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PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
seems to present a logical and conclusive array of facts and authorities in favor of the paramount jurisdiction of Nicaragua over both banks of the San Juan. This is the point on which Costa Rica and Nicaragua are now at war; and in their squabble for the spoils of the Transit many of our citizens have been imprisoned and murdered, and no responsible gov- ernment could be found to be made amenable for these outrages. This highway to California has now been closed for more than a year, and all the American property invested in it - valued at a million dol- lars - held by Costa Rica as prize of war, or destroyed. This country, therefore, has a direct and important interest in the pacification of the Isthmus, and those who have affected to hope that it was to be accom- plished in partnership with England by means of the Clayton-Bulwer treaty, are compelled to resign the delusion. The English fleet at San Juan permitted, if 41 did not encourage, the Costa Ricans to break up the Nicaragua Transit route, and to seize the steamers of the American Company; and no movement has been proposed or attempted in the way of restitution to the owners; no re- dress has ever been obtained for the losses and injuries of our people on that route to California; and it is doubtful whether any reliable protection will ever be secured to them until our government assumes the duty and executes it with a firm hand. The necessity of maintaining the freedom and security of that inter- state communication is so obvious and so national in its character, that it is impossible to neglect it much longer. It cannot remain dependent either on the masterly inactivity of British interpretation, or the ca- pricious feuds of the turbulent anarchies of Central America. [A] ctive and positive protection for our trade and people on [the] Isthmus has become the universal demand of the coun[try] and every ray of light on the true condition and law. [ 42 ]verignty of the transit is of value at this moment. [ 42 ]view, Don Fermin's comprehensive statement of [ 42 Jan limits of Nicaragua is an opportuJJ.e offering. No. 2574 1858 Jan. 16, H. L. KINN[E]Y, PANAMA, [PANAMA] TO MRS. RILEY, [SAN JUAN, NICARAGUA] Introducing Lamar. A. N. S. 1 p. No. 2575 1.658 Jan. 18, F[ERl\HN] FERRER, NEW YORK, [NEW YORK] TO [MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR, SAN JUAN DEL NORTE? NICARAGUA] . Requesting Lamar's good offices toward the restoration of his prop- erty and the termination of his exile, the delivery of indosed letter [ to his wife], and a copy of the reply to Molina's pamphlet and of Jerez's reply. A. L. S. 1 p.
41 The word "it" should evidently be inserted here. "Illegible where corner is torn.
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