The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-06-25

The London Tunes Of the 9th instant has
the following speculations upon the recent abor-
tive expedition against Cuba. The article was
written under the impression that the prepare
tions were much more extensive and formida
BILE than the event proved, but is not the less
interesting, as indicative Of the way in which
the affair was regarded in England when deemed
serious:
"When commented last autumn upon the
rumored designs OF the Americans against the island
of Cuba, remarks were met by denial, not
very temperately expressed, OF the whole presump
ton, and the reports were traced TO some OF those
sources which maintain the United States in such
copious supplies of anecdoe and intelligence. The
news, however, which we yesterday published is
evidence sufficient not only OF the reality OF the
original design, but Of the probability OF its present
execution; for there 10 no longer any doubt that an
armed force has actually left the American ports
with the express purpose OF wrestling the Queen
of the Antilles from the Crown Of Spain.
'Thc expedition thus directed against a foreign
possession, garIsoned by full fifteen thousand
troops and defended by respectable hotilla, has
been devised and undertaken, in the last instance,
as the simple speculation and adventure Of certain
private individuals Ii will not, we fear, be very
easy to convey to the general English reader an
adequate comprehension of that state Of society
that tone of political morality which could permit
80 outrageous violation of all principles of inter
national right, but the experience OF the Mexican
has combined llldl bpTlt OF license engen
dered by the lax and incompetent authority OF the
supreme government in the States to bring about q
state Of opinion under which such projects con-
sdered both feasible and attractive. At the very
instant that the with Mexico had terminated, a
schenc set on foot for enlisting the regiments
which would be thus disengaged in behalf of pri-
vate speculation, directed against either the Indians
of Yucatan or some province OF Central America;
recruiting officers were stationed at the ports of
Tampico and Vera Cruz. to intercept the returning
battaiions, and seriously menacing were the
preparations that it was found necessary to keep
all regiments to their colors throughout the retreat
and permit no disbandment until they were actually
once more on American ground A few months
later INVASION OF Mexico, also on priva te account,
was projected from the Texan frontier, and within
the last three years the supreme government has
found it requisite 10 issue repeated proclamations
against this practice of private
"Aithough, however, in the eyes Of Americans,
Infatuated to the occupation OF new territory and
the expulsion Of weaker races, AN expedition
against Cuba would probably appear little less nat
ura than voyage to California, it is not to be sup
posed that the present enterprise has been under
taken without motives OF greater depth and pros
poets OF more extended character. Cuba has long
been the object of American desire, and il has been
| seldom that year has lately passed without II
manifestation, in some shape other of these
Litious hankerings AT one time negotiations were
reported with the Court OF Madrid for equitable
bargain and sale; at another the opinions of the
Cubans themselves we're described rresstibly
tending to 'annexation, and even the rumored
ucsccn5 upon the Island were calculated To Keep
alive the impressions respecting its ultimate des
tiny. Meantime, surer methods were adopted OF
supplanting Spanish interests in the colony. Eithc.
by purchase or mortgage American citizens be-
came the virtual owners U many of the plantations
and, far this kind of influence extends, it is
probable that the Spanish government has long
ceased to possess any material hold upon its de-
tendency. Independently, therefore, OF the love OF
enterprise and conquest there motives of a very
powerful character disposng the opinion of the
States favoraby towards the expedition.
Son the other hand, the Federal Government has
obeyed the imperative dictates of justice and pro-
priety in pronouncing dccisively against such /,
violation of right and the circumstances of the ex-
petition have enabled it to its most disposal
bic force by ordering the United States squadron
now serving in the Gulf of Mexico to intercept the
| invading force on its passage. This movement may
perhaps be successful, it may even be anticipated
! by the operations Of the Spanish cruisers, which
have received orders to watch the narrow channel
of Yucatan, through which the invaders must pass.
! II, however, General Lopez and his band should
succeed in etiectng landing, they will be virtually
| beyond reach Of the Federal Government, and the
question will be brought to the issue of the sword.
! The Spaniards are considerably superior in mum.
bers and in artillery, but Havana and the smaller
garrisons will demand large proportion of their
force; and if the invaders really muster 900
men in their first field, they not likely 10 be
| greatly overmatched
cit is much TO be hoped that the interference OF
the Gulf squadron may be exerted in time, for, il
blows once exchanged, it is difficult TO antici-
pate any thing but embodiment and confusion.
Should the invaders be worstcd and subjected To
that rctribution for their offence which Spaniards
not likely to orcgo, il may be taken for granted
that the sympathizers in the States will muster in
great strengths while, in the event Of their success,
1t is equally certain that there will be inclina-
ton 10 quit so valuable prize. Once conquered
| by American citizens, Cuba will be considered
| throughout the Union American property; and
\ although the supreme government may be hon
csty disposed TO restitution and amends, its inhe-
rent weakness in this respect is such that its eiec-
tive resistance to popular opinion is result almost
beyond reasonable anticipation. What will be
/ thought by other powers Of such proceeding re-
mains to be seen, but il is obvious that the same
/ pretensions and the same agency would serve to
bring every province and island between Hudson's
bay and the River Plate within the grasp and do
ninion Of the States"