The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-21

denim, its payment.
The rumors of a projected invasion of
Cuba by adventurers from the United
States, long regarded as idle and un-
founded, have acquired suddenly degree
of authenticity that gives to them start
ling effect. The movement has been
managed with secresy which could not
have been preserved except under the cir
cumstances of large emigration con
tinually going forward to California from
all our large seaports. The adventures
in this unlawful enterprise could sail with
out suspicion, as emigrants for California,
and stores, and arms, and munitions could
be forwarded without detection for the
same pretended destination. The point
of rendezvous, wherever. it may be, is be-
yond the limits of the United States, and
thus the hostile invaders of neighboring
island have sought to prevent the prohi-
bitory interference of our Government,
which, in the faithful performance of its
international duties, and in obedience to
our own laws, could not and would not
permit the formation of any organized
expedition upon our territory, against a
friendly power.
When project was on foot last summer
to invade the island Of Cuba, for the purpose
of revolutionizing its government, the
PRESIDENT of the United States, in the
performance of high duty, issued his
proclamation warning all citizens of the
United States who should connect them
selves with an enterprise SO grossly in vio-
lation of our laws and our treaty obliga-
tons, that they would subject themselves
to the heavy penalties of the law, and
would forfeit all claims TO the protection
of their country. The civil and military
officers Of the United States were enjoined
to use all lawful means within their power
to suppress the expedtion-and it was sup
pressed.
The renewed attempt which is now go
ing on has been adroitly conducted in
view of eluding the vigilance of the Gov
eminent; but it involves the same viola
ton Of the law and of our treaty obliga-
tons as did the other, and il is equally
imperative now, as on the previous occa-
sion, for the Executive TO use all constr
tutional means to suppress this desperate
enterprise, to enforce the laws, and to
maintain intact our good faith to the gov
eminent of Spain. There would be an
end 10 all confidence among nations; all
assurances of amity and peace would lose
their force, and treaties would become
nullities-if Governments claiming TO be
civilized, and TO rank among honorable
communities, should connive at agrees
sive movements, undertaken by their citi
zens against friendly power, or should
fail to employ every lawful effort to sup
press such movements.
The act of 1918, April 10th, in refer
ence TO this subject, is very precise and
very stringent. The sixth section declares
''that if any person shall, within the ter
ritory or jurisdiction of the United States,
begin or set on foot, or provide or prepare
the means for, any military expedition or
enterprise to be carried ON from thence
against the territory or dominions Of any
foreign prince or State, or Of any colony,
district, or people, with whom the United
States are at peace, every person so
offending shall be deemed guilty Of high
misdemeanor, and shall be fined not ex-
ceeding three thousand dollars, and i'm
prisoned not more than three years" For
the enforcement of this and Of the other
sections of the act, the President is author
lied and empowered TO employ the land
or naval forces, or the militia, whenever
there shall be occasion. In the present
case, the expedition, in whole or in part,
may have left our shores. The reports
are various. But the neutrality Of our flag
is under the cognisance of the Govern
ment in every sea, and in all parts Of the
world.
The President has plain duty to per
form, and no one need doubt that he will
perform il to the full. $50 long as the act