The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-12-21


great deal OF attention and discussion in both
Europe and the United States, now becoming
a topic of discussion Congress and OF news col
eclors IN Washington.
This more important question, in its foreign
and domestic aspects than many imagine. Before
another election Ct President may come rouad.
the annexation OF the island of Cuba, by purchase
or otherwise, may become as important and con-
trolling element the result, as the annex alton
of Texas was in he contest between Mr. Clay and
Mr.. Polk, four years ago. One of the most lntelli
gent of the London journalists shrewdly observes
that had the question OF the annexation of Caba been
brought up at an early day in the recent Presi-
dental contes it might have had prod gious in.
fuence on the result, and might have made ii diff
| ferent frem what it is There Is every prospect
that the agitation OF this question, which hardly
yet begun, will reopen with the months and years,
and may possess controlling influence on future
| events.
In the meantime, some curious movements in
come cton with this matter are going on IN Wash
ington Mr.. Miller, of New Jersey, has brought
the subject before the Senate, and the distinguish
ed John M. Bolts, who once slept with Captain
Tyler, has introduced the matter into the news
papers. The latter gentleman, in reply to some in
ed no further information on the subject from any
quarter, than what he found In the columns of the
New York Herald. We give Mr.. Bolts the credi
of telling the truth, and that probably this part of
our information might have been fallaclous; yet
we can't help saying that, If Mr.. Botts who is a
constant reader of the Herald, studied its columns
with more minuteness and accuracy, he would not
only have more information on many topics, than
ha to hut hox ID Oh
series of blunders which he has perpetrated, on
various public matters, during the last five years.
The truth is, Mr.. Bolts has not yet got over the
night during which he slept with Captain Tyler.
With respect to Mr.. Miller, who introduced the re-
solution OF inquiry into the Senate, it seems that
at the suggestion of Mr.. Berrlen, of Georgia. the
resolution has been laid over, on the ground that
the information, if published, might be of public
injury, that perhaps the President, acting on his
constitutional prerogatlve, might refuse to give 1t
at all On the general subject we find In a co,em
porary of yesterday, the following alluslon, in its
Washington correspondence
! Although offcical overtures have been made by
Ike nation for the acquisition of Cuba there is good
reason to believe the project enerai ned that
indirect advances countenanced with the priyity
of the cretary of State and perhaps by authority
or acqui. scence of the Executive At no distant day
delo touching this interesting subject may be
forthcoming if the record of certain transactions is
not found TO be an inconvenient souvenir discard
ed dynasty. considerable interest in the Island is
ted to be ripe for rebellion against the existing
authority and favorable to the establishment Of the
republican systtm This represe natou NAV be colored
by those who inclined encourage the acquisition
but it is not to be dputed that distinguishes mcu
her OF the cabinet declared if had been the
disposal Of The governme mt, the object might have
been readily promoted, il not absolutely accomplish d.
Unless The precaution of destruction is adopted. the
public files will disclose some very curious and import
ant testimony after the 4th of March-testimooy that
would astound the country, if the public mind had
been prepared for the developeme mt Of or
experiments the part Of Mr. Folks administrs-
ton.-Courier and Enquirer.
1t Will be seen from this extract, which covers |
the whole ground OF information gwen through
our columns many months ago, that there is In
some quarter considerable hostility to the move
ment of the Executive, this subject, for the an-
nexation of Cuba. The animation that no dis
closure will, place before the fourth of March
next, and perhaps that by that time all traces Of it
may be expunged from the files of the State depart
ment, may be taken for what 1t is worth. We doubt
however whether either the President or the Sc
creiary-of Stale would hesitate to disclose, openly
and frankly, every step that has been taken this
important subject. We rather think, Judging from
political results, and from previous annexations
that Mr.. Folks administration now, and his party |
after the fourth of March next, may be ready to !,
make the annexation of Cuba an element In the |
great party struggle of 1852 Perhaps 1t may be
the intention OF the Executive, before the terml-
nation OF the present session. to send message to |
both houses Of Congress, disclosing all the steps |
that have been taken in this matter, and distinctly |
taking ground in lavor of the annexation of that
beautiful island, with or without the consent OF
SPAN, by purchase or otherwise, and thus make
II great question-a leading lssue-four years
hence.
In this view OF the subject, the annexation of |
Cuba will, perhaps, become an important element
In popular elections, for several years to come.
indeed, if we 60 back a short time, we will find |
that similar steps were attempted to be taken In |
both the Senate and in the House, on the same
subject. Senator Yulee, of Florida, two years
ago, offered resolution containing declaration |
for the anne xauon of that island but he was per-
suaded by Mr.. Calhoun, on the ground of prudence,
to withdraw it. Perhaps the same motives may
govern Mr.. Berrien in the recent advice which he |
gave to Mr.. Miller, of New Jersey. The sensi-
tiveness exhibited IN various quarters this sub.
jeet since the Herald disclosed the first move.
ments or overtures of our government, impresses
the mind the importance which this question |
may yet exercise on political results In the United
States. The question of slavery in the territories
il yet unsettled, and may remain in abeyance,
side by side with this open question OF the annex
atom of Cuba. If the democratic party, and the
administration which was defeated in the recent
election, should judge 1t expedient to take strong
ground this question, before go ng out of power,
by means of a communication to Congress, com
hitting themselves the negotiations, it will |
produce agitation, throughout the country, cal
culsted to dsorganize the existing state of parties
and bring into action elements, and most,
powerful once, of different character, and Of
greater force, than those that were involved
IN the original question of the annexation Of
Texas. All parties in the Southern States