The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-08-15


Several officers of the volunteer portions of our
army, who were engaged In the war with Mexico,
werelapproached on the subjects and their services
secured No mere adventures have been enlisted
in this movement. We have every reason to be-
lieve, that the personnel Of these organizations,
which have been effected in this country, for the
purpose of assisting in the revolution of Cuba, is Of
the highest order, as regards the respectability
honor and talent of the individuals, both officer,
and men, who are engaged IN tie movement. II
Is invasion Of Cuba, in which these citizens of
the United States are to be called on to engage.
They simply give their services, as they have
perfect right to do, aid of this revolationizing
movement; and in doing SO, they violate none of
their obligations as citizens of this republic, or
compromise in any manner the honor of this gov
eminent.
In Cuba, the progress of republican principles
has been hardly suspected. But 1t has been steady
and unremittlng for years. The sons Of the
wealthy planters have almost all, for years past,
received their education in the United States, and
have thus become thoroughly imbued with liberal
principles. An uncOnquerable determination to
substitute free government for the present vassals
age to the crown Of Spain, has obtained possession
of the opulent classes. The first blow struck in
the revolution will be the signal for tremendous
and irresistible uprising Of the influential masses
f the island Five hundred armed men from the
United States, under competent leaders, would
probably suffice to make the work Of revolution
complete. The military force on the island
amounts to seventeen thousand men, of which
nine thousand in Havana. 1t is believed
that the fidelity of great portion of this
force is by means certain. The Captain
General himself entertains serious doubts on
that subject. Not long since, formidable in
surection broke out at one of the fsrtresses
on the island, and several soldiers were shot, But
the spirit Of INSTRUMENTATION is unchecked, and
only awaits an opportunity to manifest itself in the
most formidable manner Meanwhile, there are
hundreds Of planters who are in readiness to con-
tribute abundant pecunlary means to effect the
revolution, and anxiously await the commence
ment of the movement for independence and
liberty.
There cannot be doubt, then, as to the fact that
the most decided steps have been taken to effect
revolution in Cuba. These steps have been taken
with remarkable prudence and sagacity Large
sums of money have been already expended in the
enterprise. Arms and munitions of war have been
purchased and shipped to well selected render
vous. formidable body of men has been collect
ed and organized beyond the limits Of the United
States, and awaits the appropriate moment to
strike the decisive blow. All this has been effect
ed with great secrecy and most skilful management
In the island itself, the revoutionists have proceed
ed with equal judgment and determination. tits
Impossible to exaggerats the intensity Of the desire
which animates the Cubans who are embarked in
this revolutionary movement, to shake of the iron
despotism which now presses them to the earth.
This Is really one of the most important move
ments Of the age. Its results, in connection with
the prosperity andprogress of the United States, will
! be OF the utmost Importance. 1t Is well known
that England has long had her eye upon Cuba.
Great Britain has more than once demanded Cuba,
either in absolute conveyance, or a mortgage
for the payment of the debts due her people and
also TO satisfy the claims che herself had for the
expenditures made account of Spain, in the
struggle with Napoleon. During the administra-
ton Of Mr.. Van Buren,, the subject came formally
before our government, and the then Secretary Of
State, Mr.. Forsyth, directed to communicate
with the representative of the United States, at
Madrid, and impress upon him the fixed de-
termination Of this government not to permit
Cuba TO be transferred TO any other foreign
power There is no necessity for our enter
ing into details TO show the paramount importance
to this country of preventing Cuba from passing
into the hands Of any other government. mere
ausion TO the geographical position of the island,
and considerations connected with the domestic
institutions of the Southern portion Of this Union,
sufficiently indicate the Of policy which is
incum.en upon this government to pursue in rela-
ton to Cuba In the present agitated state Of Eu-
rope, 1t can hardly be supposed that Spain will
continue In her present condition. Suppose that,
in some Of those commissions which now shake the
world, events should take such turn as lead to
the abolition Of slavery in Cuba, what would be
likely 10 be the effect upon the Interests and rights
Of the Southern States of this Union II can
be readily imagined.
For our part, we hail, with the highest gratiGca.
ton, all these preparations for revolution in
Cuba and we cannot but regard the proclamation
Of the President as uncalled for, and contrary to
The spirit which sheuld, and we are confident
docs, animate the great body Of our people. No
armed expedition has sailed from the United States
TO " invade Cuba" sundry Of our citizens have,
il is true, gone individually beyond the limits Of
the United States, and connected themselves with
armed force, intended to aid the revolutioaists
Ia Cuba. OF course, in this procedure, our go
vefnm, nj is not at all implicated. There has been
no violation of treaty obligations. The PROCLAIM
ton is vague and incoherent. II IL clear, as we
have already said, that the cabinet have been
stumbling about in the dark in relation to this
matter. We have stated the facts. and await with
great anxiety further Developments. We fervent-
ly trust that before six months, Cuba may be what
che desires to be, free and independent nation
Meanwhile, this grand movement will engage our
anxious attention, and our readers viii be kept adj
vised Of any step taken IN its progress.
In another part of o.day's paper, will be found
highly interesting letters from our Washington
correspondents, in relation to this matter, together
with the comments of the leading journals at the
seat Of government. In connection, we refer to
ielegraphic despatch from Washington, which
states that the U S. steamer Allegheny has been
ordered to sea- under scaled ORDERS supposed to be