The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-06-10
From The Richmond Wing, June s.
The Cuban Inyasion.

In the spring and summer of 1919, while the war
was raging with the utmost violence between Spain
and her revolted colonies, number of Adventures
from the United States, under the pretext Of trad
ing with the Indians of Texas, invaded that coun-
try and united themselves with a portion Of the in
habtants who had revolted. The government of
the United States made every effort 10 arrest this
expedition, which, in the end, utterly failed AT
the meeting of Congress, Mr.. Monroe called the at
tention of that body TO it, in connexon with the
Florida treaty then pending, the ratification of
which had been delayed by the Spanish govern
ment under the prctence that this expedition lad
been encouraged, at least winked at by the gov.
erDment Of the United States. He says: With
respect to the other act allegedthat this Govern.
ment had tolerated., or protected, expo dition
against Texas-it is utterly without foundation
Every circumference has invariably been given
TO any such attempt from within the limits Of the
United States Is fully cvnced by the acts of the
government and the proceedings of the courts
THERE BEING CAUSE, HOWEVER, TO APPREHESp in
the course of last summer that SOME ADvEsTuRERs
ENTERTAINED VIEWS OF THE KIND SUGGESTED, the
attention OF the constituted authorities in that quar-
ter WAS IMMEDIATELY DRAWN TO THEM and il is
known that the project, whatever il might be, has
utterly failed"
In this case, civil already raging in
Texas, and the expedition from the United States
proposed nothing more than 10 assist those who
were already engaged in the struggle for liberty.
Yet, 30 cautious was Mr.. Monroe, that he would
not permit the shadow of doubt 10 rest upon
the good faith of the United States He promptly
appraised the authorities Of this movement, and d.
rected them TO that the neutrality of the coun-
try should be preserved unmolested In the case
OF Cuba we find no patriots struggling for freedom
with their oppressors; the whole country was in
state OF profound tranquility when Lopez and his
followers landed.
The attention of Mr.. Monroe had been strongly
drawn 10 this subject by occurrences produced by
the South American revolution, and the deep sym
pathy generally felt in this country with the patri-
OTIS In the same message he says: ain the exist
ing war between Spain and the Spanish provinces
i'm herni k..I.
to enforce the laws intended 10 preserve an Impair
tal neutrality" He here audes, among other
things, 20 the orders given 10 the expedition
against Texas. Again he says: "This contest has
from its commencement, been very interesting to
other powers, and 10 none more than 10 the Uni.
ted States. A vIRTUoUs PEOPLE MAY, AND WILL,
cosFINE THEMSELVES WITHIN THE LIMIT A STRICT
NEUTRALITY; but IL is not in their power 10 behold
conflict go vitality important to their ncghbors,
without the sensibility and sympathy which natur-
ally belong 10 such case. IL has been the steady
purpose OF this Government TO PREVENT THAT
FEELING LEADING TO EXCESS, and il is very graft
Tying TO have II in my power TO state that 80 strong
has been the sense throughout the whole commu.
nifty Of what was due TO the character and obliga-
tons OF the nation that very few examples of con
trsry kind have occurred"
And still farther: cit il Of the highest itnport.
ance 70 our national character, and Indispensable
10 the morality Of our citizens that all violations of
our neutrality should be prevented No door should
be left open FoR THE EVASION or OUR LAWS, no OPP
portuny afforded TO any who may be disposed 10 take
advantage oft, TO compromit the interests or the
honor Of the nation II IL submitted therefore, 10
the consideration Of Congress, whether il may not
be advisable to revise the laws with view to this
desirable result"
We have put the words Of Mr. Monroe with re-
gard TO the evasion Of the law, in small capitals be-
that is the very point which is most import
ant in this controversy. The Union seems 10 think
that provided the law be Graded il is all ri&bt
and fair enough. II never looks at the abuse IL
was intended 10 correct-it cares nothing for the
spirit-thc offender must come within the letter, or
he has not offended. So thought not Mr. Monroe
lie expressly declares, we have seem that he will
not allow the law 10 be cvaded.
Docs the reader imagine that the editor of the
Union, who now so fiercely denounces Gen. Taylor
for doing no more than Mr.. Monroe recommended
and did, denounced that gentleman In Terms equal
ly severe! II nc does, he is greatly mistaken. In
the Enquirer Of the 18th December, 1919, we find
cpitome Of the Presidents mesa &C. and a run.
ming commentary upon each head. The following
is all the editor has TO say upon this, the most i'm
portant subject alluded to in that message II
comes under his fourth head. "THE VIOLATION OF
oUa NEUTRALITY OUGHT TO M sEsPEcTEp--wE con
DAILY AGREE WITH Mn. MoNRoE."
II must be recolleced, that that time the editor
had end 10 gain by assailing the existing admin.
istraton. He spoke then he really felt and his
sentiments at that period form singular common
tary upon his course at present.
L.. 4