The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-03-28
The Annexation Of Cuba.

The Annexation OF Cuba.
The erposs of the attempt made by the late Pre-
sident and his cabinet, to procure the cession OF
the island OF Cuba to Tie United States, for con-
sideratlon, which was contained In document
written by Mr. Thomas Caute Reynolds, and pub
ished IN yesterdays Herald, is the subject OF con-
versation In political circles, and has created
great deal of wonderment and surprise among oil
classes.
When we obtained and published the intelligence
concerning the action which Mr. Polk and his
cabinet had nstru cited Mr.. Saunders, the Ame-
rcan Minister at the court OF Madrid, to take in
the matter, we knew that it was correct; and
though it was assaled from every quarter, we
maintained its accuracy, and held the position
which we then assumed, from that time to the
perod of the disclosure made by Mr. Rey-
rode, which places the matter beyond eavil or
dispute. We were, to be sure, supported by the
London Times and Chronice; but those papers never
mad an intimation OF the matter until it appeared
IN the Herald, and then, no doubt, they instructed
their correspondents In Madrid to make enquiries,
and ascertain the correctness OF what we pub
lished The result was that what our cOrrespon-
dent had affirmed was confirmed by them in every
particular.
The subject now, is beyond dispute MIR. Polk
and his cabinet did, the words OF our correspon-
dent at Madrid, and confirmed by Mr. Reynolds,
direct Mr.. Saunders, the American Minister at
Madrid "to sound the Spanish government on
their disposition TO sell or cede the island OF Cuba
TO the United States--that If 1t evinced any dispo
elton Of the kind, to buy it; AMI that, accordingly
negotiations, with that object IN view, may be said
boy boep al bv he deano oh
1t Is clear and evident, therefore, that such
despatch was cent to Mr.. Saunders, and that such
action was taken under it as we have from time
10 time stated. The next question is, what was
the ultimate object which the late administration
had in view, in thus sounding the Spanish 60
vemment? This, we think, can be readily sur
missed. 1t was the last year of Mr.. Folks adml-
nistration. The war with Mexico, brilliant as II
was, had been attended with great many blum
dere, which might Justly be attributed to his ad-
ministration, and especially to Mr.. Marcy, the late
Secretary of War. Its conduct throughout was
such as to engender unpopularity and MIR. Polk
and his cabinet-shrewd politicians as they are
conceived plan by which they might counteract
this feeling and at the same time destroy the grow
ing popularity Of General Taylor, who, long pre-
vious to that time, had been nominated as a candl-
date for the Presidency, at different meetings and
by different parties throughout the country Ac-
cordingly. they hit upon the expedIent of "sound-
Ing the Spanish government on their disposition to
sell or cede the island OF Cuba to the United
States" with the view, in case OF favorable an
swer being received, to make the annexation Of
that beautiful island test question-an issue IN the
Presidential election, which would take place in
the month Of November following. II was a
dexterous and by no means a desperate game
30 play, in order TO continue democratic ascen-
dency in the government: OF the United States, and
one characteristic OF the genius OF Mr.. Polk.
Were 1t not for the Disadvantages which Mr.. Saun-
ders labored under, IN not being acquainted with
the Spanish language, and the existence OF other
impedlments which were in his way, and which
prevented him from furherIng or carrying cut the
instructions and intentions of Mr.. Felix's cabinet,
we are perfectly satisfied that the annexation of
the island of Cuba would have been one Of the
principal issues In the last Presidential election,
and that Il would have exercised powerful influ-
eace on the result Of that struggle.
But although that negoti ,tion failed--as far as
the purposes for which II was commenced are
concemed-it must not be supposed that the sub
ect Is finally disposed Of The question Of pur.
chasing Cuba is now before the American people
in bread light. Il has been developed by the
Nev York Herald, and confirmed by the ex-
Secretary OF the American Legation IN Spain, that
abe administration Of MIR. Polk entertained the
project, and directed our minister al the court of
Madnd to prosecute 1t; and that 1t would have
been followed up, and perhaps with success, but
Tor the causes to which we have above referred.
II Mr.. Saunders was possessed Of more influence
If he was familiar with the Spanish language,
and was not obliged, as he was, to use three or
1our parties In consulting with the Spanish ministry
III, In word, Mr.. Saunders was more compe-
Tent TO fulfil the important trust confded to him,
Mr.. Folks project might have been submitted to
the American people at the last Presidential cleo
,lon, and General Cass might be the President OF
the United States at this time The project Is,
therefore, before the American people II will, no
doubt, be discussed and agitated by the news.
papers throughout the country, and form an ex-
citing and interesting topic of debate IN Congress
during the next session. What the result of such
agitation Will be, no one can with certainty pre-.
slict but we would not be surprised 10 ind il m ade
en- Issue Of the Presidential canvass of 1851 We
shall watch with Interest the course which the
now administration will take or THIS subject,
THr TETEcRAFnic Wars The Telegraph.
wires leading from this city to the east, west,