Argument for Claiments in the Case of the U S and Paraguay Navigation Co vs. the Republic of Paraguay; Submitted to Commissioners Hon Cave

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860. Excerpt: ... Commissioner Bowlin, therefore, heard nothing of our side of the case. On the other hand, it appears by his despatches that he was at Montevideo, and not on the intelligent, commercial side of the river--Buenos Ayres. He was but nineteen days in Paraguay. He says in his despatch, "I arrived on the 24th ultimo, and 1 had substantially settled everything on the 1st instant." He was, according to his despatches and letters published, most cordially entertained by Lopez, Urquiza, the Brazilian Minister, and others, and recei ved one of the most magnificent presents ever sent to an American official by a foreign potentate, at the hands of President Urquiza. He went offering peace and kindness, as was right. He should take care lest the rights of persons and property, for the protection of which governments are created and officers appointed, should not be prejudiced by his action. They have not been, for he obeyed his instructions. And, as against his views, we submit those formed in the Department of State after long investigation of the case on both sides, as made out by the despatches and the Semanario of Lopez, and the imperfect presentation by American citizens who had no claim to attention then except their unpleasant position as sufferers and their characters as trustworthy men. The eminent ability, I may be permitted to say, the thorough and masterly knowledge of the whole controversy, displayed in these instructions, as well as the source from which they come, far outweigh the unfavorable suggestions of Mr. Bowlin. Again, if Mr. Bowlin is relied upon as a witness against us, we submit he should appear as every other man now in the country whose statements or evidence have been received. Crossexamination would show the sources of his misapprehension, a...