Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-06-29

ciiIatlon 10 quit so valuable prize. Once con-
quered by American citizens, Cuba will be con-
sdered throughout the Union as American pro-
perty and although the supreme Government
may be honestly disposed to restitution and
amends, the inherent weakness in this respect is
such that its effective resistance to popular opin
Ion is result almost beyond reasonable anticipa-
ton. What will be thought by other Powers of
such proceeding remains to be seen, but it is
obvious that the same pretenslons and the same
agency would serve to bring every province and
island between Hudsons Bay and the River Plate
within the grasp and dominion of the States.
THE CUBA EXPEDITION IN ENGLAND
Effect of the Inuasion in LondonDebate on the sub
ject the House of Lords.
HOUSE OF LORDS, Friday June 7.
Lord Brougham, after stating his Intellectual efforts
to find noble President of the Council yesterday in
order to give him notice OF the question which he was
now gong to ask, observed that rumors were abroad
that expedition had been prepared in the ports of
the United States and had actually sailed from hem
for the purpose OF taking possession OF the greatest
West Indian Islands-the ancient colony Of Cuba
He had no conception that that expedition had sailed
with the consent OF the American government; on the
contrary he believed that had sailed contrary the
wishes and orders of that government He understood
that that expedition had not only sailed but had esca-
ped the Spanish cruisers at sea, and had actually Ian
ded in that island. His hope was, that those pirates
tor the individuals composing that expedition and GO
w re nothing else but prates-would meet with condgn
punishment. He wished to know whether any COM
muncaon ofthe sailing Of that pratcal expedition had
been made by the American Minister in this country to
her Maesty's Government He considered the Govern
OF the United States though of Republican class
to be respectable Governments and he hoped that had
power and strength enough prevent its subjects from
engaging in practical expedition upon large scale
against peaceful and uuoffending people.
The Marquis ofLansdowne replied, that if he had had
the good fortune meet his noble and learned friend
cOud o.
him any further information than that which he was
ready to give him at present This piratcal expedition
for piratca expedition it certainly was, and that
too, OF the very worst been undertaken
not only without the cognizance but also with the
tire disapprobaon and reprobaon of the Government
of the United States If Her Maiesty's Government
had not fully believed from the communications which
it had received from America that such the case, it
would have made known its sentiments the subject
to the Government OF the United States We had re-
ceived information from the Government at Washing
ton that it was its intention to prevent and check this
most unjust expedition. Information, however had
been received that morning from New Orleans stating
that part OF that expedition had actually succeeded in
landing at Cardenas.
! Lord Brougham would have been much better salts
fled if the American Government had done something
further than the dsclaimng and repudating that
expedition. That expedition was formed for the ex-
press purpose OF practising piracy and piracy of the
worst description. Private plumber great wrong
TO individuals but IN this case, an expedition col
lected OF some 5000 or 5000 men with the intention oil
carrying fire and sword with view to subsequent plum
der, INTO unOffendlng country only with
US, but also with the United States
The Marquis OF Lansdowne ought to have stated that
the Government OF the United States had not only dis
claimed and repudiaed this expedition but had actu-
ally given orders to the commanders of its squadrons
and its cruisers to stop and prevent it, in sailed
from the ports othe United States or in it
| upon the open seas
| Lord Brougham considered that statement to be
satisfactory addition to that which had been previous
ly made by the noble marquis He could not, howev-
er, understand how 5000 5000 men could be armed
and sent off from the United States without the
| knowledge ofthe Government there.
The Earl of Aberdeen had no doubts to the sin
centy of the proceedings of the Government of the
United States on this subject. thad long been sup
posed that Cuba was object OF desire to various
powers. We had ourselves been suspected of looking
with eye OF desire upon that island and recollected
well that when, ~ years ago, we were suspected OF
unlawful designs against Cuba, he had proposed that
the United States and France should concur with us
in guaranteeing that Island to the Crown of Spain.
The United States, however, refused to accede to that
proposal He hoped that the force in that Island was
sufficient to give good account OF the buccaneers who
had undertaken this expedition.
Lord Brougham, lawyer not unacquainted with
the International law challenged denial to this propo
slton,-that all civilized nations bound to give
help against pirates, and that the commander of any
British cruiser would be negligent OF his duty if he did
not aid the Spanards against these pirates A pirate
was considered as h0stiS humani generiS. His hand
was against every man, and every mans hand against
him.
Lord Stanley observed that the noble marquis had
given very satisfactory explanation with regard to
the course which the government OF the United States
had pursued and prepared to pursue; but he had
said word respecting the course which we had
pursued and were going to pursue He wanted to know
whether any instructions and any, what instructions
had been sent to the commanders OF our s9uadrons
in the West Indies in reference to this expedition!
The Marquis of LaLsdowne was not aware what
instructions had been sent. More than one communica
ton had passed between the English and American
Governments on this subject. What means the Ameri-
can Government had to put down this expedition he
could not say without notice.
Lord Stanley could almost fancy that the noble Mar
quis had not heard his question. He then repeated it,
and concluded by saying, "Have any instructions been
sent at all!"
The Marquis of Lansdowne-I am not prepared,
without notice. state what instructions were sent, and
l shall not answer that question:
Lord Stanley-The invasion OF Cuba by bucaneer
ing expedition was matter of indifference TO the
people of this country and they were naturally anx-
ioCs to know what instructions had been gwen to our
cruisers in the West Indian seas
The Marquis of Lansdowne-The instructions could
only be eventual Instructions and such instructions it
not usua to make known.
Lord Stanley said that he not satisfied with the
reply of the noble Marquis.
Earl GreY-ln the present state of affairs, it would
be breach OF duty on the part OF any Minister TO
such question at all He surprised that with
his official experience, the noble baron should have
asked it,
Lord Stanley-I am not to be taught my duty by the
noble earl opposite Hear hearl 1t is the right and
duty of every peer in this house to ask any question
whereby he can ascertain whether Her Malestys Co
Vernment has performed Its duty on matter which
concerns deeply the honor and interests OF this country
We have right to ask whether instructions have been
sent to commanders in the West Indies especially
as appears that this matter has been thought worthy
of being made the subject of ntercommunications be-
tween Government and that OF the United Sates.
have put question to her Maiestys Minister'S and
wish to know whether they will give me any answer |
at all?
Lord Beaumont rising to speak, when Lord |
Stanley waived his hand, saying at the same time, mo,
no."
The Marquis of Lansdowne made some reference to |
the orders of the House, which did not catch, he