The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-02-18

The Progress and Prospects OF CubA.
In our financial department will be found some
important statistical matter connected with the
commercial position OF Cuba. That fertile island,
emineny distinguished for its prolific soil, and for
a metropolitan city where commerce, trade, the
arts and Establishments Of society are consplcu-
ousy exhibited in intimate association with great
wealth and available capital, has recently attracted
more than ordinary attention, by the vain enter
prise of Lopez who, at the head of an armed ex-
petition, proposed to free it from the government
of Span-but whose pr. cipitate figh left the
population still ready to enjoy the peace, security,
and means of prosperity that now exist, under the
mild yet efficient government of the new Captain
General.
1t is certainly true that there has been some dis
affection towards the governmental Spain in Cuba;
but as this arose, in q great measure, from COM
mercial restrictions, rather than fl ON any positive
political displeasure, more liberal policy, which
has been entertained and even commenced by the
government, will soon make not only secure
foundation for the people at large, but loyal
population, ready and determined to support the
rulers entrusted with the management OF the
island, This small but valuable jewel of the
tropical ocean, lies adjacent to both nlets of the
Gulf of Mexico and Havaaa, IN political point
of view, is the most important position in the West
Indies, and is daily acquiring greater and greater
interest, in consequence Of the active intercourse
between the nations of the earth and California,
which viii contribute essentially, at distant day,
to improve the commercial and consequently the
national, character of the South American States
The harbor of Havana is so admirable, its water
is so deep, and its capacity TO float q thousand
ships axes il so valuable, that nature seems only
TO require the enlis htened aid OF to give that
port distinction and usefulness of he very first
magnitude
In these days of liberal sent mems, and of less
restricted commerce than the world has ever yet
known, it seems an important consideration to the
future welfare, prosperity and peace of Cuba, that
the government of Spain should realize the value
10 itself and the usefulness to the population of Gu
ba of enlarging the privileges of he people of the
island generally. Formerly, it may be remember
ed, the culture and sale OF tobacco IN Cuba were
wholly monopolized by the government; but this
shortsish,ed system was finally abandoned, and
since ls2l We have seen the immense value of
throwing open the cultivation and trade TO the ge
neral enterprise of the population. The exporta-
tons Of tobacco have increased more than ten
times, through the operation OF this wise measure
on the part of the government. In fact, IN every
point of commercial freedom the gain to the 60
vernment and In the no,ulat;on hss h-s~ ahv;r--
Certainly, it'll the mass OF facts furnished by the
history of Cuba, we think we'll. directed examna-
ton would result in no other conclusion THAI that
the wisest policy will be consulted, in giving new
and enlarged privileges to commercial enterprise.
From what we can ascertain, this seems likely TO
be brought about, by opening new commercial re-
lations, and by extending those already made.
The present Captain General seems to be well tit
ted for making proper reports upon this interesting
subject, to the Spanish government, and doubtless
his recommend atoms will have very great weight
at Madrid Should the mercantile in,eres ats of the
island be very literally met with the favor Of the
government in the present state Of enterprise, ami
mated and extending, by means of the stimulus al.
forded by California, we may hope to see Cuba q
richer jewel in the of Spain than IT has been
in the most brilliant period of her history. There
Is no reason why an island go happily situated
should not compare in population, IN wealth, in
prosperity, and in the political happiness ofts peo-
pie, with any similar amount of country on the
lace Of the globe,
60 far Is the relations OF commerce exist bet .een
the United States aud Cuba, we have every rea-
son TO anticipate a great Improvement. Bstwccn
us there il a very active end somewhat peculiar
commerce We are always in the debt Of Cuba,
and make cur balance payments IN species This
does not enrich Cuba - . country, or nationally
Her happiness would be much more rapidly in
creased by an exchange Of products, ani we BE-
lieve that il would be found much more advanta-
reoue 70 extend the commerce between these
two POINTS, so as not 10 exhibi q balance against
the niied States. individuals, from narrow views
Of the resi principles Of public economy, may
not perceive the benefit which the people at large
would denve from more equal exchange Of pro-
1uctions; but that The principle il q sound one
with respec. 70 national advantage, few will be
bold enough 10 doubt or 70 dispute. Ia lhis age,
commercial power j. d the frsi order There i
nothing that can inte-rose for any long period, Oh
sFcles p H. sill, o. to 4 instincts. We have
seen i, eytrys mere, breaking ~ n the ancient
tanrrs raised against j, and sill proppsd and sup
ported hy statesmen 81 The Old schools, of public
economy Zach reasonable change /. foun bet
~ 80 tlc fe0plc and 4 mote secure policy lor the
government; and hld ,iions, i ca earlier PERIOD
earned ont the hints furnished BY the history Of
IT, NeJci family, IN their enlightened encourage
n.sn, IT commerce, the world would have been
.Iaftd many oi,il war, and many Of those con-
yuis.Ons 20 which anita gonistc nations have been
subjected through their continuation il selfish
III, Il policy, destructive glike q their own Ia.
afssts apd the general interests VI mankind
1rr STEAMSHIP ATLANTIC ND Carr RYRr =
!, has hcen stated that but for Capt. Ryrie 81 The
steamship Aiuca, ths people % New York would
lave IL, ~ tt ~ rr.srssion ~ the rla~i0na nteii