Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-09-12
OTTUMwA, IOWA:
The Queen Of the Antilles.

and probably final termination. Gen.
Lopez, and some thousand Of his iol
lowers from this country defeated, in
battle, abandoned by the few Cubans
who Joined them, and disheartened, have
been taken prisoners, and many, inclu-
ding Lopez himself. have been subjected
10 an ignominious death. The same
melancholy fate appears to hang over the
unfortunate survivors. .# I'll
We recognize in the fullest extent of
the term, the right Of every people al
their pleasure 10 throw off any form oil
government with which they may be dis
satisfied, and to select any other, more
congenial to their tastes or interests. II
is also our duty, and will always, we
trust be our pleasure, TO sympathize with
every people struggling to be free, in ev-
cry way, consistent with our treaty obi
cations, and the neutral line of policy,
which has from the beginning, been an
infexible principle Of our government.
And we always have been. always shall
be, the first 10 welcome every people,
who have manifested the desire, estab-
Fshed the right, and show the ability TO
establish free government, into the fam.
lily of republican States. s...
Viewing the case of Cuba in this
light, and by all the facts which have
come TO our knowledge. we cannot see
any occasion for surprise at the result,
or for the exercise of undue sympathy
for tho unfortunate men who have per-
ished, unless it be that sympathy and
commisseration which the rashness, fol-
~, and often,ines the crimes, of The
young and the unguarded frequently, as
in this case, bring upon themselves. We
have no evidence, not particle, that
any considerable portion of the Cubans,
desired change of their condition or
government. On the contrary, the most
conclusive testimony, that they have re-
garded those who have gone there to rev.
olutionize them, with the most intense
and bitter hatred, applying to them the
term "Fillibusteros, one of the most
significant and ignominious appellations
in their language; being synonymous
with Robber and Pirate. The condition
of Cuba has nothing 10 do with the SUBJ
ject; if she is oppressed with her con-
sent, she has right 10 be, and our ci,i
zens have no right, and there is no prin-
ciple of our government which can be
construed to sanction, an interference
with her affairs, on the part of our peo-
pie or any portion of them. The duty
of the government on the contrary is
clear, 10 restrain such interference by the
exercise of all the power at their COM
mand.
We should rejoice, and SO would eve
ry rational friend of human liberty, 10
sec Cuba free, if she desires to be so,
from the calling yoke of Spanish OPP
preston, monopoly and misrule.-
There are many considerations to inter-
est US in her condition. Her proximity
10 our territory, our intimate CONNER
cial relation with her, the charms of her
climate, and her numerous and valuable
productions, and immense reeources, all
conspire to commend her 10 our thoughts,
and TO elicit in her behalf our sympa:hies.
Not that incorporate and we ought say
unlawful and insane kind of sympathy,
which would lead us TO force upon her
a change of condition and form of gov
eminent which she does no, desire; but
that noble and justifable kind Of SYM
patty, which can be INDUCED in consls-
tenily with our duty. and obligations TO
The Cnbans, 10 ourselves, and to their
government; which would lead US 10
teach them by our example, conduct,
and character, that our form of govern
ment is good and desirable, and worth er-
cry effort to attain; because lis practical
operations and genius require Of us hon
esty, and the observance Of treaties, and
restraints US from impertinen, intermed-
ling with the affairs of our neighbors.
When the Cubans are prepared for
freedom, and can appreciate it and main
tain it, we shall rejoice to extend to them
the hand Of friendship, and welcome
them into the family of Republican
States. So long as they love the des-
potism Of old Spain, her monopolies, and
the standing armies quar,ered upon her,
let her enjoy them to her hearts content,
lit is no affair Of ours. If she chooses
TO welcome those who succeed in elud-
ing the vigilance o. our government and
go there for',he purpose Of revolutioniz-