Weekly national intelligencer., 1851-10-25
SPAIN AND THE UNITED STATES.

There Is scarcely nation of Europe from whish
the People of the United States have more to gain
by friendly relations, and more TO lose by mutual
hosslities, than Spain. In what page of Spanish
history, il may be asked, has the people of this
country found out that the Spanish nation has
degenerated? And how is it ascertained that
national war with Spain may be undertaken with
great profit, and little or no risk worth put
ting in the balance! Sorry are we to admit that
too much evidence is visible on the face of things
to permit doubt of the existence of so dangerous
delusion.
1t would be well for those concerned in Spanish
affairs to pause, and inquire into the evidence show
ing Spanish degeneracy.
Napoleon the great took effective measures to
satisfy himself on that problem and paid dear for
his experience. Spain has lost, it is true, very
large part of her American dominions. So has
Great Britain. Therefore the two nations must
share regrets and whatever else attends the remem
brsnce of such reverses.
But 10 be serious upon interests involving the
welfare of millions-the peace of the Christian
world. We hesitate not to assert that Spain has
not forfeited her character for due share of ma
tional gallanry. There is no evidence in her his
tory to justify such charge; but great danger in
using such an element. IF we interrogate history,
it will give US some useful hints on the relative
strength of nations under Kings and Queens. For
instance, Spain itself, under Queen Isabella Eng
land, under Queen Elizabeth; England, under
Queen Anne; Austria, under Maria Theresa Rus
sa, under Catherine Second; and in fact, so far,
Isabella ii. has given no evidence of imbecility.
Speculations are alike rife and idle, whether
Cuba has or not been guaranteed to Spain by France
and Great Britain. Would single sane mind sup
pose for moment that the United States would
seriously attempt the conquest of this island with
out being embroiled with France or Great Britain,
or both, as well as with Spain?
In these views another is involved; one, we may
premise, more out of sight, in a cursory view of
the vast political theatre That is, the real power
swered. But, following the tenor of history, we
would find that nations acting on the defensive,
other circumstances alike, have in almost every in-
stance, when successful, gained in power and con-
sequence what was lost by the aggressor. History
also abounds in SO many examples of splendid
success on the side Of the apparently weaker party
that powerful nations ought, even more than weak
ones to observe strictly the principles Of justice,
even as cautionary measures.
Give to marauding expeditions what name you
please let Governments disavow them in what
manner or form soever, the Government and ma
ton cannot evade responsibility. On this subject
there exists singular obliquity of judgment; the
more so, as no people would accept such excuse as
reparaton, if it were the injured party. If injury be
inflicted, and reparation be not made by the nation
whose citizens perpetrated the wrong, one of two
conclusions must follow either that the nation is
unable or unwilling to do justice to the injured
or that the Government is too weak to restrain ts
own members.