The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1849-04-13
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The recent letter OF Mr. Reynolds, ridiculous as
it in style, and thoughtless and tattling as it
was in many of its statements, has directed the
attention of the press and the country to very
important matter-the acquisition of Cuba by the
United States
1t is only necessary to look at the map in order
to perceive the vast importance of Cuba to the
United States. Lying between the peninsulas of
Florida and Yucatan, blocking up completely the
entrance from the Atlantic Ocean into the Gulf of
Mexico this island may be made to control all the
foreign commerce that leaves or enters the mouths
of the Mississippi web of the ports Il Texas,
Alabama, and Florida, scattered along the. Gulf
But in addition to the commanding position of Cuba,
which may be seen by a glance at the map, the
island has one of the finest harbors in the world
With stout hearts and scientific heads to guard it,
the port of Havana would be Theoretically sealed
to an enemy's vessel. At one time the English had
possession of this place. and it is singular that they
should ever have loosened their grip on so valuable
prize. 1t was during the seven years wal that
they took Havana from the Spaniards; and ever
since the English gave up their hold this magni-
icent harbor, their power in America has been on
the decline. Soon after they lost Havana the
United States separated from the mother country;
taken away from the British. But although in
their folly and judicial blindness, the English Gov
eminent threw away the priceless possession that
the fate Of war had given into its hands, it has for
the last twenty years been full of fear and jealousy
lest its qrondam colonies should conquer or pur-
chase the island from the Spanish Government
Although England may gnash her teeth for her
former folly and present impotence to prevent what
she fears will happen, although Palmerston or any
other foreign Minister may intrigue in Cabinets and
declaim in Parliaments against the purchase of
Cuba by the United States, it seems. from all the
signs of the times that if we will only wait for a
little while, the ripened pear will fall into our lap
Mr.. Reynolds-not that we would pretend to cite
him as authority, but even dullard has some
eyes-seems to think that the negotiation between
Narvaez and Mr.. Saunders failed entirely through
the ignorance and want of tact of the American
Minister. And if, as some imagine, Canada should
apply for admission into the Union, the probability
of our acquiring Cuba will be much increased for
the Southern States will make the annexation of
Cuba an indispensable condition to the annexation
of Canada
Struggle as Britain may, she cannot keep the
United States from growing and extending her ter
within the last ten years. has she been foed in her
efforts to restrict our movements In 1912 and '43
many of her statesmen and scholars considered her
claim to California fair if not irresistible; and
backed with an immense navy she might have
filed up the gaps in her title with an arm of power
and voice of authority. But she let the golden
opportunity slip, and was fonder of talking about
her right to Oregon than her right to California.
Her travellers and geographers had told about the
actual and reputed treasures of California, but she
turned deaf ear to all their stories, and refused
credence to what she considered the fctions of
travellers imaginations. We all know how Eng
and was banked on the Texas question. We GER
ainly got the better of her in the Oregon contro-
versy. Now if we should get Canada and Cuba
The cup of her wrath and indignation will be full
last resource and in order to avenge herself
or all she has suffered at hands, she may, at
,eriod not remote, ask to be annexed herself We
must have care for our conduct or else, in little
while, Great Britain win apply for admission into