SUPPOSED RUPTURE WITH THE UNITED STATES.

Otago Witness, Issue 250, 13 September 1856, Page 4

SUPPOSED RUPTURE WITH THE UNITED STATES.

The " Melbourne Leader" publishes the following in its issue of the 23rd ult. :~— On Thursday (Aug. 21) the Marion arrived at Port Phillip Heads with important news to the 10th of June; but the Captain refuses to communicate the intelligence till his ship is released from quarantine. The news is said to be connected with the American difficulty ; and in the absence of exact information, it has been exaggerated into a declaration of war between England and America. This is just possible ; and we can see in the California papers what might lead to such an issue. Crampton, the British Minister at Washington, would be dismissed : this was expected, but this would not necessarily lead to war. It is to the new complications of the Central American quesI tion that we look as the source of danger. By the latest news from that quarter, we see that a British man-of-war was blockading Greytown, and searching vessels suspected of carrying arms and ammunition to General Walker. If, in this process, American ships were searched, a casus belli would be made out. Added to this is the fact that the U. S. Government were thinking of recognising General Walker's government, and would then take part with him against British interference. We append a few detached extracts, which throw some light upon it : — It will be seen that England has been furnishing arms to the Costa Ricans, and that there is a report that Greytown was to be bombarded. These facts will of course complicate the affairs of Nicacaragua. The prospects of a recognition of the Walker government by our own, appear to be improving. The course of the Nicaraguan government has, it will be seen, been warmly espoused in the U. S. Senate, and it said that a majority of the Cabinet were in favour of the immediate recognition. The arrival of Padre Vigel, the new Minister, and a native of Nicaragua, one who has always been one of 1 Gen. Walker's warmest supporters, will probably do much toward effecting a final determination in this matter. The late news from Central America has created much excitement here, and many complain now that Col. French was not received as Minister from Nicaragua, as it is said such a reception would have prevented the present war. The rumour of an interference by the French and English squadrons, as given you in my special despatches, has been confirmed by the Star of this city, and our government is satisfied that a portion of the troops in Costa Rica has been smuggled in there from these squadrons. Should such prove to be true, it must tend to a still greater complication of our Central American difficulties with Great Britain ; and add another glaring insult to be registered along with the enlistment case, and perhaps to be atoned for at the point of the sword. Aspinwall, April 22nd 1856. The steamer Solent arrived at 9 a.m. with several of Walker's men on board. Steamers Isabel and Charles Morgan reached Greytown from New Orleans, and landed 500 men for Walker. British ship Eurydice blockaded Greytown on the 20th inst. A brig from New Orleans is expected at Greytown with troops for Walker, and would be stopped on her arrival by the British ship Eurydice. i The United States steamers Fulton and Merrimae, with H. B. M-s steamer Termagant were daily expected with two French ships to join the blockade. British ship President in Punta Arenas on the 31st ult. The British have given notice of the bombardment of San Juan, and a fleet is hourly expected to ! enforce the notice. A brig with ammunition for Walker had arrived from the States, hut H.M. ship Eurydice would not allow her to land her cargo. The Eurydice, it is said, overhauls every vessel, even the canoes, entering the harbour. Aug. 22. From our Queenscliff agent (says the " Geelong Advertiser") we have just received the following by telegraph :—: — I have been again alongside the Marion ; Captain still refuses papers, but supplied me with the following : — 41 Matters have come to a crisis between the English and American Governments. Negotiations are at an end. Mr. Crampton, our Minister, has been dismissed from Washington ; and the American Cabinet are supporting Princissio BJvas, the tool of General Walker."