The New York herald., 1850-06-05
The Relations OF the United States with
gpain--Rather 6quaIly.

Hihlic, Is WOItiy
The Relations OF the United States with
epain--Rather squally.
The very important intelligence from Washing
ton, which we published yesterday, and the de-
tails Of which appear in our columns to-day,
giving inkling of the diplomatic correspon-
dence between Mr.. Clayton, the Secretary of State,
and NJ Cederon de la Barca, the Spanish Minis
ter the recent attempt TO revoutonize the island
of Cuba, has created considerable sensation in this
community, and alarmed, in more than usual ex-
tent, our commercial and naval interests. We have
no doubt that that Inflated, unprincipled, ridi-
cnlou., il not piratical expedition, has laid the
foundation of great deal of difficulty between the
United States and the Spanish authorities But
how far these difficulties and diplomatic differences
may lead TO a rupture between the two countries,
il is hardly fair to guess, without full perusal of
all the correspondence, and all the official details,
which may have passed between the ministers of
the two powers, or which may yet take place be-
fore many weeks The Spanish race and the
Spanish government yet retain great deal OF their
ancient pride. This will be met, undoubtedly, by
sqasl obstinacy, determination, and popular i'm
pulses, Of the American republic, condensed in the
hands Of a weak cabinet, anxious to touch the
national heart The collision between these two
elements may lead to n great deal Of disturbance;
and unless much care is taken, and forbearance
observed, by the diplomatsts on both sides, we
should not be al all surprised 10 see II end in some
thing like a war between the two countries.
With respect TO the conduct and policy Of the
two governments in reference to the laws Of ma
mons, 10 their respective treaties, and 10 their in
tenal regulations, it is difficult also, al this time, TO
form q correct extended opinion. We have
only newspaper accounts, both Of the lifting out OF
the expedition, Of its failure in Cuba, of the arrest
of Americans on the coast Of Mexico, and OF the
probable execution Of some, and the reservation Of
the rect for a bloody and ignominious death The
American government have their national duties
TO perform during the time Of peace. The American
government must also protect the lives Of those
citizens who, according TO our laws, and without
violating the treaties, may not be considered
strictly amenable TO Spanish authorities or Spanish
vengeance. We have no doubt that the instincts
and coed sense Of the chief magsirate-of General
Taylor himrelf-will take a more decided and
active part in this business than the mere pride and
rocy Of those forming his imbecile cabinet, seek
ing popularity TO cover its errors and corruptions.
We would trust sooner TO the honest instincts OF
the President, exercised on correct statement OF
the facts than to all the diplomacy and all the
tact that may be attempted by the cabinet or their
advisers. The unpopulaniy Of this cabinet may
drive them, in the present dilemma, TO inilame the
qsare, and multiply the difficulties between the
two governments but we trust the good sense and
American instincts OF the President himself, will
take that decided direction, and that positive
share, calculated to do justice between the rights
Of the two countries as recognised by the treaties
aud the laws Of nations. wi,hou, violating in any
degree the individual rights Of American citizens
A.. H., he
Of the Spanish authorities.
The difficulties now broken out between the two
governments, ending in war on the subject OF
Cubs. would undoubtedly be- very popular move
ment among a certain portion Of the American
people The belief is generally entertained that
IN such conflict, II France and England would
rsmsia nsart. there could be no doubt that its ter
ninstion would be similar to that Of the recent
war with Mexico. The American arms and Amc-
rcnn brrycry, backed by the impulses of the whole
rersbho. would oyerSowcr all the forces, both
naval and military, that Spain could bring IN sup
port Of the existing government Of Cuba and IN
short time that island would follow the destiny Of
California and New Mexico. But in such a con-
fict between The United States and Spain, we fear
thatcher cignpowers-such as England, France,
and perhaps Russia-vould step in and take de-
cided part. lfthesc foreign powers should judge ne
cerssy tits hghlyrrobable thatthep selected
would net be favorable 10 this country, but would
h. rather on the side Of Spain. A general naval
war would De the consequence of such position
Of aisirs. and destruction would fall upon our
soRmerce in every part Of the world.
We hope, hovever, that such a fatal issue Of
the present complicated difficulties between Spain
and the United States, arising out Of the late expe
difion TO Cuba, will be avoided by both govern
mcn,s; and that the difficulties growing eut Of
thoze matters may he settled on the strict prinei-
pies of TIE laws Ct nations and the treaties be-
tween them. Until we sce the whole dplomito
correspondence at fill length. between the minis
tiers of the two powers, II is impossible 70 form
correct cP.rion Of The policy, The conduct and the
purpcses q either A condensed summary Of this
important couespcndsnee will be found in our
solunns tsewhcIs. II looks ssually.