaragua enforced, it will be an argument to which she will be compelled to listen When her government is convinced that the United States is prepared to e11force the provisions of the Cass Yrisarri treaty with or without confirmation, that document will meet with prompt action at the hands of Nicaragua - But the only argumnt that diplomacy has not ex- hausted is fear and that, English and French machinations has hitherto rendered nugatory- In forwarding this dispatch to the departmnt of state I speak only of the broad features of my mission, the details I shall in a short time have the honor of explaing in person but before I close permit nie to apologise for the rough and careless frankness with which my former dispatches have hcen written. Surrounded by prejudices and excitement exasperated by inrnsions, utterly repugnant to my nature, struggling with all my energies to accomplish the object of my mis- sion and always defeated at the last moment - it is not surprising that my own impulsive feelings sometimes partook of the elements which surrounded me - and that crude opinions - harsh invectives al}(l reckless !h•nunciation against the GoHmnt arnl people to which I was accredited - has sometimes taken the place of sober detail, especially in my earlier communication witl1 the department of state I am uow satisfied that - hower mistaken the gowrnment of Nica- ragua may be in the position she rather crnd<'s than answers, the PresidC'nt of that Republic and his a1hiscrs, pcn;o11ally, are quite un- de~ening of the harsh opinion I 01we formed of them and probably l'Xpressed of them, a more intimate acquaintance drnnged the mutual prejudices that existed between us into cordial friemlliness and I left ~icaragua disgusted with the political features of my mission the
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