The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-03-16
Coudnlion OF the Island OF Cuba.
uxuaNA Eshruarv d 121Q

hope tAst YOU will make its contents known at
Washington, or procure Its publication. II ID
Wntsen tor the purpose OF securing, II POSSIBLE, q
suitable representative OF the United States at the
ccsst OF Madrid. You must be aware, that the
deep interest which have in this island, has
brought nae IN connection with large number of
elanteIs, CreOes Spalaards and foreigners; and IN
The agitation OF the question OF change OF gov
eminent III Cuba, think well understand the
feelings and opinions Of most OF them am salts
hsd that there no settled purpose or strong de-
sire on the part of the CreOles or Spainards to
sever the connection which exists between Spain
and Cuba there Ia, no doubt, wish TO modify It.,
20 as to improve the condition OF the island. The
planting interest is about equally divided between
the natives and emlgrants from various countries
The government OF the island, from the highest to
the lowest, including the collectors Of the revenue,
the officers OF the army, the governors and civil
captains OF the various departments and sections,
the Judges aud subordnatea IN the courts of JUS
tlce iadeed, all those who are clothed with gene
raj or local authority, are, nearly to man. natives
OF old Spain, either sent out bearing commissions
from Msdrid, or holding appointments under those
who bear such commissions. Not only the gene
Tal regulations Of commerce, but the municipal re-
guatons OF citl.s, towns and rural districts the
regulation OF highways the adjustment OF rights
between individuals, as among themselves, In re-
Aahon to property and personal conduct as we'll as
IN the relations which individuals bear to the gov
eminent; the manner and extent whereby aud to
which funds are raised Tor public use not only the
portion required by the government at Madr.d, but
also the portion expended IN the various depart
ments and purposes OF the island, all depend upon
regulations originating in Madrid, and carried Into
execution by Spanish officers
Formerly there existed sort OF local Legislature,
which exercised, until within the last thirty years.
considerable power over the internal affairs Of the
island; this institution has substantially disap-
peared, the Captaln-general and those under him
acting under orders from old Spain, have absorb
ed these powers. You can we'll understand that
q government thus situated Is calculated to excite
much discontent; the comp ANTS which have been
made by the natives OF the island have not arisea
from desire to be separated from the mother
country, but from desire to have the govern
menr Of the island changed IN many Of the above
The love of power. official distinction and rank,
ID more strongly manifested in the Spanish race,
and Its desce ndans, than In any other people. The
violent outbreak at Madrid, effectlng changes In
the administration OF public affairs by violence in
stead Of a peaceful expression OF public opinion,
afford evidence Of their national character; yet
none of these changes exhibit purpose on the
part Of the people to overthrow the foundation OF
the Spanish monarchy The attachment OF the
natives OF Cusa 10 the Institutions Of, and their
connection with, old Spain, and their pride OF race
you converse win them. There Is well settled
belief among the people OF the island, that they
have the power and ability to sever their eonnec-
ton with the home government whenever they are
disposed to do SO. In this opinion they are, no
doubt, right. The leland OF Cuba has greater
ability to overthrow the authority of old Spain,
than Spain has to retain it against the popular will
The people OF the island desire substantial secarl-
ty and they know it, in relation to their slave pro-
certy. IN consequence of the military force of the
Island, consisting OF men enlisted in the Penlnsu-
10. The people of the Island are left to follow
their several employments, without being
drafted into the public service; and well
organized force to secure the peace OF the
island, 10 furnished at a very moderate ex-
pence. The slave population ID kept under proper
subectlon, at the same time that their wants and
personal rights, so tar they can be, consistent
with the condition OF slavery, are secured. This
u also well known to the people OF the island.
NoWn relation Z DrOductlOn8 and
Sugar constitutes the great article of producuon,
and 10 manufactured about one-third into Musca-
vado, and two-tbnds into clayed sugar. Citizens
OF the United States are the owners generally OF
the MuscOvado sugar estates, and the natural mar
ket Tor this article is the United States. The
coffee production has ceased to be one OF consi-
derable importance, while tobacco has rapidly
risen into an article Of great magnitude, and is
principally raised by the owners OF small siteos, or
parcels OF land, who ltogethtr constitute very
considerable portion of the white population. The
wants of the island from other countries consist
principally Of clothing, articles OF machinery, and
tOols, and certain kinds of provisions. Altogether
the largest portion of the food OF the island ia sup
Piled by the island ITSELF So tar es flour Is an arti-
Gle Of consumption, Spain, by system ofexorbltant
duties upon foreign importallons, has endeavored
to secure that trade to itself, Principally from st.
Ander and other ports on the Bay Of Biscay. Since
the change of commercial policy In Great Britain,
whereby -four Is allowed to be Introduced at low
rate Of duties, that country IS conveniently situated
to receive this article from Span and the interest
very much changed.
The machinery required by the island, and
which, when you consider the quantity used on SUI
gar estates, you will see amounts annually to
Is principally, and might be wholly, under proper
regulations, supplied from the United States; 80
with agricultural implements, coarse clothing, fish,
jerk beef. ('n American vessels,) pork, and other
artlcles Of p DIVISIONS. Under proper commercial
regulations, the above would be supplied wholly
by the United States. When you consider how
very large portion Of the trade between the Uni
ted States and SPAN, including Its colonies, is the
trade oil CHba and Porto Rico, does not strike
you as marvellous, that your government have been
80 nattentive TO this great interest, IN the select
ing OF Its agent or representative at Madrid. In
deed, It Is OF more Importance to have an
able, efficient and properly selected Min
lister at Madnd than at any other court in
Europe. Your relations with England and
France will take care of themselves, but with
Spain they require constant watchfulaess and con-
siderauon. In the selection OF Minister, man
OF high reputation at home, distinguished in the
public service for marked abilities, well known
with name unsullled, either In private or public
life, would produce the most favorable influence
upon our relations with the Spanish government
Such Minister would be able to remove the an
moving and expensive lmp0sltions upon American
navigation, aud secure the importation OF Amerl-
can properly upon diminished rates OF duty; and
upon corresponding action by Congress in re- ation
to the products OF the lsand the commercial rela-
tons between the two countries would be greatly
increased, equally beneficial to the United States,
TO the island, and to Spain.
II should be borne IL mind that, independent Of
the trade, large portion Of the surplus profits OF
the island are expended or Invested IN the United
States There the children are educated. there large
numbers resort Tor health and amusement. Large
amounts of Cuba money have from tune to time
been invested in the securities of the United States
The ease OF access renders the States the conveni-
ent resort for the people Of the Island. might
urge a hundred other considerations, but Will
re'er to only one point more, which Is thls;-the
mai. adMin lstration OF the law, both at home and
In the colonies, has rendered that means OF redress
for the violation Of contracts or OF rights, almost
worthless. As a consequence, men who desire to
ACQUIRE a consideration and confidence with their
fellow men, have necessarily been compelled, ii