James Buchanan, Buchanan's administration on the eve of the rebellion

---

[265] manner; and finally, by order of President Lopez, it had fired upon the United States steamer Water Witch (1st February, 1855), under Commander Thomas J. Page of the navy, and killed the sailor at the helm, whilst she was peacefully employed in surveying the Parana river, to ascertain its fitness for steam navigation. The honor, as well as the interest of the country, demanded satisfaction.

The President brought the subject to the notice of Congress in his first annual message (8th December, 1857). In this he informed them that he would make a demand for redress on the Government of Paraguay, in a firm but conciliatory manner, but at the same time observed, that ‘this will the more probably be granted, if the Executive shall have authority to use other means in the event of a refusal. This is accordingly recommended.’ Congress responded favorably to this recommendation. On the 2d June, 1858,¹ they passed a joint resolution authorizing the President ‘to adopt such measures, and use such force as, in his judgment, may be necessary and advisable, in the event of a refusal of just satisfaction by the Government of Paraguay,’ ‘in connection with the attack on the United States steamer Water Witch, and with other matters referred to in the annual message.’² They also made an appropriation to defray the expenses of a commissioner to Paraguay, should he deem it proper to appoint one, ‘for the adjustment of difficulties’ with that Republic.

Paraguay is situated far in the interior of South America, and its capital, the city of Asuncion, on the left bank of the river Paraguay, is more than a thousand miles from the mouth of the La Plata.

The stern policy of Dr. Francia, formerly the Dictator of Paraguay, had been to exclude all the rest of the world from his dominions, and in this he had succeeded by the most severe and arbitrary measures. His successor, President Lopez, found it necessary, in some degree, to relax this jealous policy; but, animated by the same spirit, he imposed harsh restrictions in his intercourse with foreigners. Protected by his remote and secluded position, he but little apprehended that a navy from our