The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-09-02
our Washington Correspondence.

Cuban AnnsratiOn-I The Course of Senator Dou.
gias, &c.
The affairs of Cuba, Notwithstanding all the pa
pers may say on the subject, and all the reported
failures of public meetings in Washington, arc
exciting a deep sympathy for that unfortunate
misgoverned island The Entelligtnce. may CONT
nue. to throw cold water it, and what little social
aristocraey there may be in our city, may affect
some pious establishment at the daring of the Anne
rican fbustsros but those who have an eye to the
future, cannot misunderstood the signs of the times
Cuba is irretrievably lost to the crown of Spain.
1t is the last stronghold of European despo ;ism in
this quarter of the globe, and it must fall as every
plant must wither and die, when the conditions of
its life no longer in existence The question is
only one of time and circumst more.
The Inteaiger,cT and its associated presses have
equally opposed the annexation of Texas; they
have equally opposed the Mexican war and the ac-
QUESTION Of California; and they will Be opposed
to every new acquisition, because they feel that
every new acquisition necessarily exercises con-
alive influence on our democratic institute ms =
Every new acquisition releves what local or Sec
tonal pressure there may exist, either upon States
OF individuals, and thus acts as a safety valve in
ofterrtory extends the period of probation of our
democratic institutions, and enables them to be-
come firmly planted in the hearts Of the PEG pie
before the mirage of European aristocratic nstitu
mon sense and instructive progress.
HTurkey in Europe constitutes the great Euro
pean question, miscalled "Oriental, it is because
the division Of Turkey is certain to disturb the
diplomatic chimera of an European equilibrium,
which M. Guizot, in fatal hour, wished to ex-
tend even t. America. But such European
notion of equilibrium is applicable to this continent
There are no rival powers here-nO five great pow
ers; nor three, nor two great powers There is but
one great and increasing power on this continent,
which We are ourselves-great in territory, great
with hope, great in industry, gigantic in enterprise
There is resisting this DO wer, whose strength is
derived from ITSELF and not from alliances or arti.
fetal modes of government. Government here is
not craft it is the will Of twenty-five millions
who understand each other, and who feel their
power. You may as well talk of restraining the
course ofthe sum- or to prevent the from ebbing
and flowing, as Of restraining twenty. five millions
who have will, and the courage and energy to
execute it.
The question Of Cuba is one which must be
solved in a very few years-perhaps sooner; and, if
We are indifferent in regard to it, European dplo-
macy, whose acts are secret, may dispose of it in
mapper not only opposed to our Interests, but to
our safety. Spain would sooner sell the island to
England or France, than make concession to the
islanders; and it is after all, nothing but the SYM
PATTY Of the islanders for US, which will ever in.
cline the crown Of spain to consent to its aena-
tion, when incapable Of holding it any longer in
subsection. The sympathy of the United States
for Cuba, and that of the Cubans for the United
states, are the two American elements, opposed to
gard to permanent Judgment of European inst-
buttons, either on this continent les adjacent
islands The attraction between the United states
and Cuba is that Of political gravitation, and is as
moral world.
In 10 case can We cons emit to have Cuba made a
European question-in no case can we accent of
British or French interference On this subject
the democracy OF the country is already committed
and the good sense of all other parties must 500 n
come to the same conclusion. Allow me, here, to
refer TO historical fact.
During the administration Of Mr. Tyler, the late
John Quincy Adams, then a member Of the House
made an attack on the navy and army estimates,
which, he alleged, were higher than those of former
years, amounting to eight or nine millions Of dol
lars for the navy alone. He denounced these esti-
intended to prevent England from acquiring foot
hold IN Cuba and Texas.
Mr. Douglas, in reply, sta.ed that if that was the
object Of the administration in regard to these high
estimates, it was the best defence he heard made,
or that could be made, for such Apr Or alton.
Hereupon MIR Adams asked Mr.. Douglas if he
lMr ID was willing to vote nine millions of dollars
for such a purpose To which Mr. Douglas re-
Piled, Yes, would vote nine millions If necessary;
and II that were insuifi sient to prevent England
from taking either CUBA or Texas), then should
vote ninety nine millions: and if that snot enough
am ready to vote declaration Of war, with all its
possible consequences"
II so happened that Mr. Douglass reelection was
pending a, home and the wings seized on this dia-
hun; charging him with annexipg more slave terri.
tory TO the United States, not only by advocating
the annexation OF Texas, to which our own people
had removed, bat Of the Island Of Cuba where
there were no Americans
When Mr.. Douglas got home, he took the stump, !
and boldly de,Iared that he in favor Of the an
nexaton Of Texas at once, and also Of the anneya-
tion Of Cuba wheseyer ii was necessary to keep it /
out OF the hands OF England or any other European
power Of the first rank. So long the Cuoan we're
content TO remain dependent on Spain, he had no
disposition TO interfere ; but when independent. he
vould be for annexing the island, whenever its In
should desire IL and, Unnecessary to keep
i out Of the hands Of England he would take IL at
Dnce, by force Of arms. Cuba was necessary
10 oar cou3try, to fully realize our destiny
10 the sgicuitural manuia curing aud mercantile
interests, AID especially to the great Mississippi
alley, whose produce floats down the lightly river,
md through the Gulf Of Mexico, TO end market
70 home OF abroa 4. The mouth Of the Mississippi
aid MIR Douglas was not the Belize, but the mar.
ow channel between Florida and the Island Of
cuba. lie submitted the question whether this
5eople Of Illinois were willing to give England the
over 10 blockade the mouth Of the Mississippi
nd cut OF their road to the markets Of the world
Mr.. Douglas, whose majority at his first election
lai been q, was. N tlis issue, re- elected BIZ
majority Of over coo. So much FOR the West,
From that day 70 polit,iou In Illinois vas wiling
Q commit himself against the annexation Of Cuba;
M az the rG1t session q the legislature, State
convention, presided ever by Ex-Governor Rey.
ieds, well knownic u, city By hisarcastic Western
umor. whilo mem Der o. The tivs.e, passed u1ani-
lous fcsou;ions favor Of the annexation O. Cpba.
IS stCn as il could be done without a violation OF
he laws q raiors Or O. treaty stirulations or nj
nee IL necessary, 20 keep 1t from England.
J sm inclined 20 think that this page from the
ongrctsoI al and political history Of the country,
VIII not be Unacceptable 20 many Of your readers,
md that il may possibly be waraing to many
hiclen hearted politician Of tie day. not to remain
90 fa- behind tbe IDEAS Of the times aud the pro-
.rsss OF The country. The institutions Of tai,
ountry are from their very nature, per,etGally at
var with those of Europe Every step that llurvse
uses In that war 10 necessarily gain for demo.
ratio A Derica-a pe-usnent conquest Of humanity
throughout the world. A-.ER.cAars