Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-11-08
THE ISLAND OF CUBA.

The Charleston "Evening; News" wholly dis
credits the rumor Of an overture having been made
by the Executive Of the United States for the pur
wisely counsels against such purchase, were it
within the power of this Government
"Such u step the purchase of the Island of
Cuba would not comport with sound policy on the
part OF the United States, even if there existed a
correspondent inclination to cede by old Spain. A
cesslon of the Island of Cuba would encounter the
opposition probably Of two Of the European Pow
ers, England and France, certainly of the former
1t will be recolected that this is not simply an A.
merican question. IL is blended with considcra
tions OF maritime policy, in which the European
f"wers possessing colonies on this continent are
largely interested. 1t may involve views i'm rela-
ton to the balance of power in this hemisphere
IL Will be remembered that Nj. Guizot deemed
Mexico IN her integrity an element in the political
equilibrium of the new world, although there was.
III MS notion OF balancing the Spanish and Ameri-
can races on this continent, too much refinement for
practical purpose. 1t, however indicates the dis
position Tor interference if circumstances had been
proPitious. If the entente cordiale between the
Cabinets Of ST. James and St. Cloud had not been
dissolved nearly about the same time, there would
probably have been CO operation and Intervention in
the quarrel between Mexico and the United States.
But no shadow of doubt rests, in this respect. on
the question OF the cession of Cuba. As attempt
to convey this island to Great Britain would be re-
sisted by the United States, so conveyance OF il
! TO the American Union would meet with resistance
as decided by Great Britain. Some of her states
men, 1t is well known, have urged the practical as
serton OF her claim 10 indemnity for Indebtedness
by Spain to British subjects, by forcbe SEIZURE
lhe existence OF a mortgage is even alleged and,
although lien of this kind would be novelty i'm
the history OF national Transactions yet we have no
hesitation in believing that, although this preten-
sion would not be set up so long as Spain did not
attempt to cede Cuba to any third Power, it would
most unquestonably be urged in any such event
''lf there were no earthly obstacle to the cession
the policy would be more than questionable which
would afford color to the charge that the United
States had SD uncontrolled desire for territory as
to override the dictates Of moderation, if not all
prudential considerations. Such manifestation so
soon alter the transfeTeRce 10 the Union of large
possessions over which we have not vet established
any form or species of government, would confirm
the impression in Europe that the lust for land was
not confined to ambitious monrachies, but exists in
the model republic in most prurient excess
| "lhere is but one opinion among that class of
American statesmen who disdain to feed the popu-
lar appetite on this score. They hold to the coun-
sci that our policy is that Of watchfulness and pre-
ventlon-tO be passive but vigiant EMPLOYING no
arts of negotiation for own behoof, but to pre-
vent, whether by fraud or force, by diplomacy or
'ne SWORD, the disturbance OF the present posses
sion. The prize would be of ncalculable value tn
any maritime Power; it is now where the mutual
jealousy of the parties should leave tin the hands
OF an enfeebled nation. Let us, then, keep our
hands Off until the contingency arises which, in the
contemplation of moderate councils and sense of
safety. would bring active interference within the
plea OF necessity and selfproection. The response
approving any movement of the Government in
counteraction of European schemes to transfer the
island from the hands in which il properly renoses
for the s1fety of all parties, oohers where it would
become the instrument Of maritime power and as
csndency, would be immediate and universal in the
American people; but we cannot imagine such
degree of infatuation would open fresh sources of
domestic discord, while existing feuds in regard to
territorial acquisition, threaten The permanence of
the Union, more especially when such policy in
wolves the hazards of conflict with foreign nations.
no point of national honor present interest being
embraced in the issueo