Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1850-05-30
CUBA-GEN. TAYLOR.

Cuban prosperity and growth require change
| in the policy of the Cuban government. Whe-
Their Cuba desires this change or willing 10 make
ii, is not matter for us to decide. But when il
is made, the process employed must be revolu-
tionary. Spain desires 10 retain her Provinces
Cuba is one of her most valued provinces, and to
allow il 10 fall into the hands of another power, or
assert lis sovereignty, will hardly be the course
of Spain. When this work is commenced, SPAN
will commence opposition. Revolutionary war
will be the result. Cnba is weaker than Spain,
and probably it will be crushed without the inter-
position of foreign power.
But this fact does not Justify the interference
of the United States. The government ofthis ma
ton is based upon principle, which should be Vi
olatcd for no consideration. Suppose Cuba should
fail As patriots we should regret the termina-
ton of The conflict. But what would we do with
our principle ofneulrallty, should we offer the
Slanda and troops' And suppose we could seti
aside what would be the effect We have
pledged to the nations of the earth the principle
of strict neutrality. And not only so, we have
extended this principle to great length. Du-
ring the administration of Gen. Washington, the
relations of France induced several citizens of our
country TO put upon foot an expedition, the de-
Sign of which was to aid France in her struggle
with another kingdom. Washington, respecting
the principles of neutrality, Immediately exertcd
his power to prevent the execution of the design.
French Minister, by threatening TO appeal from
the President to the people, gathered about him
a storm, which led TO his recall. Now there
were relations, existing between France and the
United States, which might have justified us in
that early day otthe Republic, in aflording France
aid. But SO strongly were the American people
and the American government impressed with
the importance OF strict neutrality, that, even
France was refused our aid. Nor is this all The
nation, with which France was contending, was
one against which we had an old feud. And we
might have been justified on that score. But the
principle was still maintained. Then not only
by the assertion of the principle, but by its rigid
maintenance, have We pledged to the nations oil
Hence, to intermeddle with the affairs of Cuba
would be TO falsify alike our professions and prac
tees, and consequently, to impair the faith of the
nation. General Taylor has acted wisely then
in SURPRISING the movement in favor of Cuba
Nor has he acted without precedent, and tina
precedent has been made by the act of Wash
Ington.
And with all respect for those engaged in "aid
ing and abctting" Cuba, their work is quite gra
tutous. Cuba has never said, "come over and
help us" The chivalrous warriors, who pant fol
an occasion TO WELD their blades, might wait foI
this invitation. But be this as it NAV. If we re-
fused aid TO France, nation which had aided US
when she was engaged in contest with nation
which was our rival and had been our oppressor
shall we give it to Cuba, who never benefited us
and that too, when she is revolving against
legal government, established by authority
against which, as nation, we have naught?