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Doc. No. 75. 



privilege — ^no exclusive right— no monopoly of commercial intefc!otlfg0; 

 but to see that the work is dedicated to the benefit of mankind^ to he 

 used by all on the same terms with us^ and consecrated to the enjoyment 

 and diffusion of the unnumbered and inestimable blessings which must 

 flow Irom it to all the civilized world? 



You will not want arguments to induce Nicaragua to enter into sUch a 

 treaty with us. The canal will be productive of more benefit to her than 

 any other country of the same limits. With the aid of the treaty it 

 may (without such protection from some power equal to our own, it can^ 

 not) be accomplished. Let your negotiation with her be frank, open^ 

 and unreserved, as to all our purposes. The same reasons for our inter- 

 ference must be avowed to the capitalists who may enlist in the work* 

 Before you treat for their protection, look well to their contract with 

 Nicaragua. See that it is not assignable to others, that no exclusive 

 privileges are granted to any nation that will not agree to the same treaty 

 stipulations with Nicaragua, that the tolls to be demanded by the owners 

 are not unreasonable or oppressive, that no power be reserved to the pro- 

 prietors of the canal or their successors to extort at any time hereafter, or 

 unjustly to obstruct or embarrass, the right of passage. This will require 

 all your vigilance and skill. If they do not agree to grant us passage on 

 reasonable and proper terms, refuse our protection and our countenance 

 to procure the contract from Nicaragua. If a charter or grant of the right 

 of way shall have been incautiously or inconsiderately made before your 

 arrival in that country, seek to have it properly modified to answer the 

 ends we have in view. 



I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



J, M. CLAYTON. 



E. George Squier, Esq. 



D. T. Bi^own to Mr. Buchanan, 



New YorK;, January 15, 

 Dear Sir: The enclosed letter from the government of the new repub- 

 lic of Costa Rica, Central America, I had intended delivering in Wash- 

 ington myself, but have been prevented by business. That government 

 is desirous to be recognised by that of the United States, and enter into 

 treaties of commerce with these States. From a residence of some du- 

 ration in Cosia Rica, I am inclined to believe that the government will 

 be stable and liberal; and think that our own commerce might reap ad- 

 vantage from trade with that country. In Dunlop's Notes on Central 

 America, published in 1847^ and the best work on that country, may be 

 found interesting information relating to Costa Rica, which is decidedly 

 the most enhghtened and prosperous of all the divisions of the old republic 

 of Guatemala. It produces about one hundred thousand quintals of very 

 superior coffee per annum, which now goes to England in exchange for 

 English goods, via Punta Arenas, on the Pacific. But a road is now 

 making to the river Serapique, to obtain an exit for produce via San Juan 

 de Nicaragua, which would bring a better article of coffee than any now 

 imported into the United States within twenty- five days' sail of New 

 York, and would offer an exchange for a large amount of American man- 



