The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-01-11
Important Runners from WashingtOn-Mr
Folks New Position on the Cuba and
WiImOt PrOvlso Questions.

We have received through our special private
correspondent at Washington, an account OF some
very curious and novel rumors which are in clrcu.
lation among some politicians there, relative to
curious change which has come over the mind
OF MIR. Polk concerning the Wllmot proviso ques-
ton, slavery in general, Southern slavery IN partl-
cular, as well as the subject of Canadian and Gu
ban annexation Some intlmatlons of a similar
nature have been observed In the Washington cor.
respondence Of some of our contemporaries, but the
rumOrs which have been confded to us appear to
have assumed positive form and a practical
shape.
According to our authority, it is surmised that
Mr.. Polk and his administration are preparing a
remarkable coup d'ftat, on certain questions of
great Importance, connecte with California, Cuba,
and Canada looking to the popular agitation of
those questions during the administration of Gen.
Taylor.
1t is now admitted on all hands, on the floor of
the Senate, well as by unbellevng journals, that
overtures Of some description were made last
summer, under the authority of Mr. Polk g admin
lsration, Tor the purpose of sounding the Spanish
| government as to their willingness to sell or part
with the Island of Cuba. The recent debate in
the Senate, the defeat of the resolution call.
irg for information, and the manner in which
il was negatlved, concur In strengthening the I'M
preston hat something on the subject Of the an.
nexatIon of Cuba, has been in the wind for many
months past. 1t is surmised, therefore, that before
the termination Of the present of Congress-
Mr.. Polk will take an opportunity to present his
views and take ground the subject of the future
annexation OF Cuba, in such way as to make it
matter of political agitation during the next tour
| he's pYati0 NJ To in
1914 1t is true, according to the statements put
forth In the organs of the Spanish government IN
Madrid, that there is great repugnance in the
ministry OF Queen Isabella to treat at all on the
cession CT Cuba to the United States; but the cor
respondents OF the American and English journals
in that capital, believe much in the formal and
diplomatic declarations that have been made by
the Spanish newspapers on the subject as they are
entitled to, which is not great deal. Whatever
may be the disposition OF the Spanish government
in the matter, 1t is very certain that Spain cannot
much longer continue in her present anomalous
condition, under the authority of rash Queen
and lmbecile ministry, while democratic and po-
pular movements are breaking out IN every direc-
ton all around her, with France at their head,
giving them example, and cheering them into
action. That there will be a popular revou-
ton in Spain seems very probable; and the mo-
ment the monarchy shall have been aboll shed,
then will follow at once, the same results, In the
social condition OF the blacks in the Spanish colo
MES, as followed he recent revolution In France,
regards the negroes In the West Indian colonies
OF that republic. A revolution In Spain, of
democratic character, would be the signal for the
abolition of slavery in Cuba. Now Cuba, as
colonial possession, is valuable principally to the
| Spanish arstocracy at home and abr Dad; and, in
| order to avoid the destruction which would over
whelm the Island of Cuba, by a pronunc,anento
abolishing slavery, we have doubt that the
| Spanish government, and the Spanish aristocracy,
would Jump at the first chance OF separating that
island Fl ON Spanish dominion, in anticipation OF
such CONFUSION, and make arrangements for
ceding II at an cary day to the United States,
that the properly slaves and the industry of the
country would be preserved, under the conserva-
tive government, which would, IN the event of an
neAation, cover ITS plains and vallies.
With these views, we think the purposes attri-
buted TO Mr.. Polk, of putting this question before
the county before he leaves the White House,
would be very dexterous coup d'etat, for future
operations but IN addition to this Cuban matter
we are informed that Mr.. Polk Is also contemplate
ing assuming a new ground on the Wllmot
| provso, and OF actually coming out in favor OF
excluding slavery from California In combination
with his views about Cuba, as a sort OF balancing
power in the matter The private motives which
may influence Mr.. Folks mind IN this singular
change of oplnion can, of course only be inferred.
HIS public reasons, if he should adopt such
course, will probably have reference to the pecu-
liar position of California, asd the character Of the
| ,h xydi Oh
and its mountains, since the wond, riul gold dis
| coveries have been made IN that region. Every
m an must acknowledge that the tide OF emigra-
ton setting there from the north, will render all
| discussion about slavery In that region mere
! suYpussage and utter waste OF time. There can
exist slavery in that region. while such a class
OF emIgrants are crowdng to 1t as those whom we
see leaving every day. Mr. Polk may assume this
as one Of his public reasons for abandoning the
nominal rights OF the South, or OF extending the
institution OF slavery to that portion OF our terri.
tory; although 1t may also be surmised thar the
retiring President has been offended and chagrin-
ed at the want OF confidence exhibited towards
his administration, in the recent elections Ten.
nessee, louisiana, North Carolina, Georgia, Flo.
rida, all Southern States, have abandoned the
Southern administration, identified with Mr.. Polk,
IN the recent election; and even Mississippi
and Virginia, were within the verge Of following
the same course. These events have settled deeply
IN The mind of Mr.. Polk as well as in many of
the Southern democrats, connected with the admit.
nlstraton, and we may add some Of the Northern
ones too the whole presenting strong private
motives, which will be mingled with public ones
for the suspicion that, before he leaves Washing
ton he will take opportunity OF procuring ter
ritorial government for California If not for New
Mexico too, and even approve of the WIlmot pro-
vIso being extended to those territories, in opposl-
ton to his former views on the subject well
those OF some of his friends.
Connected with these novel views, facts and in
flnrncrs. IL has also been Infimntrd that certain